Job Details

Community Services Specialist

The Community Services Specialist provides emergency assistance to eligible participants. This position follows the policies and procedures for the Community Services Department under the direction of the Community Services Program Manager. The Community Services Specialist will be responsible for receiving food orders and stocking the food bank. The Community Services Specialist will assist participants in picking out their food in the food pantry and will assist participants in dealing with an emergency and becoming self-sufficient. The Community Services Specialist will work as a team to provide services and assist in daily operations of the Community Services Office, including the Food Bank, Emergency Services, and seasonal events.

The Community Services Specialist must have the ability to safely perform physical aspects of the job, including lifting up to 50 pounds and standing or walking for 8 hours a day. Must be flexible, have attention to detail, and be able to empathize with and advocate for low-income and vulnerable people, maintaining confidentiality with personal information. Must be willing to cross-train and fill-in as needed in other TSA programs. Must be proficient in typing, data entry, and organization. Preferably will have the knowledge of social services and local resources. Valid driver's license required. Must be able to pass a criminal background check. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, Access, and Publisher required. Working knowledge of integrated database applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training. Must be proficient in typing, data entry, and organization.

Essential duties and responsibilities include maintaining the food bank; including ordering, accepting and getting food, stocking shelves, organizing the food bank area, and notifying the Community Services Program Manager of any situation that arises. Breakdown and restock product from pallets. Restock shelves and walk-ins throughout the day. Maintain a clean and safe work environment in the food pantry and the warehouse. Interview applicants to determine eligibility for use of social services programs and agency resources. Responsible for monitoring and recording food distributions to clients. Follow up with participants on their status. Network with TSA programs and the community to provide referrals and resources to participants. Perform tasks required in the Community Services Office, which may include but not be limited to: Food Bank Operations, Case Management, Emergency Assistance Programs (rental, utility, clothing, etc.), Life Skills Classes including the Demonstration Kitchen, Computer Lab Operations, Seasonal and Special Events. Follow policies and procedures for the programs offered under the direction of the Community Services Program Manager. Keep within budget for program expenses. Assist with seasonal/special events. Attend meetings and events as required by the Community Services Program Manager and TSA. Represent The Salvation Army and its programs at meetings and events. Regularly gathers and distributes resources for the Community Services Office and other programs. Perform other tasks as assigned. Working in other departments such as: Visitation, Stepping Stones, Shelter, and Special Events.

Physical requirements include the ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate a telephone. Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis. Ability to access and produce information from a computer. Ability to understand written information. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.