Social Services Worker (5730)

Job Summary: Provides social service assistance to eligible clients in the following areas: food, clothing, and financial assistance; interviews clients to determine need and eligibility to receive services; prepares accurate and complete client records; refers clients to community agencies and maintains effective working relationships with the same; ensures compliance with program policies and procedures.

Essential Functions: This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.
Social Services Responsibilities (40%)
Greets and interviews clients requesting assistance to determine client's eligibility for assistance based on program guidelines and restrictions; records client’s disposition and other pertinent information such as income, expenses, and family and work history; assists clients in completing applications for assistance; Processes food, and personal care necessities for eligible clients; Can also direct clients for other assistance programs. Locates temporary housing for eligible clients; contacts local lodges, homeless shelters, motels, churches, etc. for lodging.
Processes utility financial assistance for eligible clients; contacts utility organizations and landlords to arrange and process financial assistance.
Serves as liaison to other agencies to obtain/coordinate assistance on client's behalf; builds and maintains professional working relationships with community agencies.

Food Pantry Responsibilities (30%): Prepares food bags/boxes according to the number of family members; packs food items in boxes and marks boxes accordingly to distribute to clients. Receives, inspects and sorts donated food items according to the category and condition; prepares labels for food; packages food. Keeps food pantry organized and well-stocked; lifts and carries items to the appropriate destination for distribution to clients. Coordinates the retrieval, storage, and distribution of food and commodities for the program; keeps food pantry organized and well-stocked; lifts and carries items to the appropriate destination for distribution to clients. Maintains food pantry area in a neat and orderly manner; monitors expiration dates on all food in the pantry; discards outdated or damaged food. Determines the appropriate amount of food to order for the program; maintains and organizes an adequate inventory of food and supplies for the Food Program; ensures the supply meets the needs of the program; informs supervisor when supplies are low; prepares records and charts to be used to facilitate/document the distribution of food and supplies to clients.

Administrative Responsibilities (30%): Inputs client information to database accurately and in accordance with established timelines and procedures; prepares and files client records in a timely manner ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date; obtains signatures of clients as needed; reviews and tracks all client records in order to determine if client is active or inactive; maintains confidentiality of client information. Prepares and maintains statistical records on all services provided; compiles and prepares monthly statistical reports; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same. Answers telephone in a courteous and tactful manner; assists clients by providing accurate and complete information regarding the Social Service Program operations and/or services; assists public in locating missing persons. Other Responsibilities: Performs related work for special and seasonal projects. Performs other duties as assigned. Materials and Equipment: Personal Computer General Office Equipment Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of effective and efficient methods for organizing and maintaining records and ability to perform the same. Knowledge of social service practices and principles. Skill in Microsoft Word and Excel applications with the ability to effectively create and maintain Spreadsheets. Ability to interview clients to evaluate and serve their needs. Ability to determine client eligibility for program assistance based on specific program guidelines and restrictions. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with the public and community agencies. Ability to prepare accurate and complete client records, reports, and statistics. Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army. Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of people and remain sensitive to their concerns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Education and Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D., and Two years experience working in a social or public service environment with experience assisting the public, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certifications: None. Physical Requirements: Ability to meet attendance requirements. Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively. Ability to perform mathematical calculations. Ability to type and keypunch information into a computer. Ability to sort and file documents alphabetically and numerically. Ability to operate various general office equipment including a telephone, computer and adding machine. Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking. Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light objects (up to 25 lbs.) occasionally. Working Conditions: Work is performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.