Social Services Worker & Receptionist (8076)

The Salvation Army•Waco, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing social service assistance to eligible clients in areas such as food, lodging, clothing, furniture, and financial assistance. The role involves interviewing clients to determine need and eligibility, preparing client records, referring clients to community agencies, and maintaining effective working relationships. Additionally, the position handles receptionist duties including answering telephones, directing calls, receiving and receipting deliveries, greeting visitors, and managing phone lists. Responsibilities also extend to managing the food pantry, including preparing food bags, receiving and sorting donations, coordinating storage and distribution, monitoring expiration dates, and maintaining inventory. Social services duties include processing applications for assistance, arranging temporary housing, processing rent and utility financial assistance, assisting with transportation, and providing funeral and burial assistance. The role also involves serving as a liaison to other agencies and performing administrative tasks such as preparing copies, recording checks, and driving to the bank or post office.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
Two years experience working in a social or public service environment with experience assisting the public, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Valid State Drivers License
Knowledge of effective and efficient methods for organizing and maintaining records and ability to perform the same.
Knowledge of social service practices and principles.
Skill in Microsoft Word and Excel applications with the ability to effectively create and maintain Spreadsheets.
Ability to interview clients in order to evaluate and serve their needs.
Ability to determine client eligibility for program assistance based on specific program guidelines and restrictions.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with the public and community agencies.
Ability to prepare accurate and complete client records, reports and statistics.
Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of people and remain sensitive to their concerns.
Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army.
Ability to meet attendance requirements.
Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
Ability to type and keypunch information into a computer.
Ability to sort and file documents alphabetically and numerically.
Ability to operate various general office equipment including a telephone, computer and adding machine.
Ability to perform continuous walking, stooping, standing, and climbing while functioning in the food pantry capacity.
Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.
Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light to moderately heavy objects (less than 50 lbs.) frequently.

Responsibilities

Provides social service assistance to eligible clients in the following areas: food, lodging, clothing, furniture, and financial assistance.
Interviews clients to determine need and eligibility to receive services.
Prepares accurate and complete client records.
Refers clients to community agencies and maintains effective working relationships with the same.
Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures.
Answers the telephone in a courteous manner and directs calls to the appropriate destination.
Records accurate and complete messages when necessary.
Receives and receipts deliveries and donations.
Greets and announces visitors and clients.
Answers the telephone and transfers calls to the appropriate destination; responds to callers questions and provides accurate information.
Telephones others to communicate messages; records accurate and complete messages; ensures the timely and accurate distribution of messages through telephone and/or E-mail.
Records and updates statistical information; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same; records community assistance into databases.
Receives, greets and announces visitors in a courteous and tactful manner; provides assistance to callers and visitors by answering questions and providing instructions and referrals; screens sales representative soliciting to The Salvation Army.
Notifies proper individuals when visitors or clients have arrived; ensures that visitors and clients have signed-in.
Adds/deletes names and extensions to the phone list to ensure the list remains up-to-date on a daily basis; proof reads telephone lists for mistakes before list is printed.
Sorts and distributes mail; ensures all mail reaches appropriate destination; assists with preparing bulk-mail.
Prepares and files client records in a timely manner ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date; obtains signatures of clients as needed; reviews and tracks all client records in order to determine if client is active or inactive; maintains confidentiality of client information.
Completes and submits paperwork to Adult Probation Services; serves as a liaison to parole officers and completes court-ordered paperwork.
Prepares food bags/boxes according to the number of family members; packs food items in boxes and marks boxes accordingly to distribute to clients.
Receives, inspects and sorts donated food items according to the category and condition.
Coordinates the retrieval, storage, and distribution of food and commodities for the program.
Prepares labels for food, packages food.
Monitors expiration dates on all food in the pantry; discards outdated or damaged food.
Keeps food pantry organized and well-stocked; lifts and carries items to the appropriate destination for distribution to clients.
Maintains food pantry area in a neat and orderly manner; cleans floors, tables, and work areas.
Determines the appropriate amount of food to order for the program; maintains and organizes an adequate inventory of food and supplies for the Food Program; ensures the supply meets the needs of the program; informs Corps Officers of supplies needed; prepares records and charts to be used to facilitate/document the distribution of food and supplies to clients.
Receives and prepares receipts for monetary and non-monetary donations, packages, airline tickets, express mail and items delivered to the lobby; notifies proper individuals of item arrival by telephone and/or E-mail.
Greets and interviews clients requesting assistance to determine client's eligibility for assistance based on program guidelines and restrictions; records clients disposition and other pertinent information such as income, expenses, family and work history; assists clients in completing applications for assistance; photocopies social security cards, picture identification cards, payroll statements, utility bills, etc.
Prepares, completes and processes food, clothing and furniture vouchers for eligible clients; directs clients to Family Store or Food Pantry for assistance.
Locates and arranges temporary housing for eligible clients; contacts local lodges, homeless shelters, motels, churches, etc. for lodging.
Processes rent and utility financial assistance for eligible clients; contacts utility organizations and landlords to arrange and process financial assistance.
Assists eligible clients needing transportation assistance based on medical or relocation needs; arranges transportation through bus-line and contacts family members, friends, churches for assistance.
Provides funeral and burial assistance for clients; contacts funeral home and cemetery to make arrangements; contacts county courthouse and local agencies to determine available funds.
Serves as liaison to other agencies in order to obtain/coordinate assistance on client's behalf; builds and maintains professional working relationships with community agencies.
Prepares copies and maintains balances ensuring the accurate and timely accountability of funds; prepares and records checks for utility companies.
Drives to the bank or post office as needed.
Performs related work for special and seasonal projects.
Performs other duties as assigned.