Part-Time Social Services Worker

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.

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 incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.

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 client's 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.

Assists 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 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.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Types and files routine correspondence, documents, lists, reports, etc. on behalf of the Commanding Officer.

Receives and processes incoming mail; prepares deposits of funds received in an accurate and timely manner.

Prepares, maintains, and balances bookkeeping records ensuring the accurate and timely accountability of funds; prepares and records checks for utility companies.

May serve as Coordinator for 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.

Performs other related work as required.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT:

Typewriter Computer Photocopy Machine

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.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge or general office practices and principles.

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.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

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.

Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying objects (25 lbs or less) 10-15% of work time.

Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.

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.

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.