Social Services Coordinator & Office Assistant

Overview

Location: Newport Corps (Newport, RI)

Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Schedule: Mon-Wed, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm; Thurs, 11:00 am – 3:30 pm; Fri, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Purpose of Position:  Provides oversight as well as direct service for the following Salvation Army emergency social services assistance programs: the Food Pantry (distribution and food collection/storage/ordering, recruiting/managing volunteers), the Community Meal (scheduling volunteers, ordering/storing/safekeeping of food items, preparing and serving the weekly Friday Community Dinner,  rent and utility assistance, clothing and furniture assistance, and transportation assistance. Organize life skills classes, provide emergency assistance to those affected by disasters, and assist with seasonal activities (Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer camp, etc.).  Conduct in-person client interviews and phone interviews and make referrals. Manage and supervise volunteers and maintain an organized office. Serve as a primary point of contact, assisting clients in coordinating necessary services and resources to address the client’s complex needs. Provide support for the daily business transaction at the Newport Corps, as directed by the Corps Officer.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of all social service programs, including but not limited to the food pantry, community meals, clothing, and furniture vouchers, utility and rental assistance, cooling and warming center, seasonal assistance, and local emergency disaster services.
• Coordinate the various Corps seasonal programming, such as summer youth camp registration, Back-to-School assistance, cooling and warming center, Thanksgiving food assistance, Christmas toy registration, and distribution of toys.
• Promptly provide all appropriate forms of direct service to clients based on the availability of resources, guidelines, and need.
• Manage the distribution of 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.
• Keep abreast of community issues and services by visiting other community agencies.
• Discuss special cases with the Corps Officers to work towards resolving client situations.
• Provide direct 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 appropriate community resources.
• Develop and expand the social service ministries programs of the Newport Corps in conjunction with the Corps Officers to include, but are not limited to, life skills, parenting skills, etc.
• Submit required statistical and other requested reports accurately and timely.
• Maintain proper organization of the office and workspace, especially regarding filing, responding to calls/emails, and interviewing clients.
• Handle all aspects of the management of the Corps office and all pertinent office equipment.
• Keep inventory of office and maintenance supplies, ordering supplies as needed.
• Coordinate equipment and building service needs.
• 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.
• Meet with various organizations and businesses within the community to inform them of the Newport Corps’ programs, events, and seasonal distributions, which are provided based on the community's needs.
• 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.
• Adhere to guidelines for staff responsibilities as found in The Salvation Army’s Employee Manuals.
• Attend relevant seminars/conferences as instructed. 
• Assist with the sanitization of facilities as needed.
• Serve as a positive and professional representative of The Salvation Army.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required. A college degree in social services or a related field is highly preferred.
• Minimum of two years of work experience in social services or a related field.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to maintain ethical conduct in accordance with organizational policies and carry out business in a manner consistent with the organization's mission, values, and policies. 
• Ability to organize responsibilities and excellent time management skills required. 
• Ability to work without close supervision on assigned duties and willingness to seek and accept supervision as needed. 
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
• Computer proficiency required, particularly in Microsoft Office. 
• Demonstrate excellent ability to engage with diverse populations. 
• Demonstrated sensitivity to issues related to poverty and the barriers faced by people with low incomes. 
• 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 clean driving record. 
• Must work well in a team atmosphere.  
• Unquestioned confidentiality with sensitive financial and personal information.
• Will respect and promote the interest of The Salvation Army.  The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith, but they are required to promote and respect the mission of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefit program to full-time employees who work at least 30 hours per week, including...

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

Learn more about The Salvation Army's Southern New England Division at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southern-new-england/ 

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.