Social Services & Volunteer Coordinator

Job Description
THE SALVATION ARMY
NORTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION
DEKALB CORPS
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Social ServicesVolunteer Coordinator
LOCATION/DEPT: Dekalb Corps
REPORTS TO: Corps Officers
FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt
STATUS TYPE: RFT
OUTCOMES
This position requires the employee to appropriately help all who come to the Corps center for socio-economic and possibly physical and spiritual needs. It also requires the employee to assess and develop service plans to address current or future needs. This employee also provides material assistance based upon available resources and offers information as it available through interagency and/or networking partnerships.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Direct Client Services
   
   1. Interviews persons requesting assistance, to assess their need. Obtains background information from client and makes assessment.
   2. Develops service plan with the individual or family to identify service needs and goals. Collaborates with area agencies working with client in implementing service plan.
   3. Grants material assistance based upon need and as a part of a total service plan. Verifies eligibility. Document income, expenses, and family size.
   4. Distributes utility assistance according to established program policies. (i.e., Nicor Sharing and Caring Programs, Pathway of Hope, FEMA, etc.).
   5. Distributes seasonal Christmas assistance, according to the Corps Seasonal Assistance Program Policy Procedures (i.e., Toy Distribution, Adopt-A-Family, etc.).
   6. Makes referrals, based upon need and as a part of the total service plan. Makes specific arrangements for client to apply for additional resources, when appropriate. Refers individuals/families to:
      
      1. Other area agencies/services.
      2. Other Corps services (i.e., Sunday services, Character Building, etc.).
      3. Other Salvation Army services for longer term help (i.e., Shield of Caring, Harbor Light Center, etc.).
   7. Maintains concise comprehensive written case records on all clients requesting assistance, including FEMA, utility assistance programs, Pathway of Hope, and seasonal Christmas assistance. Consistently updates interviewer's notes on client database. Interviewer's notes include assessment, service plan, assistance given, and referrals made.
2. Caseworker for Pathway of Hope
   
   1. Must enroll and graduate at least ten Pathway of Hope participants into the program per year and must follow the goals outlined in their Local Corps Pathway of Hope Action Plan.
      
      1. Participate in cluster meetings led by the Pathway of Hope Regional Coordinators.
      2. Participate in divisional or territorial educational forums and webinars designed to facilitate understanding of a wider range of topics so as to enhance services with emergency assistance and Pathway of Hope.
      3. Recruit, invite, and provide case management for families who desire to participate in Pathway of Hope.
      4. Perform time sensitive assessments, goal assistance and collaboration with community resources to best help the family meet personalized goals.
      5. Meet weekly face-to-face, by phone to check, or virtually, on client's progress.
      6. Enter required data for Pathway of Hope caseload.
3. Community Relations
   
   1. Maintains an updated community resource file of area services and retains positive relationships with frequently used service providers.
   2. Attends appropriate social service provider network meetings (i.e., pantry network).
   3. Distributes Emergency Assistance Program Intake Policy to agencies, churches, and schools, and interprets policies and services as needed.
   4. Attends emergency service workshops sponsored by various agencies.
4. Administration
   
   1. Maintains and processes proper documentation for all FEMA expenditures.
   2. Is responsible for the thoroughness and accuracy of daily and monthly Salvation Army casework statistics and additional program statistics, required by funding sources.
   3. Organizes time and manages job so that maximum service is given to clients and job performance meets Corps quantitative standards.
   4. Performs other duties, as assigned by the Corps Officer.
5. Volunteer Coordination
   
   1. Recruit potential volunteers, maintain all records of volunteer recruitment, and conduct orientations regarding the mission and vision of The Salvation Army DeKalb Corps.
   2. Supervise all volunteers and their assigned activities.
   3. Inform and enforce the Salvation Army volunteer policy.
   4. Responsible for obtaining completed volunteer applications for each volunteer.
   5. Ensure all background checks are complete before any adult volunteers are assigned tasks or begin volunteering.
   6. Coordinate Volunteers in reporting to the Food Pantry Coordinator at each event for sign-in and sign-out.
   7. Conduct meetings prior to all events to further the volunteer's knowledge and skills and to apprise them of all pertinent event related information.
   8. Coordinate with Corps Officers on all details relevant to volunteer issues or challenges.
   9. Coordinate activities to promote cohesiveness and camaraderie among volunteers.
   10. Coordinate with management any special needs for volunteers at special events (i.e., parties, meetings, etc.).
6. Other Duties
   
   1. Contact and coordinate events with area businesses (i.e., school supplies, Thanksgiving baskets, food drives, etc.).
   2. Oversees Food Pantry Coordinator position and assumes responsibilities when coordinator is absent.
   3. Coordinate the work schedule of Community Service workers.
   4. Responsible for food and pantry donations facilitate schedule (this may also require employee to do pick up in person).
   5. Other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Under general supervision of the Corps Officers who in collaboration with Divisional Social Services assures that best practices are occurring in the worker's intervention with clients. Substantial freedom is given to the Corps Officers to plan, schedule, and fulfill responsibilities within established policies and guidelines by the Division.
The Social Services Coordinator has responsibility to:

1. Regularly attend consultation with the assigned Divisional Social Service Emergency Assistance and Case Management Director.
2. Engage in regularly scheduled group case consultations.
3. Complete and comply with the Divisional Caseworker Certification Program.
4. Abide by the current covenant established between the Corps and the Divisional Social Services Department in addressing the needs of the Social Services Coordinator.

In some circumstances, may provide supervision of community volunteers on specific service projects (i.e., preparation of Christmas baskets, organization of food pantry, etc.). This individual also relates to, and interacts with, a wide range of contacts both within and outside The Salvation Army. In these contacts, they function as a representative of the Army and its mission.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed.
A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in human service area (i.e., BSW from an accredited college or university) is required. On a case-by-case basis an associate degree plus experience in strength-based case management may substitute for bachelor's degree.
• Fluency as well as professional written and verbal communication skills in Spanish in order to concisely articulate information for application, presentation, and public speaking is preferred.
• Administrative experience with a background in a computer-based work environment.
• Valid Driver's license/MVR clearance.

COMPETENCIES

• Cultural sensitivity with an interest in providing direct services to persons of various ethnic, racial, religious, and social backgrounds.
• Friendly with excellent communication (verbal and written) and people skills, using diplomacy and good judgment.
• A love for and desire to serve others, especially disenfranchised individuals, families, and the local community, through the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Integrity with the ability to work with confidential material.
• Relationship skills (heart of helping process).
• Critical thinking skills including assessment, service planning, material assistance, resource development and networking, referral and linkage agreements, follow-up, and documentation.
• Time management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and use initiative.
• Capacity to collaborate with Corps, Divisional Social Services and Emergency Disaster Services.
• A strong commitment to promote and uphold the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation for faith-based service organizations.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Corps Officers informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in fulfilling the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do moderate physical work and must be able to lift 30 pounds.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and PC, etc.
• The work environment for this position includes an office and community center environment with a low noise level.
• Must be able to drive full size van, walk stairs, etc.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

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 of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Additional Information
DOING THE MOST GOOD
Do you want to use your skills and talents to make a lasting difference in the world? The Salvation Army is the fourth largest charity in the United States and is an international organization based on Biblical principles created to help people in need. We are mission-driven, diverse, collaborative, and focused on positive results for people. Join us in making a difference.