Social Service Coordinator

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Social Services Coordinator will oversee social services at The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps, including, but not limited to, food pantry operations, emergency assistance services, and seasonal programs. They will assess clients’ immediate and future needs, provide eligible material or financial support, and connect individuals and families with appropriate community resources to promote stability and self-sufficiency.

1. →Oversee daily food pantry operations, including stocking, inventory, food distribution, receiving deliveries, and maintaining a clean, organized pantry.
2. →Ensure food pantry operations comply with Northern Illinois Food Bank and FDA guidelines.
3. →Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to train and support food pantry volunteers in distribution procedures and client service.
4. →Assess individuals and families requesting emergency or temporary assistance; verify eligibility and document household income, expenses, family size, and needs.
5. →Provide food, clothing, household items, rent or utility vouchers, seasonal assistance, and other material or financial support in accordance with program policies and available resources.
6. →Develop service plans and connect clients with appropriate community agencies, corps programs, and Salvation Army services for additional or longer-term support.
7. →Assist with fresh-food distributions, food drives, Thanksgiving food baskets, Christmas assistance, toy distribution, and Adopt-A-Family
8. →Maintain a professional, welcoming environment and positive public relations with clients, volunteers, donors, community partners, and the public.

1. Maintains an updated community resource file of area services and maintains positive relationships with frequently used service providers. 
2. Attends appropriate social service provider network meetings (i.e., pantry network).
3. Distributes Emergency Assistance Program Intake Policy to agencies, churches, and schools, and interprets policies and services as needed.
4. Attend emergency service workshops sponsored by various agencies.
5. Represent The Salvation Army in community organizations (e.g., Lazarus House, United Way) and/or civic meetings, expanding our influence.

1. Maintains and processes proper documentation for all FEMA expenditures.
2. Ensure that client records and data management systems (SIMS, TSAMM) are accurately maintained, according to procedure.
3. Is responsible for the thoroughness and accuracy of daily and monthly Salvation Army casework statistics and additional program statistics, required by funding sources.
4. Assist in preparing reports and grant proposals to secure funding.
5. Assist in program budget development and maintain financial accountability through regular monitoring of expenses.
6. Organizes time and manages job so that maximum service is given to clients and job performance meets corps quantitative standards.
7. Performs other duties, as assigned by the Corps Administrators.

The Social Services Coordinator has responsibility for:

1. Regularly attend consultation with the assigned City Mission Regional Social Work Manager.
2. Engage in regularly scheduled group case consultation.
3. Comply with the Divisional Caseworker Certification Program.

In some circumstances, he/she may provide supervision of community volunteers on specific service projects (i.e., preparation of Christmas baskets, organization of food pantry, etc.).

Under the general supervision of the Corps Administrators, who collaborate with the Divisional Social Services to ensure that best practices are occurring in the worker’s intervention with clients. 

Substantial freedom is given to the Corps Administrators to plan, schedule, and carry out responsibilities within established policies and guidelines by the Division. Any additional duties or responsibilities agreed to outside of the role of Social Services Coordinator are directly supervised by the Corps Administrators or their assignee.

This individual also relates to and interacts with a wide range of contacts, both within and outside The Salvation Army. In these contacts, they act as a representative of the Army and its mission.

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree in human services, social work, sociology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in social services, emergency assistance, community outreach, food pantry operations, volunteer coordination, nonprofit services, or related work.
• Experience using computer-based client records, data tracking, or case management systems preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) with an ability to communicate fluently in Spanish preferred.

• Cultural sensitivity with an interest in providing direct services to people of various ethnic, racial, religious, and social backgrounds.
• Friendly with excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, using diplomacy and good judgment.
• A love for and desire to serve others through the mission of The Salvation Army, especially disenfranchised individuals, families, and the local community.
• Integrity with the ability to work with confidential material.
• Relationship skills (heart of helping).
• Problem solving skills including Assessment, Service Planning, Material Assistance, Resource Development and Networking, Referral and Linkage, Follow-up, and Documentation.
• Time management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and use initiative.
• Capacity to collaborate with Corps and Emergency Disaster Services.
• A strong commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army.

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Corps Officers informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

• This position is required to do light physical work and must be able to lift 25 pounds.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC. 
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low to medium noise level.  
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.  This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect for others’ property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates.  Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.   

DOING THE MOST GOOD  

Do you want to use your skills and talents to make a lasting difference in the world?  The Salvation Army is the fourth largest charity in the United States and is an international organization based on Biblical principles created to help people in need.  We are mission-driven, diverse, collaborative, and focused on positive results for people. Join us in making a difference.  

The Salvation Army offers a competitive benefit package for eligible employees which may include the following medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, a company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan and generous time off policies.   

               In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources department. 

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Veterans/Disabled. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.