Community Services Program Coordinator

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 Services Program Coordinator provides leadership and oversight into a broad range of relevant, holistic, programming and special events developed to meet the needs of the individuals and families served through the Whitby Community Church and Community Services. 

The work of this position supports the organizational desire to move from transactional distribution services toward relational and transformational ministry.  Working collaboratively with the leadership of TSA Whitby Community Church, they will focus on identifying and creating programs where a spiritual focus can be applied, and The Salvation Army mission and vision can truly be fulfilled.

Accountabilities:

• Programs
• In collaboration with the Corps Officers, research, plan, develop, prepare and deliver creative and innovative programming designed to address community needs. 
• All programming is to be relationally focused, support transformational change, and support the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of participants. (i.e. Red Cap, Anger Management, ESL (Love New Canadians), Alpha, Life Skills classes, outreach events, etc.) 
• Conduct interviews and client assessments in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies, procedures, and best practices.  
• Create a safe and welcoming space for clients and their families where they can explore their practical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.
• Through conversation and prayer, share the hope and love of Jesus in a manner that supports and respects the faith journey of our clients and their families. 
• Ensure a spiritual dynamic, and focus, in all programming, including facilitated access for clients to pastoral services, the Pathway of Hope, and other church-based programs.
• Work with other CS staff to maintain, promote and improve the profile of TSA Whitby Community Church and CS programs within the community; actively promote TSA Whitby Community Church and CS programs to clients.   
• Network with referral agencies and/or other community sources as required. Refer clients to other community resources where appropriate.
• Assist with food bank operations, ensuring client interviews are fulfilled in a timely and supportive fashion, and immediate needs are met.

•  Seasonal / Special Programs
• In consultation with the Corps Officers, organize, plan, and assist in the delivery of special programs such as Christmas Assistance, summer camps and other Community Services programs as required.

• Volunteers
• Orient, support, assist, and train CS program volunteers. 
• Demonstrate work methods and ensure that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army. 
• Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure divisional/territorial standards are followed by all volunteers.
• Submit monthly volunteer stats to the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Assist the Volunteer Coordinator in an annual volunteer appreciation event.

• Administration
• Work with the Administrative Coordinator to ensure programs and events are well advertised in various ways (Social media/website/church promotional material and announcements)
• Maintain accurate data in a timely and organized manner, which includes operational reports, statistical reports, and client participation waivers / agreements as required. 
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with Operating Policy and applicable legislation. 

•  Health and Safety
• Ensure that the Community Services areas are maintained regarding appearance, condition and safety as recommended by Public Health.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as required.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Ensure that TSA financial policies and procedures are followed for the safe/secure handling of any CS monetary donations.
• Ensure the accurate documentation of gift cards and various vouchers is maintained (as per SA operational policy).
• Involved in minor financial matters, has responsibility for the wise use of his/her own resources.  The incumbent may have input into the program portion of the annual budget.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a regular full-time position based on 40 hours per week.
• The performance of the job requires the ability to lift/move 30 lbs. with no assistance from others.  The person is required to reach, bend, twist, and stoop frequently, work in a standing or sitting position for long periods, and computer keyboarding.
• May be exposed to disagreeable people including the occasional angry and/or abusive client/public, working with people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
• Some travel up to 10% of the time is associated with this position; required to use a program vehicle when available.

Normal hours of work: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break.   Flexibility in scheduling is required as some weekend and evening work will be required, dependent on programming and seasonal events.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college diploma program for 2 academic years, preferably in a human services field, i.e., Social Services Worker.      
• Ability and/or willingness to provide or obtain a Safe Food Handlers Certification. 
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance, provide a driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• A minimum of three (3) years of prior related experience in a wide range of social service programs, i.e. community outreach and missions. 
• At least one (1) year of previous experience with broader community engagement (such as events and communications).
• Proficient in a computerized environment; must have strong skills using Microsoft Office Suite and the use of social media.
• Experience in volunteer supervision/coordination.
• Experience in planning and managing successful community program initiatives and events in the non-profit sector is preferred.
• Have a keen interest in the social services sector and a desire to see lives transformed.
• Possess a genuine concern for and interest in the marginalization of society.
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with church members and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Hands-on experience and human services experience working with marginalized individuals is required; a working knowledge of mental health and addiction issues.
• Strong knowledge of community-based resources is required and experience networking with government and social service agencies.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Ability and willingness to support the mission, vision and core values of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as it relates to position responsibilities.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive and supportive relationships with participants, colleagues, volunteers, students, corps members, and community partners.
• Maintain and promote a positive image of The Salvation Army by providing a high caliber of services and dealing with others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Represent The Salvation Army in a professional, positive, and engaging manner.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of populations served, awareness, and understanding of client’s needs, problems, interests, skills, deficiencies, and idiosyncrasies. Respect and work effectively with individuals of diverse cultures, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds. 
• Ability to deal effectively with the public, government, business leaders and professionals.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills. 
• Ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be reliable and operate in an environment of accountability.
• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• High standards of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics; the ability to use sound judgment when making decisions and the ability to model the values of The Salvation Army.
• Lead by example, by demonstrating a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible.
• Exhibit empathetic listening skills, have excellent oral/written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check screening.
• A strong understanding of professional boundaries and the ability to establish/set appropriate boundaries when working with a vulnerable population.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, integrity, and adaptability. 
• Patience and ability to deescalate situations.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $50,897.60 to $63,627.20 with a maximum of $76,356.80.

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.