Social Services Specialist

Job Title

To provide holistic, wrap-around services to individuals and families in need through a variety of services including, but not limited to financial assistance, daily hot meals, groceries through our food pantries, Christmas outreach programs, and Camp NEOSA.

Responsibilities

Help provide emergency assistance to families and individuals according to established policies and procedures

Enter and update, in a timely manner, data to the TSA Social Services database and The University of Akron – SA Support Specialist monthly services rendered demographics/data sheet.

Develop a thorough understanding of community needs and resources and collaborate with other social service agencies in the community.

Interview clients for utility assistance, process and complete all paperwork including statistics.

Backup coverage – Front Desk, Pantry and Community Meal Kitchen, as needed.

Assist in the operation of day-to-day activities and special events including, but not limited to, Sheetz Party, Christmas, Red Shield Pantry, all university food distributions and Community Info Fairs.

Recruit and assist with registering and preparing children for Camp NEOSA.

Adhere to TSA budget for financial assistance.

Assess UA students' needs to maintain student enrollment.

Tend to the ZipAssist campus food pantry/snacks based on items available.

Provide community referrals to meet the UA students' needs.

Attend any student informed UA campus meetings to enhance collaboration with UA and TSA.

Maintain up to date, confidential, and accurate paperwork on all clients as required.

Prepare monthly statistics and be aware of the number of clients served in various Social Service Program areas.

Attend all full staff meetings, department meetings and trainings and any other assigned by supervisor.

Ability to identify and refer crisis situations to the Social Services Ministries Coordinator

Assist in training student interns, work-study participants, senior workers, community service workers and volunteers.

All other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Social Services Ministries Coordinator or Area Coordinators.

Uphold and represent The Salvation Army in the highest esteem.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

• One year experience in a social services context or equivalent education
• Associate's degree or higher in Social Services or a social science field.
• Proficiency of Word and Excel.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations quickly

Special Skills, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must have a valid Ohio driver's license with insurance.
• Be open to driving box truck
• Be physically able to lift heavy at least 30 pounds
• Be able to work in a team environment.
• Helpful to have training in communication and behavioral skill management

The Salvation Army, while not a formal member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), adheres to a Code of Ethics that aligns with many core social work values and principles. Their code emphasizes respecting the dignity and worth of individuals, promoting well-being, and acting with integrity. They also prioritize self-determination, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity in their services.

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.

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Acceptable job performance includes the completion of the job responsibilities as well as compliance with the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of The Salvation Army.

The employee occupies a position of trust and is expected to maintain confidentiality and exhibit loyalty to The Salvation Army and the staff of The Salvation Army in all job related matters and activities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.