Social Services Worker & Receptionist

The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith-based organization, has a job opening for Social Service Worker/Receptionist for the Tallahassee Corps located in Tallahassee, Florida. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week).

Job Summary

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. Answers the telephone in a courteous manner and directs calls to the appropriate destination; records accurate and complete messages when necessary; receives and receipts deliveries and donations; greets and announces visitors and clients; provides general information about The Salvation Army's operations and services; performs routine clerical work such as typing and filing.

• 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, and 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.
• Gives list with addresses for lodging availability.
• Assists in the processing of rent and utility financial assistance for eligible clients by making appropriate copies of documents and assisting clients with completing application forms.
• Serves as liaison to other agencies in order 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 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.
• Answers the telephone and transfers calls to the appropriate destination; responds to callers questions and provides accurate information.
• Records accurate and complete messages; ensures the timely and accurate distribution of messages through telephone and/or E-mail.
• Records and updates statistical information; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.
• Receives, greets, and announces visitors in a courteous and tactful manner; provides assistance to callers and visitors by answering questions and providing instructions and referrals; screens sales representative soliciting to The Salvation Army.
• Receives, responds to, and assists people requesting social service assistance; assists in registering clients; maintains supply of maps and phone numbers for social services; locates appropriate personnel to assist visitors.
• Notifies proper individuals when visitors or clients have arrived; ensures that visitors and clients have signed-in.
• Connects employees desiring to make long-distance and/or overseas phone calls; connects and logs personal calls to be placed on credit card or home for employees and place the same calls on a list.
• Adds/deletes names and extensions to the phone list to ensure the list remains up to date on a daily basis; proof reads telephone lists for mistakes before list is printed.
• Sorts and distributes mail; ensures all mail reaches appropriate destination; assists with preparing bulk-mail.
• Receives and prepares receipts for donations, packages, airline tickets, express mail, and items delivered to the lobby; notifies proper individuals of item arrival by telephone and/or E-mail.
• Types and files routine correspondence, documents, lists, reports, etc.
• May assist with a specific program such as senior citizens or food programs; plans and coordinates program arrangements; sets-up program meeting area; ensures clients of program are served effectively.
• Performs related work for special and seasonal projects.
• Makes various announcements over the intercom such as car lights being left on in the parking lot or announcements for chapel.
• Validates parking tickets for visitors, persons attending meetings, etc.
• Records appropriate message for answering machine to be used on holidays.
• Types various routine documents such as bulletins, announcements, cards, etc.
• Proof-reads correspondence for errors and proper grammar.
• Photocopies, collates, and staples documents.
• May perform routine clerical work as needed to assist secretaries.
• Maintains the neatness and attractiveness of the reception area.
• Stocks daily bread shelves after screening assessments are complete with clients.
• Set appointments for case manager.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of social service practices and principles.
• Ability to interview clients in order 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 meet attendance requirements.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language.
• 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, typewriter, computer, and adding machine.

Materials & Equipment Used

Typewriter                 Computer                  Photocopy Machine

Telephone                 Switchboard             General Office Equipment

Education and Experience

High school diploma or G.E.D., and two years of 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.

Physical Requirements and Working Condition

• Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) 5-10% of work time.
• Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.
• 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.

Additional Information

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

To apply, please select the “Apply Now” icon at the bottom of this posting.

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