Social Services Worker & Receptionist (8076)

SALVATION ARMY A GEORGIA CORP; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Parental Leave

Job summary

SALVATION ARMY A GEORGIA CORP in Waco, TX is seeking a Full Time Social Services Assistant to provide direct client services and coordinate charitable programs. The role includes interviewing clients, determining eligibility, and helping with food, housing, clothing, and financial assistance.

The position also involves maintaining client records, coordinating with community agencies, handling donations, and supporting the food pantry operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years experience in social/public service preferred.
• Ability to interview clients and document information accurately.
• Strong customer service and clerical skills.

Responsibilities

• Provides social service assistance in areas such as food, lodging, clothing, furniture, and financial aid; interviews clients to determine need and eligibility.
• Maintains accurate client records and referrals to community agencies; ensures compliance with program policies.
• Answers phones, greets visitors, and directs inquiries; handles mail and donations for the pantry and program.
• Prepares and files vouchers, coordinates housing, and assists with transportation and utility assistance as needed.

Skills

Communication

Interviewing

Record keeping

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Location: TX-Waco AC - Waco, TX 76703, Position Type: Full Time Regular, Education Level: High School Diploma/GED, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Social Services

Schedule/Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am to 4:30pm

Key Responsibilities

This position is responsible for:

Provides social service assistance to eligible clients in the following areas: food, lodging, clothing, furniture, and financial assistance; interviews clients to determine need and eligibility to receive services; prepares accurate and complete client records; refers clients to community agencies and maintains effective working relationships with the same; ensures compliance with program policies and procedures; answers the telephone in a courteous manner and directs calls to the appropriate destination; records accurate and complete messages when necessary; receives and receipts deliveries and donations; greets and announces visitors and clients.

• Answers the telephone and transfers calls to the appropriate destination; responds to callers questions and provides accurate information.
• Telephones others to communicate messages; records accurate and complete messages; ensures the timely and accurate distribution of messages through telephone and/or E-mail.
• Records and updates statistical information; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same; records community assistance into databases.
• Receives, greets and announces visitors in a courteous and tactful manner; provides assistance to callers and visitors by answering questions and providing instructions and referrals; screens sales representative soliciting to The Salvation Army.
• Notifies proper individuals when visitors or clients have arrived; ensures that visitors and clients have signed-in.
• Adds/deletes names and extensions to the phone list to ensure the list remains up-to-date on a daily basis; proof reads telephone lists for mistakes before list is printed.
• Sorts and distributes mail; ensures all mail reaches appropriate destination; assists with preparing bulk-mail.
• Prepares and files client records in a timely manner ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date; obtains signatures of clients as needed; reviews and tracks all client records in order to determine if client is active or inactive; maintains confidentiality of client information.
• Completes and submits paperwork to Adult Probation Services; serves as a liaison to parole officers and completes court-ordered paperwork.

Food Pantry and Donations Responsibilities

• Prepares food bags/boxes according to the number of family members; packs food items in boxes and marks boxes accordingly to distribute to clients.
• Receives, inspects and sorts donated food items according to the category and condition.
• Coordinates the retrieval, storage, and distribution of food and commodities for the program.
• Prepares labels for food, packages food.
• Monitors expiration dates on all food in the pantry; discards outdated or damaged food.
• Keeps food pantry organized and well-stocked; lifts and carries items to the appropriate destination for distribution to clients.
• Maintains food pantry area in a neat and orderly manner; cleans floors, tables, and work areas.
• Determines the appropriate amount of food to order for the program; maintains and organizes an adequate inventory of food and supplies for the Food Program; ensures the supply meets the needs of the program; informs Corps Officers of supplies needed; prepares records and charts to be used to facilitate/document the distribution of food and supplies to clients.
• Receives and prepares receipts for monetary and non-monetary donations, packages, airline tickets, express mail and items delivered to the lobby; notifies proper individuals of item arrival by telephone and/or E-mail.

Social Services Responsibilities

• Greets and interviews clients requesting assistance to determine client's eligibility for assistance based on program guidelines and restrictions; records clients disposition and other pertinent information such as income, expenses, family and work history; assists clients in completing applications for assistance; photocopies social security cards, picture identification cards, payroll statements, utility bills, etc.
• Prepares, completes and processes food, clothing and furniture vouchers for eligible clients; directs clients to Family Store or Food Pantry for assistance.
• Locates and arranges temporary housing for eligible clients; contacts local lodges, homeless shelters, motels, churches, etc. for lodging.
• Processes rent and utility financial assistance for eligible clients; contacts utility organizations and landlords to arrange and process financial assistance.
• Assists eligible clients needing transportation assistance based on medical or relocation needs; arranges transportation through bus-line and contacts family members, friends, churches for assistance.
• Provides funeral and burial assistance for clients; contacts funeral home and cemetery to make arrangements; contacts county courthouse and local agencies to determine available funds.
• Serves as liaison to other agencies in order to obtain/coordinate assistance on client's behalf; builds and maintains professional working relationships with community agencies.

Other Responsibilities

• Prepares copies and maintains balances ensuring the accurate and timely accountability of funds; prepares and records checks for utility companies.
• Drives to the bank or post office as needed.
• Performs related work for special and seasonal projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Materials and Equipment

• Personal Computer General Office Equipment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of effective and efficient methods for organizing and maintaining records and ability to perform the same.
• Knowledge of social service practices and principles.
• Skill in Microsoft Word and Excel applications with the ability to effectively create and maintain Spreadsheets.
• Ability to interview clients in order to evaluate and serve their needs.
• Ability to determine client eligibility for program assistance based on specific program guidelines and restrictions.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with the public and community agencies.
• Ability to prepare accurate and complete client records, reports and statistics.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of people and remain sensitive to their concerns.
• Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to meet attendance requirements.
• Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to type and keypunch information into a computer.
• Ability to sort and file documents alphabetically and numerically.
• Ability to operate various general office equipment including a telephone, computer and adding machine.
• Ability to perform continuous walking, stooping, standing, and climbing while functioning in the food pantry capacity.
• Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.
• Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light to moderately heavy objects (less than 50 lbs.) frequently.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.
• Work may require driving a vehicle where there may be discomforts associated with heavy traffic or changes in weather.

Employee Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Affordable Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance Available
• Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Employer Paid Basic Term Life Insurance
• Employer Paid Short-Term Disability
• Employer Paid Parental Leave
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance Plans and more!

Qualifications: WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOU

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.,
• Two years experience working in a social or public service environment with experience assisting the public,
• any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certifications:

• Valid State Drivers License

Equal Opportunity Employer: Veterans | Disabled