Social Services Case Worker

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 for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

• BASIC PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to assist clients of the Hayward Corps Social Services/Food Pantry. To provide services to our clients both homeless and housed with Social Services. We provide hot meals, sack lunches, clothing, and E.R. food bags daily. We also help with other services like rental assistance, reach, answering phones, taking donations, keeping the clothing closet and Food Pantry neat and orderly, and counting donations.

• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adheres to agency’s policies and procedures.

• Oversees the Food Pantry, Food Pantry operations, and Food Pantry volunteers.

• Oversees USDA Distribution and seasonal food distribution.

• Schedules shopping dates and picks up food at Alameda County Community Food Bank, and emails weekly orders.

• Ensures the proper preparation for food boxes, maintain inventory of food supplies, make food purchases, solicit food donations and keep pantry stocked. All outgoing assistance must be tracked and logged in bridges/Wellsky and others.

• Implements case management standards as required by all funding sources including Salvation Army.

• Organizes, maintains and reports all statistical, GIK and other records to proper departments of The Salvation Army, USDA and Alameda Food Bank.

• Coordinates with kitchen food service personnel on providing, maintaining, and improving food service to clients.

• Maintains accurate and confidential case records on each client served.

• Enters, tracks and reviews Bridges/Wellsky client data.

• Establishes and maintains a housing referral system for clients, including landlords, rental agencies, management companies, local and regional housing authorities.

• Attends training as required by The Salvation Army.

• Completes and submits all required paperwork in a timely fashion as designated by the supervisor. Meets deadlines and department productivity demands.

• Acts as a role model within and outside the agency.

• Makes referrals for clients to other agencies for needed services

• Maintains a positive respectful attitude.

• Communicates regularly with supervisor about program issues.

• Consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of position.

• Interviews clients, assess needs, and provide basic emergency assistance to individuals and families in need according to Salvation Army policies, guidelines and ability. Basic assistance primarily includes food, clothing, and emergency lodging/gas cards as resources allow, as they are available.

• Interviews clients and provides utility assistance with bills according to guidelines provided by TSA as resources allow.

• Ensures that clothing donations are taken in, sorted and hung up for clients to access, shelves and clothing racks should always be fully stocked. All outgoing donations must be tracked and logged in bridges/Wellsky and others.

• Coordinates intake process for holiday assistance programs.

• Coordinates services with other agencies as needed.

• Solicits and coordinates with donor agencies related to social services donations.

• Arranges, picks up inventory and processes donations.

• Sets up and tears down program related materials as assigned by Corps Officers.

• In the absence of a cook, prepping and receiving meal for our homeless clients will be required, as well as maintaining kitchen clean and organized.

• Assists with a variety of activities during the Christmas season, including Angel Tree coordination, picking up kettle workers as needed, and supporting toy and Christmas food box distribution.

• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

• Spanish fluency is preferred.

• AA degree in a related social services field, one to three years of experience or a combination of education and experience.

• Experience working in the housing arena, accessing housing for clients, conducting case management and providing outreach and education services.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.

• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver License , and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle

• Must be 21 years or older.

• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis

• Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects

• Ability to reach overhead

• Ability to operate telephone

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for administrative positions

• Ability to operate a computer

• Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information

• Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools PC, Fax Machine, Telephone, Calculator, Copier, Printer.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.  A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship.