Social Services Assistant

POSITION TITLE: SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANT
DEPARTMENT: MISSOULA CORPS
FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
CLASSIFICATION: PART-TIME
SUPERVISOR: CORPS OFFICER
SALARY: $17.00 HRLY @ 25 HOURS/WEEK

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.

SALVATION ARMY OF MISSOULA:

The Salvation Army of Missoula is a place where families, individuals and relationships thrive in the name of Jesus.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary responsibility of the Social Services Assistant is to provide direct or referral services to meet family and individual needs. The scope of service provided is determined by The Salvation Army's social service programs. This position communicates with people seeking assistance in person or by telephone; and evaluates needs to render available assistance either directly or by working with other community agencies. Performs clerical tasks, performs data entry, creates and manages client records.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must be 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have a valid and current Montana State Driver's License.
• A minimum of one year's office, clerical, or administrative support in social service or customer service-related jobs.
  Familiar with Salvation Army programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge required: use a computer effectively and efficiently in the working environment; use standard office machines (e.g., fax, copier, multi-line telephone, keyboard); use standard office practices and procedures; read, write, and speak to express ideas and communicate effectively.
• Skill required: type 25 wpm; perform data entry using database program, to use Microsoft software (Outlook and Word) to correctly create basic documents (notes, memos, emails) and reports; use basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide); establish effective working relationships; attention to detail, operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability required: interact with individuals using generally accepted business behaviors and standards; use interpersonal skills to deal effectively with others in favorable and unfavorable situations: train, plan, and direct the work of others (usually volunteers); organize, prioritize, plan work own tasks, and multitask, i.e., change work focus or respond to change of conditions and interruptions in workflow; learn new systems and procedures. ESSENTIAL

FUNCTIONS:

• Serve all clients on a daily basis as assigned to meet their needs within our ability and make referrals to other resources available in the community, as needed. Refer clients to corps officer for pastoral contact if client requests.
• Assist in all seasonal social service activities as assigned by the Corps Officer(s).
• Assist with Senior and TEFAP commodities distribution.
• Orientate volunteers, work program participants and community service workers assigned to social service areas. Provide training and direct them to perform authorized tasks.
• Conduct Pathway of Hope recruitment and promote corps programs and services.
• Update and manage Job Board with recruitments and offer assistance to clients with application process.
• Assist and work with Corps Officers to develop, coordinate, and implement Salvation Army regular and seasonal programs such as Open House, Christmas, Back-to-School, Summer Camp, Health Fairs and all others involving social services work.
• Assist with Senior and TEFAP commodities distribution.
• Perform data entry and manage client files in social service applications such as WellSky and HMIS. Training will be offered to learn software programs.
• Provide administrative support to Corps Officers with the different social service programs offered, such as Rental and Transportation Assistance, Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), and other programs related to social services work.
• Assist as needed with preparation for Emergency Disaster Services and Homeless Outreach work in Missoula County.
• Drive company vehicle and pick up food items from rescued food sites and food banks. Log in gift-in-kind. Manage food inventory to ensure food safety compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead
• Ability to use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs. (usually file boxes) repetitively and occasionally an item up to 50 lbs
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

This job description cannot fully express what will be required of the employee in the fulfillment of his/her duties. Each employee is, therefore, responsible for asking questions, suggesting ideas, and being willing to learn new skills. The Salvation Army reserves the right to revise or change job descriptions and/or duties as the need arises.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.