Emergency Needs Specialist/Food Pantry & Utility Assistant

Position Summary: The Emergency Needs Specialist/Food Pantry and Utility Assistance is a grant funded position which meets the basic needs for food, energy, housing, transportation, and more for low-income clients. This position also assists clients in applying for utility assistance and helping with data input for emergency service programs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Greet clients and establish rapport. Approach clients and colleagues with an open and professional stance, showing respect for each person as a helping professional worthy of trust
• Work to strengthen client sufficiency and external supports; empower clients to become more independent of emergency services by averaging 4-5 cases with transactions per day (10-12 per week)
• Promote Pathway of Hope (POH) services to potential clients and facilitate case management of families using the POH plan
• Use assessment tools provided to help with case planning for transactional and relational work
• Coordinate services to meet client needs by using the case plan, linking clients with available resources to help them achieve their goal
• Maintain awareness and relationships with community agencies and other social services agencies to help coordinate services to clients
• Participate in committees, meetings and conferences as requested by the supervisor
• Become fluent in the use of the Information Management System used by The Salvation Army to maintain client files, statistical information and other reports as needed
• Enter and save transactions for reserving needed funds for clients, monitor the available fund balances and request additional allocations as appropriate
• Help input data from the Emergency Food Pantry
• Assist in stocking and maintaining organization of the Emergency Food Pantry
• Occasionally assist with front desk duties
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or related field from an accredited college or university, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered
• LLBSW or LBSW preferred

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Learn and adhere to The Salvation Army Social Services Code of Ethics
• Adhere to professional codes of ethics as they apply to professional licensing
• Understand and adhere to professional boundaries within and outside of the organization
• Maintain client confidentiality and obtain appropriate releases of information
• Demonstrate a continued effort to increase self-awareness and to better understand other cultures and issues of social justice and promote racial understanding and reconciliation
• Complete Caseworker Certification Program within 120 days of hire

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint
• Willingness to learn new software as needed

Certificates and Licenses:

• Complete Safe From Harm training, and keep current as needed
• Must have and maintain a current valid driver's license and pass the Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR)