Social Services Coordinator

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

TRI-CITY/ST. CHARLES CORPS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Social Services Coordinator

LOCATION/DEPT: Tri-City/St. Charles Corps

REPORTS TO: Corps Officers

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 203

PAY RANGE: $16.50 - $19.80

OUTCOMES

Interviews and assists people who come to the Corps requesting emergency and/or temporary financial assistance. Provides assessment to address current or future needs. May provide material assistance based upon available resources. Provides information and referral for additional or more appropriate services to meet unmet needs for individuals and families served through the Emergency Assistance Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Client Services

• Interviews people requesting assistance, to assess their needs. Obtains background information from clients and makes assessments.
• Grants material assistance based upon need and as a part of a total service plan. Verifies eligibility. Documents income, expenses, and family size.
• Distributes in-kind or financial aid according to Emergency Assistance Program Policies & Procedures Manual, (i.e., clothing, food, household furnishings, vouchers for rent/utilities, etc.).
• Distributes utility assistance, according to established existing program policies (e.g., EFSP).
• Distributes seasonal Christmas assistance, according to the Corps Seasonal Assistance Program Policy & Procedures (i.e., Christmas baskets, toy distribution, Adopt-A-Family, etc.)
• Makes referrals, based upon need and as a part of the total service plan. Make specific arrangements for clients to apply for additional resources, when appropriate. Refers individuals/families to:
  • Other area agencies/services
  • Other corps services (i.e. Head Start, etc.)
  • Other Salvation Army services for longer term help (i.e., Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge, Family & Community Services, Harbor Light Center, etc.)

Community Relations

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

Administration

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

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Social Services Coordinator has responsibility for:

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

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

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

Substantial freedom is given to the Corps Officers 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 Officers 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.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

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.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in a human service area required with a BSW preferred. Associate degree + 4 years of relevant experience considered to meet requirement.
• Participation in continued training and educational programming in order to enhance job competencies and to meet Certification requirement.
• Additional training (AS/AA or BA/BS social work, sociology, or human services) preferred.
• A background in a computer-based work environment helpful.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English); ability to communicate fluently in Spanish and English required.

COMPETENCIES

• 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.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work.
• 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 of 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 MISSION STATEMENT

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.