Social Service Coordinator

About This Role

Coordinating social services at The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps is the core of this role, encompassing food pantry operations, emergency assistance, and seasonal programs. The coordinator assesses client needs, provides support, and connects individuals and families with community resources to foster stability and self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily food pantry operations, including stocking, inventory, food distribution, receiving deliveries, and maintaining a clean, organized pantry
• Ensure food pantry operations comply with Northern Illinois Food Bank and FDA guidelines
• Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to train and support food pantry volunteers in distribution procedures and client service
• Assess individuals and families requesting emergency or temporary assistance; verify eligibility and document household income, expenses, family size, and needs
• Provide food, clothing, household items, rent or utility vouchers, seasonal assistance, and other material or financial support in accordance with program policies and available resources
• Develop service plans and connect clients with appropriate community agencies, corps programs, and Salvation Army services for additional or longer-term support
• Assist with fresh-food distributions, food drives, Thanksgiving food baskets, Christmas assistance, toy distribution, and Adopt-A-Family
• Maintain a professional, welcoming environment and positive public relations with clients, volunteers, donors, community partners, and the public
• Maintain an updated community resource file of area services and maintain positive relationships with frequently used service providers
• Attend appropriate social service provider network meetings (i.e., pantry network)
• Distribute Emergency Assistance Program Intake Policy to agencies, churches, and schools, and interpret policies and services as needed
• Attend emergency service workshops sponsored by various agencies
• Represent The Salvation Army in community organizations (e.g., Lazarus House, United Way) and/or civic meetings, expanding influence
• Maintain and process proper documentation for all FEMA expenditures
• Ensure that client records and data management systems (SIMS, TSAMM) are accurately maintained, according to procedure
• Be responsible for the thoroughness and accuracy of daily and monthly Salvation Army casework statistics and additional program statistics, required by funding sources
• Assist in preparing reports and grant proposals to secure funding
• Assist in program budget development and maintain financial accountability through regular monitoring of expenses
• Organize time and manage job so that maximum service is given to clients and job performance meets corps quantitative standards