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
- Perform other duties, as assigned by the Corps Administrators
- Regularly attend consultation with the assigned City Mission Regional Social Work Manager
- Engage in regularly scheduled group case consultation
- Comply with the Divisional Caseworker Certification Program
- Provide supervision of community volunteers on specific service projects (i.e., preparation of Christmas baskets, organization of food pantry, etc.) in some circumstances
- Act as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission in interactions with a wide range of contacts, both within and outside the organization
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of two years of relevant experience in social services, emergency assistance, community outreach, food pantry operations, volunteer coordination, nonprofit services, or related work
- Cultural sensitivity with an interest in providing direct services to people 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 through the mission of The Salvation Army, especially disenfranchised individuals, families, and the local community
- Integrity with the ability to work with confidential material
- Relationship skills (heart of helping)
- 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 and Emergency Disaster Services
- A strong commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army
- Ability to lift 25 pounds
- Regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC
Nice to have:
- Associate degree in human services, social work, sociology, or a related field
- Experience using computer-based client records, data tracking, or case management systems
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) with an ability to communicate fluently in Spanish
Important Details
- Schedule: Substantial freedom is given to the Corps Administrators to plan, schedule, and carry out responsibilities within established policies and guidelines by the Division
About the Company
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
