Social Services Coordinator

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory • City of Canandaigua, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Services Coordinator is responsible for providing compassionate, professional, and effective emergency assistance to individuals and families seeking assistance through The Salvation Army. The Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day social services ministry, with particular attention to food pantry operations, rental assistance intake and application processing, referrals, record-keeping, and required reporting. The Coordinator represents the mission of The Salvation Army by integrating practical assistance with dignity, respect, and opportunities for spiritual support when appropriate. This is an emergency assistance and resource coordination position; it is not intended to provide intensive or ongoing case management. The Coordinator will assist clientele with immediate needs, determine eligibility for available Salvation Army programs, connect individuals with appropriate community resources, and maintain accurate records in accordance with Salvation Army policies and funding requirements.

Requirements

• Strong interviewing, assessment, and documentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations experiencing poverty, homelessness, unemployment, family instability, mental health challenges, and other barriers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond to telephone, email, walk-in, and referred requests for social service assistance during established working hours.
• Assess immediate needs and determine whether the request falls within available Salvation Army services.
• Provide information and referrals to appropriate community agencies when the Corps is not able to meet a particular need.
• Maintain a working knowledge of local resources, including housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, mental health, employment, and other community support programs.
• Develop a positive working relationship with local agencies and service providers.
• Provide courteous and compassionate service while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Refer pastoral or spiritual care requests to the Corps Officer(s) when appropriate.
• Coordinate and operate the Food Pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays during established hours.
• Welcome clients and conduct appropriate intake and eligibility screenings.
• Manage the food pantry appointment schedule and calendar.
• Assist clientele in a respectful, efficient, and dignified manner.
• Maintain appropriate client records and enter required information into ServicePoint and other designated databases.
• Monitor pantry inventory and identify items that need to be replenished.
• Receive, organize, stock, and rotate donated and purchased food according to food safety practices.
• Coordinate pantry volunteers as available.
• Maintain an orderly, safe, and welcoming food pantry and food-storage area.
• Communicate significant inventory or operational needs to the Corps Officer(s).
• Receive and respond to requests for rental assistance and other approved forms of financial assistance.
• Schedule and conduct intake interviews during designated times.
• Collect and review required documentation, including identification, leases, notices, income information, landlord documentation, and other materials required by policy.
• Determine eligibility according to established guidelines.
• Verify information with landlords, agencies, or other appropriate parties when necessary.
• Communicate assistance decisions and next steps to clients in a timely and respectful manner.
• Submit completed assistance packets to the Office Manager for Corps Officer approval and payment processing.
• Support the overall ministry and mission of The Salvation Army.
• Work cooperatively with corps officers, staff, and volunteers.
• Participate in corps events and programs as assigned.
• Provide information regarding corps programs, worship opportunities, and spiritual care services when appropriate and desired by clients.
• Maintain a welcoming and professional environment that reflects The Salvation Army's commitment to serving all people without discrimination.
• Assist with seasonal programs, including Christmas assistance and emergency disaster response activities as assigned.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice due to business needs.

Benefits

• Generous time off every year including 14 paid holidays, vacation time and sick time
• Employer funded Pension Plan (company contributions begin after 1 year of continuous employment)
• Tax Deferred Annuity (403B)
• Eligibility for supplemental insurance plans including Short Term Disability, AFLAC, and Voluntary Term Life
• Christmas Bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed