Community Ministries and Pathway of Hope Case Worker

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

The Community Ministries Worker/POH Caseworker provides a high impact case management approach that focuses on identifying and addressing root causes for individuals and families living in poverty. Utilizing a strengths-based approach to interview, assesses, and formulates a plan of action to assist families in moving from crisis to stability through a collaborative approach in which ministry units partner as stakeholders in serving the community. This position provides casework services to individuals and families through the Pathway of Hope (POH) approach. This role supports both the Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, provides emergency assistance, contributes to the maintenance and organization of these services, and handles transportation needs.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

General Duties – 40%:

• Consistently demonstrates empathy and concern for clients and their families.
• Provides emergency food hampers to clients as directed by the Food Bank Supervisor.
• In the absence of the Food Bank Supervisor, supervises volunteers across various areas (including orientation, training, evaluation, and discipline) using the SalesForce system.
• Conducts initial intake assessments following standardized procedures to determine immediate needs and support required for clients, including evaluating client/family protection issues; enters information into L2F.
• Provides emergency assistance services such as housing, shelter, food, and clothing, in accordance with organizational policy and procedures, makes referrals.
• Maintains confidentiality, accurate client files and statistical records through data entry into the L2F system.
• Receives, declines, and sorts/organizes non-monetary donations or purchased products following standard procedures.
• Accepts monetary donations from the public.
• Ensures safe handling of hazardous materials and arranges for the disposal of unusable items in accordance with policy.
• Continuing Education – completing all required courses in a timely fashion, constant upgrading of first-aid, health and safety, in accordance with MU standards and training.
• Communicates effectively with supervisors, keeps supervisors informed about progress, challenges, and any necessary support needed.
• Align individual tasks with broader company goals and show awareness of long-term objectives.
• Learns and maintains Health & Safety, Food Safety practices; measures, creates safety routes and ensures all volunteers know them.

POH Duties – 30%

Ministry Unit Coordination:

• Serves as the primary caseworker and key contact for Pathway of Hope in Oceanside region
• Works with each ministry unit department to form a local Pathway of Hope team including Officers, employees, congregation members, volunteers, and community partners, to work with participants from a holistic perspective
• Provides client intake and assessment to Pathway of Hope participant referral and enrollment processes.
• Works with the Pathway of Hope participant and ministry unit teams to coordinate goal setting and action plans.
• Connects with each ministry unit location (via phone, web conference, or in-person) to coordinate community linkages, referrals and enrollment processes, and any reporting requirements.
• Facilitates ministry unit access to the services of the THQ Pathway of Hope team including case consultation and technical assistance, training and development, and evaluation and reporting.
• Ensures program policies and procedures are followed to maintain integrity, accountability and program outcome measurements.
• Attends and participates in training and meetings as required by the Ministry Unit, Divisional and Territorial Headquarters.
• Ensures consistent communication by participating in regular meetings and conference calls with Pathway of Hope teams, divisional personnel, and the THQ Pathway of Hope team.
• Connects regularly with the Officers to provide progress reports and request any necessary support.
• Connects with the THQ Pathway of Hope Regional Coordinator (virtually or in-person) at least monthly to discuss participant progress and team functioning.
• Collaborates with the THQ Pathway of Hope Regional Coordinator to promote and organize training opportunities.
• Enrolls and accompanies children to summer camps.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Direct Case Management Services:

• Engages and builds rapport with the target population.
• Maintains a caseload of 6-12 participant files.
• Performs all aspects of the case management process using the Pathway of Hope framework (pre-screening, intake, assessment, goal planning, action, transition, and follow-up).
• Develops goal plans with each participant and schedule regular meetings to review progress and engage in further planning.
• Completes initial and ongoing assessments with each participant.
• Effectively maintains records to accurately reflect services rendered using all appropriate forms, including detailed case notes for every interaction.
• Ensures confidentiality is maintained in accordance with Operating Policy and applicable legislation.
• Conducts/arranges home visits, as needed.
• Provides information and referral services, as needed, including to ineligible participants.
• Assists participants in making linkages and accessing community resources; offer/arrange accompaniment services as appropriate.

Community Networking and Partnerships:

• Networks with other service providers and maintain relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services for participants.
• Attends agency and community meetings as needed.

Food Bank Specific – 15%:

• Oversees the general operation of the Food Bank in the absence of the Food Bank Supervisor, ensuring efficient service delivery and minimal wastage.
• Assists in the organization, maintenance, and general cleanliness of the Food Bank.
• Manages food supplies, including ordering and monitoring, to ensure the security of these  supplies and related equipment.
• In shortage of volunteers does hamper packing, shelf stocking, food vetting, date sorting, driving, loading, unloading, etc.
• Adapts work practices to ensure efficient delivery of food services.
• Acts as a backup supervisor of the Food Bank from December 1 to April 1, during vacation, meetings, etc. and as needed.
• Shipping and receiving – must be able to make decisions on the move at times, coordinating with other departments within the MU, i.e. soup kitchen, thrift stores, admin.
• Liaisons with other organizations – food drives, community stores, churches, farmers picking up farm food.

Maintenance And Troubleshooting – 15%:

• Implements preventative maintenance procedures for related equipment, recommends, and performs minor repairs (program vehicles, faucets, toilets, and light fixtures).
• Maintains fleet management – oil changes, repairs, regular vehicle maintenance, paperwork involving vehicles, vehicle cleanliness.
• Conducts minor troubleshooting of building systems.
• Coordinates and observes the quality of workmanship of outside contractors and/or maintenance personnel.
• Assists in various capacities as directed by supervisors.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to evolving community needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Hours: 28 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

  The incumbent’s work environment is typically in a community ministries office, at a food bank, or in a warehouse.
• The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions:
  • Exposure to dirt and fumes etc. of the warehouse/loading dock
  • Work-related stress
  • Dealing with angry and abusive people, difficult clients with low barriers,
  • Work with people with disabilities, drug addicts, homelessness.
  • The incumbent may have little to no travel required.
  • The job incumbent may be exposed to the risk of minor harm, injury or illness due to:
    • Physical attacks by others (and verbal) (e.g. Disgruntled clients acting out physically or verbally)
    • Exposure to infectious diseases
    • Moving objects
    • Sharp objects
• The incumbent must take the following precautionary measures (in addition to health and safety rules):
  • Universal Precautions
  • Non-violent crisis intervention training
  • Food Safe Training
  • Take Protective Barriers
  • The incumbent works in a fast-paced environment

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• The successful job applicant will have completed University/College, plus experience of a minimum of six (6) months in social work-related field.
• Food Safe Training.
• Current Certification in First Aid/CPR.
• Non-violent crisis intervention training – capable of intervening in physical confrontations and maintaining a safe environment for staff, volunteers and clients.
• Strong computer skills, strong organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills.

NOTE:  An alternative level of education and experience may be acceptable.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Regulations and The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required, including Child Check (if appropriate).
• Desire to reflect the mission, values, and standards of The Salvation Army at all times.
• Attentive listening (supervision, counselling, conflict resolution, etc.), compassion, good communication skills and a desire to work with people.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: don't just report issues—bring potential solutions and show initiative.
• Physically able to assist in loading/unloading donations from the truck/van and lifting/moving equipment of up to 20 pounds.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $21.83 to $27.29 with a maximum of $32.75.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.