Emergency Assistance Worker

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

The Salvation Army Blue Island Worship & Community Center

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Emergency Assistance Worker

LOCATION/DEPT: The Salvation Army Blue Island Worship & Community Center

REPORTS TO (TITLE): Corps Officer(s)

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

OUTCOMES

Interviews and assists persons, who come to the Corps requesting emergency and/or temporary financial assistance. Provides assessment and develops service plans to address current or future needs. May provide material assistance based on available resources. Provides information and referral for additional or more appropriate services to meet the unmet needs of individuals and families served through the Emergency Assistance Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Client Services

1. Interview persons, requesting assistance, to assess their needs. Obtains background information from the client and makes assessment.
2. Develop a service plan with the individual or family to identify service needs and goals. Collaborates with area agencies involved with clients in implementing service plans.
3. Grants material assistance based upon need and as a part of a total service plan. Verifies eligibility. Documents income, expenses, and family size.
4. Distributes in-kind or financial aid according to Emergency Assistance Program Policies & Procedures Manual, (i.e. clothing, food, household furnishings, vouchers for rent/utilities, etc.).
5. Distributes utility assistance, according to established "Share the Warmth," "Sharing" and other existing program policies.
6. Supports the Corps Officer in the execution of our Christmas Angel tree program. Assist in the application process and other distribution of seasonal Christmas assistance, according to the Corps Seasonal Assistance Program Policy & Procedures (i.e. Applications, Coat Vouchers, Christmas baskets, Angel Tree Program).
7. Makes referrals, based upon need and as a part of the total service plan. Makes specific arrangements for clients to apply for additional resources, when appropriate. Refers individuals/families to:
   

• Other area agencies/services
• Homeless Shelters, etc.
• Other corps services (i.e. Head Start, etc.)
• Other Salvation Army services for longer-term help (i.e. Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge, Family & Community Services, Harbor Light Center, etc.)
  

Build relationships with our partners, organizations, businesses, and potential friends. Keep an updated list of local resources which is available at the Front Desk. Maintains concise comprehensive written case records on all clients requesting assistance, including FEMA, utility assistance programs, rental assistance, clothing/coat vouchers, and seasonal Christmas assistance. Consistently updates the interviewer's notes on the client database. The interviewer's notes include assessment, service plan, assistance given, and referrals made. Oversee the Food Pantry Program. Receive required or proper training for Salvation Army social services programs. (ie: GCFD training, DHQ/THQ Social Services Workshops, and others as assigned). Actively search and write grants that could benefit TSA.

Record Keeping

1. Create and update client files and input data into the SIMS database.
2. Maintain all necessary statistics and data with on-time monthly submission of statistics to Corps Officer(s).
3. Complete required reports and submit them on a timely basis.
   

Community Relations

1. Maintains an updated community resource file of area services and maintains positive relationships with frequently used service providers. Have numbers, emails, and other contact information neatly on the desk at fingertips reach, and available to front desk receptionist.
2. Attends appropriate social service provider network meetings (i.e. pantry network, Wholefoods, Chick-fil-A, GCFD, Hunger resources, Operation Homefront, etc.).
3. Distributes Emergency Assistance Program Intake Policy to agencies, churches, and schools, and interprets policies and services as needed.
4. Attends emergency service workshops sponsored by various agencies.
5. Food Pantry
6. Secure and supervise volunteers in preparing food bags, shopping, restocking, etc.
7. Intake clients and shop with clients.
8. Keep the area clean and organized. Help with deliveries and restocking.
9. Attend yearly USDA meetings and prepare monthly signature sheet reports.
10. Assist with communication between partners (CEDA, GCFD, etc.)
    

Administration

1. Maintains and processes proper documentation for all FEMA expenditures.
2. Is responsible for the thoroughness and accuracy of daily and monthly Salvation Army casework statistics and additional program statistics, required by funding sources.
3. Meet with the Corps Officer & Office Manager to go over monthly allotment for social services (Clothing voucher, rental assistance, utility assistance, etc.).
4. Organizes time and manages job so that maximum service is given to clients and job performance meets corps quantitative standards.
   

Other Duties

1. Provide assistance, as needed, with Community events, Special events, Angel Tree, and Red Kettle Campaign. Find ways to connect clients to corps programs.
2. All other duties as assigned.
   

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Corps Officer(s) and the office manager in the absence of the Corps Officers.

The Emergency Assistance Worker has the responsibility to:

1. Regularly attend consultation with the assigned Family Services social worker.
2. Engage in regularly scheduled group case consultations.
3. Comply with the Divisional Certification and Training Program.
4. Abide by the current covenant established between the Corps and Family Services in addressing the needs of the individual Emergency Assistance Worker.
   

In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a High School degree or its equivalent.
• Participation in continued training and educational programming in order to enhance job competencies and to meet Certification requirements.
• Additional training (AS/AA or BA/BS social work, sociology, or human services) is helpful.
• Administrative and bookkeeping experience with a background in a computer-based work environment.
• Bilingual in English & Spanish
  

COMPETENCIES:

• Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Cultural sensitivity with an interest in providing direct services to persons of various ethnic, racial, religious, and social backgrounds.
• Friendly with excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, using diplomacy and good judgment.
• A love for and desire to serve others, especially disenfranchised individuals, families, and the local community through the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Integrity with the ability to work with confidential material.
• Relationship skills (heart of helping process).
• Problem-solving skills including Assessment, Service Planning, Material Assistance, Resource Development and Networking, Referral and Linkage, Follow-up, and Documentation.
• Time management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and use initiative.
• Capacity to collaborate with Corps, Family & Community Services, and Emergency Disaster Services.
  

POSITION LIMITATIONS

This individual will only commit Army resources that have not been allocated or approved.

This individual will keep the Corps Officer(s) informed on all critical issues relating to her/his area of responsibility.

This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low to medium noise level.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact, and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

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