Resource Specialist - Family Services

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Calgary, AB

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides client-centred care, family support, case management, provides leadership for program initiatives, administrative duties and organizational requirements.

Requirements

Completion of a two-year diploma in a related social service or mental health field (i.e., social work, addictions).
Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector Search.
May require a Child intervention Check.
Current Emergency First Aid with Level A or C CPR from an Alberta approved provider.
Incumbents with a Social Work diploma or degree must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
At least one year of prior related experience in frontline casework with an emphasis on mental health, homelessness, addictions, or social services.
Knowledgeable about and demonstrates understanding of barriers and struggles of low-income families and individuals.
Knowledge of concurrent/co-occurring disorders including mental health diagnosis and addictions.
Knowledge and understanding of the struggles of newcomers to Calgary.
Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, familiarity with databases, as well as keyboarding skills.
Well versed in understanding family dynamics and vulnerable populations.
Knowledge of the impact of poverty and how it affects families, communities, and society.
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.
Effectively builds trusting relationships to work effectively and support clients.
Able to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics.
Attention to detail and process oriented.
Respond appropriately to crisis situations.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Able to effectively communicate with a range of service providers or agencies.
Self-motivated, able to work under pressure and manage time effectively, prioritizing work tasks.
Able to stay calm in stressful situations.
Team player who works collaboratively and makes positive contributions to the team and supports co-workers.
Exemplary ability to demonstrate compassion, empathy and understanding.
Engages in critical thinking, high level of self-awareness, recognizes bias and approaches clients with an appreciative inquiry.
Sophisticated ability to assess risks and vulnerability while finding strengths and protective factors.

Responsibilities

Conducts client intake interviews and completes follow-up support with clients as determined.
Develops relationships with clients to ensure individual needs are heard and addressed appropriately.
Assists client to problem solve their own issues/concerns/crisis.
Provides support and referrals while ensuring the client's dignity remains intact.
Stays connected to other community agencies ensuring current knowledge is accurate for referrals and resources.
Responds to community and client inquiries, provides suggestions/information on appropriate resources and referrals.
Works with clients to set goals based on their own identified needs and timelines as appropriate.
Works collaboratively with community agencies to meet client needs.
Hosts family planning meetings, and interagency meetings as requested by families, as well as case conferences to support families in navigating complex issues.
Provides comprehensive assessment in collaboration with families.
Utilizes a culturally sensitive approach engaging all methods of communication.
Provides referrals as approved by families to support, enhance, and address any needs.
Assists families in navigating systems and performs advocacy as necessary.
Connects families with resources and services that include educational, financial, healthcare, employment, child and youth programs, clinical services, tax services, financial literacy.
Supports families involved with legal systems (child and family services, family, justice system, etc.)
Empowers parents in their child-rearing initiatives to strengthen parenting.
Assists families in obtaining mental health and addiction resources and support when applicable.
Assists immigrants and refugees in integrating into a new society including literacy, community, and all relevant supports to foster a sense of belonging.
Prepares case plans with client-led goals and monitors client successes accordingly.
Engages families in internal programming, resources, and supports.
Encourages collaborative engagement with families and their identified supports.
Works with community partners and stakeholders to streamline services for client and families.
Builds self-efficacy, client self-determination, and strength-based assessments that are culturally relevant and congruent to the values of Salvation Army.
Creates and implements family driven, empowerment-based programming to strengthen family systems and mobilize clients towards better outcomes.
May be required to assist with coordination of donations and supplies.
May provide support for other position tasks.
May evaluate programs and services for quality improvement.
May be required to perform duties of other Community and Family Services positions.
Enters and maintains data base, client case notes, may extract data from database for statistical purposes.
Supports team members in upholding best practices and service to clients and sharing learnings and findings.
Completes designated reporting requirements (including month ends, statistics, learning summaries).
Completes appropriate paperwork as/when required (incident reports, vacation requests, etc.).
Performs administrative tasks (i.e., filing, photocopying, email, etc.) that support program objectives and/or delegated by supervisor.
Attends and participates in meetings/events/committees (internal and external) as required.
Gathers, shares, and maintains up to date resource information in determined format.
Reviews policies, procedures, and program guidelines and provides suggestions for change or improvements.
Supports, orients, and trains volunteers and students as required.
May show work methods to new employees and/or mentor new employees.
May be required to take/prepare meeting minutes.
Writes letter of support and/or advocacy for client driven needs.