Social Services & Office Assistant

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory•Newport, RI

About The Position

Provide direct service for the following social services assistance programs: the food pantry, the Community Meal, rent and utility, clothing and furniture, and transportation. Organize life skills classes, provide emergency assistance to those affected by disasters, and assist with seasonal activities. Conduct in-person or phone client interviews and make referrals. Assist clients in coordinating necessary services and resources to address the client’s complex needs. Provide support for the daily business transactions at the Newport Corps.

Requirements

High School diploma required.
Minimum of two years of work or volunteer experience in social services or a related field.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain ethical conduct following policies and conduct business consistent with the mission, values, and policies.
Ability to organize responsibilities and excellent time management skills are required.
Ability to work without close supervision on assigned duties and willingness to seek and accept supervision as needed.
Computer proficiency required, particularly in Microsoft Office.
Demonstrated sensitivity to issues related to poverty and the barriers faced by low-income people.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including empathetic listening.
Knowledge of the community
Must complete KeepSAfe and other training requirements upon hire.
Must have a high energy level, solid work ethic, and the ability to respond to changing conditions.
Must have or obtain Food Safety Manager Certification (per RI Food code) and ServSafe certification.
Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Must work well in a team atmosphere.
Unquestioned confidentiality with sensitive financial and personal information.
Will respect and promote the interests of The Salvation Army. The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith, but they are required to promote and respect The Salvation Army's mission.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a positive and professional representative of The Salvation Army.
Support all social service programs, including but not limited to the food pantry, community meals, clothing and furniture vouchers, utility and rental assistance, seasonal assistance, and local emergency disaster services.
Support Corps seasonal programming, such as summer youth camp registration, Back-to-School assistance, a cooling and warming center, Thanksgiving food assistance, and Christmas toy registration and distribution.
Promptly provide all appropriate forms of direct service to clients based on the availability of resources, guidelines, and needs.
Assist with distributing items to clients (food, toiletries, hygiene, cleaning supplies, toys, coats, clothing, etc.).
Maintain all current and accurate records on clients served, including services provided and notes on the progress of their case.
Establish and maintain a database of community resources to refer clients to other locations that may help address their needs.
Network with other agencies to refer clients effectively and follow up to meet clients' needs.
Discuss special cases with the Corps Officers to work towards resolving client situations.
Support the supervision of all social services program volunteers.
Provide clients with information and connect participants from the social services ministries’ programs to Corps ministries’ programs (Sunday Services, Youth and Adult Ministries, etc.) when appropriate and to other relevant community resources.
Submit required statistical and other requested reports accurately and in a timely manner.
Maintain organization of the workspace, especially regarding filing, responding to calls/emails, and interviewing clients.
Keep inventory of office and maintenance supplies, ordering supplies as needed.
Provide administrative assistance with typing, filing, updating databases and calendars, responding to inquiries, etc.
Coordinate and organize contact lists and data related to Corps programming for volunteers, donors, clients, etc.
Receive and route incoming mail.
Obtain and compile information to aid various group projects and special events.
Maintain respect for all clients and occupy a position of trust. Understand and keep boundaries with clients and volunteers.
Maintain confidentiality regarding all job-related matters.

Benefits

Short-term disability coverage (no cost to employee)
403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan
Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave
Eligibility for the Federal Government’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Most importantly – a job with a great purpose, inspiring you to make a difference every day!
Employer-funded pension plan (100% vested after five years of eligible service)
Voluntary life insurance
Supplemental insurance coverage options (Aflac, homeowners, auto, and pet insurance)
Comprehensive health care coverage, including dental/vision/hearing, with low-cost employee premiums, co-pays, and deductibles
$20K Basic Life Insurance including grief counseling services, funeral planning services, and will/power of attorney/legal document preparation (no cost to employee)
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care
Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, and marriage leave