Community Services Caseworker

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:

The Community Services Caseworker is a key member in the mission of the Salvation Army Kingston Citadel, responsible for coordinating food pantry operations, external volunteers and community programs. Rooted in the values of faith, dignity, service and hope the caseworker will provide  compassionate practical and spiritual support to  individuals who are facing challenges in their daily lives. Additionally, the caseworker will provide ongoing case management that focuses on identifying and addressing root causes of families living in poverty by utilizing Pathway of Hope’s strength-based approach to assist participants in moving from crisis living to stability.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Program Coordination

• Oversees community-based programs that address physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, including Alpha, Bible Studies, and the Nourish Community Kitchen.

Client Case Management

• Complete intake and assessment with individuals and families requiring assistance
• Review and update client files as required
• Perform all aspects of case management offered through Pathway of Hope program
• Develop goal plans and regular times to meet with participants
• Offer support through prayer, spiritual and religious resources and referrals
• Work in partnership with Spiritual Care team to provide support in spiritual and material matters
• Support individuals through practical assistance such as clothing, household goods and furniture
• Collaborate with housing team to provide assistance to those obtaining new housing
• Provide ongoing advocacy and referrals to help empower participants to become self-sufficient and re-integrate into the greater community

Pathway of Hope Case Management

• Perform all aspects of case management offered through Pathway of Hope program
• Develop goal plans and regular times to meet with participants
• Connect Pathway of Hope participants with spiritual support person
• Provide ongoing advocacy and referrals to help empower participants to become self-sufficient and re-integrate into the greater community
• Attend and participate in monthly meetings with Director and Regional Pathway of Hope Coordinator
• Meet bi-monthly with Pathway of Hope team to provide status reports and solicit support when/where needed
• Attend Pathway of Hope monthly online training
• Support individuals through practical assistance such as clothing, household goods and furniture
• Collaborate with housing team to provide assistance to those obtaining new housing
• Work with Day Services team to ensure nutritional needs of guests are met

Administration and Finance

• Complete vouchers to Thrift Store as required
• Ensure vouchers are reconciled monthly
• Provide direction to reception during direct service
• Provide monthly reports regarding CFS to joint CFS/Housing/Supervised Access team meetings
• Develop and document options and recommendations to issues and problems
• Support key stakeholders in understanding the implications of options and decisions

Reporting

• Monthly reporting to CFS staff meetings and Pathway of Hope Regional Coordinator
• Support external reporting requests as needed

Health and Safety

• Assists with monthly facility inspections as per committee guidelines
• Ensure that the work area is maintained regarding appearance, condition and safety as recommended by Public Health etc.
• Work in compliance with the OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures

FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL MANAGEMENT:

• Minor material responsibilities (access to confidential information)
• Assists with bank deposits
• Assist with Christmas Hamper donations for the duration of campaign
• Ensures safe handling and recording of donations, new clothing and gift cards

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a temporary full-time position based on 37.5 hours per week
• Working environment is typically in the office in generally agreeable conditions
• This position requires reaching, bending and stooping frequently, working in a sitting and standing position for periods of time
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds
• Some travel is associated with this position
• Normal hours of work: Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm and included a ½ hour unpaid lunch break. May require some evening or weekend work during Christmas Campaigns

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Alternative combination of education and Experience may be considered.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Post-Secondary education in a social service field such as social service worker, addictions and/or mental health
• Bilingual in English and French would be an asset
• Valid certification in First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, and Non-violent crisis intervention training would be valued assets
• Mental Health First Aid Training Certificate or willingness to obtain
• Food Handler’s Certificate would be an asset
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License, own vehicle, and insurance, provide an original copy of current driver’s abstract for review and verification that it satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with marginalized populations in an urban setting
• Awareness of issues surrounding those experiencing homelessness, addictions and mental health

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Maintain and promote a positive image of The Salvation Army by providing a high caliber of services and dealing with others in a courteous and professional manner
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility
• Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team setting
• Proficient in working in a computerized environment; Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Access
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Self-motivated/disciplined
• Strong verbal/written communication skills.
• Adherence to confidentiality and professional ethics.
• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner
• Awareness and understanding of client need, problems, interests and abilities
• May require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.