Social Services Worker & Receptionist

Location: The Salvation Army Albany Corps

About this opportunity:

Provides social service assistance to eligible clients in the following areas: food, lodging, clothing, furniture, 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. Performs a variety of clerical and secretarial work necessary for the smooth operation of the Department; prepares correspondence, letters, memos, and reports necessary for office operations; prepares minutes for meetings; files and records information; answers the telephone and provides general information regarding the office operations and/or services; processing incoming/outgoing mail for an assigned area. Announces visitors and clients; provides general information about The Salvation Army’s operations and services; performs routine clerical work such as typing and filing.

Key responsibilities:

• Greets and interviews clients requesting assistance to determine client’s eligibility for assistance based on program guidelines and restrictions; records clients disposition and other pertinent information such as income, expenses, family and work history; assists clients in completing applications for assistance; photocopies social security cards, picture identification cards, payroll statements, utility bills, etc.

• Prepares, completes, and processes food, clothing, furniture vouchers for eligible clients; directs clients to Lodge kitchen, Thrift Store or distribution Center for assistance.

• Provides clients with food from pantry; receives and stocks items donated for the pantry; maintains an itemized account of pantry disbursements and inventory.

• Locates and arranges temporary housing for eligible clients, contacts local lodges, homeless shelters, motels, churches, etc. for lodging.

• Processes rent and utility financial assistance for eligible clients; contacts utility organizations and landlords to arrange and process financial assistance.

• Assist eligible clients needing transportation assistance based on medical or relocation needs; arranges transportation through bus-line and contacts family members, friends, churches for assistance.

• Serves as liaison to other agencies to obtain/coordinate assistance on client’s behalf; builds and maintains professional working relationships with community agencies.

• 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 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; greets and assists employees and people from outside The Salvation Army; provides accurate and complete information regarding the office operations and/or services.

• Prepares, types and processes correspondence, statistics, check requests, forms, agendas, schedules, minutes, etc.; ensures the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the same.

• Prepares and maintains office records, reports, calendars, databased, logs, lists, etc. in an accurate, complete and timely manner; updates, posts and indexes information and inputs data into the computer to maintain office database records; research office files to locate specific information found in documents, correspondence, lists, forms, etc. to prepare specific reports.

• Provides support service for the Corps Officer such as maintaining their schedules and setting client appointments; assists Corps Officer with annual reports; makes photocopies of information for Corps Officer.

• Performs various clerical and secretarial support work associated with special projects, seasonal events, and conference and committee meetings.

• Photocopies and/or shreds a variety of items including correspondence, forms, reports and documents.

• Receives, sorts, and distributes mail in an accurate and timely manner; ensures that all mail received is forwarded to the appropriate person and/or destination; collects and prepares outgoing mail;

• Distributes general information regarding The Salvation Army’s services and programs in an accurate and timely manner; compiles mailing lists regarding Corps contacts and ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.

What we are looking for in you:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required with additional secretarial courses preferred; and
• Two (2) years’ experience performing clerical work in an office environment.
• Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid State Driver’s License

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Ability to meet attendance requirements; Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language; Ability to perform routine mathematical computations; Ability to type. Ability to keypunch information into a computer; Ability to sort and file documents alphabetically and numerically; Ability to operate/use various general office equipment including a telephone, typewriter, 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 (less than 25 lbs.) 5-10% of work time. Work is performed in a normal office environment where there is little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.

Employee Benefits

• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement and more! 

Why work for us?

The Salvation Army offers a broad range of career opportunities, particularly targeted toward those motivated by our mission, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Salvation Army strives to do the “Most Good” for its employees by offering a greater sense of purpose in the work performed, by training and mentoring employees and by offering competitive compensation and benefit plans.  Whether employed as a truck driver, administrative support team member or the director of a program, our employees understand at the core of their work is the opportunity to be an integral part of an organization that is Doing the Most Good.

Additional Information:

All employees recognize The Salvation Army is a church and agree they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

To apply, click on the “Apply Now” icon at the bottom of this posting.

Application Submittal Period:  01/14/2025-01/20/2025

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled