Social Services Ministry Worker

The Salvation Army of Mon Valley is hiring a social service worker to assist with day-to-day corps operations. The social service worker will interview, assess, collect client data, and formulate a plan of action appropriate for clients coming into The Salvation Army. This position requires the ability to be able to work with clients who are involved with other social service systems, mental health, and adults in crisis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

– Work as a team with Corps Officers “Pastors” to encourage clients to participate in the holistic program of The Salvation Army.
– Processing of forms, i.e., recording and maintaining client files according to The Salvation Army standards.
– Conduct research into community organizations and business for possible Social Services partnerships and volunteers; create and maintain these partnerships.
– Conduct research into community resources to identify funding sources. These will be submitted to the Corps Officer to determine whether they are already on the donor list or under cultivation.
– Coordinate and implement seasonal projects: Dollar Energy, Project Bundle-Up, Thanksgiving assistance, Christmas assistance, Camp Allegheny, Adopt-a-Family, etc.
– Assist in planning, set up and execution of all social service programming.
– Assist with recruitment of volunteers and participants in all social service programming.
– Prepare and conduct social service programs as assigned by the corps officers.
– Work with corps officers and community to plan, manage, and attend community events.
– Responsible for encouraging participation and taking part in divisional Social Service functions and activities.
– Assist in maintaining statistical records and any reports for all activity conducted.
– Work with Social Services personnel to link clients to corps programs and worship opportunities.

Practical responsibilities:

· Assist in the maintenance and tidiness of all program areas.

· Participate in staff meetings on a weekly basis.

· Be responsible for facility and equipment security, making sure that all Salvation Army property is secure.

· Responsible for safety and well-being of participants in all programming and services.

Additional Responsibilities:

It is understood that the Social Ministry Assistant may, when appropriate, delegate the following tasks to volunteers or employees assigned to Social Services.

· Processing forms and maintaining client files.

· Working alongside Officers to place orders and pick up food from the Westmoreland County Food Bank for feeding programs. Current programs include but are not limited to: emergency food pantry, SFSP (Kids Summer Mobile Feeding Program), Monthly Food and CSFP (Senior Food Boxes) distribution.

· Preparing all paperwork in relation to food orders and emailing reports monthly.

· Stocking, clearing out food, and keeping a tidy Food Pantry.

· Packing and distributing food bags.

· Help pick up 412 donations and distribute them as needed.

· Assigning volunteers to various tasks for Food Pantry, Summer Mobile Feeding Program, and other Social Ministries programming.

· Maintaining weekly, monthly, and other statistical reports.

· Create relationships alongside Corps Officers to find community partners and local businesses, so we can refer clients and gain resources for them.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

– Excellent counseling and listening skills.
– Ability to work on multiple projects and prioritize accordingly during different seasons.
– Able to interact and communicate effectively with team members, clients, and agencies.
– Knowledge of Microsoft computer applications.
– Flexibility and good organizational skills.
– Must have ability to adapt to various work locations and settings.
– Work with limited supervision.
– Must be familiar with social work ethics.
– Must have good time management skills.
– Valid Drivers License, approved to drive a 12-passenger van.
– Respect of cultural differences, levels of education, physical functioning, and crisis situation in a non-judgmental manner.
– All three PA Clearances required upon employment and thereafter upon renewal date: PA Child Abuse History Clearance, Request for Criminal Record, and Fingerprint based federal criminal history.
– PA Mandated and Permissive Reporting and The Salvation Armys KeepSAfe training required.

Education and Experience:

– BA, BS Degree or above in Social Work, Ministry, or related discipline (preferred, not required).
– At least 2 years of experience in social work or related field.

Acknowledgement of Religious Purposes of the Salvation Army

The employee acknowledges that he/she has been informed and understands The Salvation Armys religious purpose and status as a church. The employee agrees that he/she shall do nothing in his/her relationship with The Salvation Army as an employee to undermine its religious mission. The employee agrees and understands that his/her work-related conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such religious programs or The Salvation Armys religious purposes.

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.