What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Services Worker position at The Salvation Army?
About this opportunity :
This position is responsible for providing social service assistance to eligible clients in the following areas : food, lodging, clothing, 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.
Assists store customers in donating, selecting, and purchasing store items; operates and maintains a cash register; responds to customer’s questions; maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of the store displays; ensures the security of store items and the cash register.
Key responsibilities :
Responsibilities as Social Service Worker
Client Management (50%)
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; and photocopies social security cards, picture identification cards, payroll statements, utility bills etc.
Prepares, completes, and processes food, clothing, and furniture vouchers for eligible clients; and directs clients to the social services kitchen, Thrift Store or Distribution Center for assistance.
Provides clients with food from pantry; receives and stocks items donated for the pantry; and 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.
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.
Administration (50%)
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; and ensures accuracy and completeness.
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; and assists the public in locating missing persons.
Types and files routine correspondence, documents, lists, reports, etc. on behalf of the supervisor and / or Commanding Officer.
Receives and processes incoming mail; prepares deposits of funds received in an accurate and timely manner.
Responsibilities as Store Clerk
Assists customers purchasing items from The Salvation Army by ringing-up sales utilizing a cash register; collects monies, counts change and prepares receipts; prepares and packages purchased items; prepares and balances the cash drawer and runs routine register print-outs; prepares and delivers bank deposits; ensures the security and accountability of all cash register funds and sales records in accordance with established operating procedures.
Prepares, processes and maintains various sales records, tax forms, and social service vouchers; prepares routine sales reports as directed.
Maintains the neatness and security of the cash register area; ensures that forms, bags, etc. are adequately stocked.
Assists customers by explaining store policy and responding to questions regarding the pricing and / or purchasing of items; ensures that all customers visiting the store have a pleasant experience.
Assists customers who are donating items to The Salvation Army; directs customers to the proper loading / unloading area, may assist with hauling donations to the storage area; prepares and provides tax receipts as needed.
Places and arranges items in the store as directed; checks all store displays to ensure that items are maintained and displayed in a neat and orderly manner; rotates and / or rearranges stock as directed; returns items to the proper location after customer's have handled.
Answers the store telephone in a tactful and courteous manner; assists customers by responding to questions and providing directions and / or general information; may schedule and record donation pick-ups.
Cleans all display racks and shelves; sweeps and mops floors; cleans windows and mirrors; ensures that the store is maintained in a clean and inviting manner.
Opens and / or closes store doors in accordance with the store schedule.
What we are looking for in you :
High school diploma OR
Two (2) 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 Conditions :
Work requires frequent speaking, listening, typing, and viewing / looking at computer screens for long periods of time. Must be able to stand, sit, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb.
Requires the frequent lifting or moving of items over 25 pounds, the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool, as necessary.
Ability to meet attendance requirements.
Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language.
Ability to operate a cash register.
Ability to perform routine mathematical computations and count change.
Ability to perform frequent walking and / or standing, kneeling, or squatting relieved by lesser periods of sitting or operating a vehicle.
Work is performed in a combination of office and field settings. Frequently required to sit and reach; and must be able to move around the work environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Work may require performance of duties where exposure to communicable and infectious diseases are possible. Must be able to work with individuals with physical or mental challenges. Evening and weekend hours occasionally required.
Work is performed in a normal store environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather.
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