Social Services Assistant (TEMPORARY)-SC- Oxnard/Port Hueneme Corps.

Mission Statement

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.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the food pantry and supporting community needs through additional social services. Duties include, but are not limited to: answering phones, assisting office walk-ins, providing food assistance, emergency referrals, utility and rental assistance when funds are available, offering resources and referrals, and managing volunteers. The position also assists with special campaigns and appeals such as Christmas, Back-to-School, Thanksgiving, Angel Tree, and other seasonal efforts.

Essential Functions

Food Pantry/Donations:

• Coordinate all aspects of the food pantry, including set up, distribution, and break down for each event.
• Receive, transport, and store food donations; pick up assigned food and in-kind donations from partner sites.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized pantry, refrigerator, freezer, and storage areas.
• Organize, record, and appropriately distribute gifts in kind as they are available. Supervise and coordinate food pantry volunteers to ensure efficient pantry operations.

Client Services/Intake:

• Conduct thorough intake assessments with clients seeking assistance, including eligibility screening for rental and utility support when funds are available.
• Provide food, emergency assistance, resources, and referrals with sensitivity and without discrimination.
• Maintain confidential client files and records in accordance with The Salvation Army standards and HIPAA regulations (both electronic and written).
• Refer clients to other Salvation Army programs or community agencies as appropriate.
• Administration/Program Support: Assist with data entry for Social Services programs and prepare timely statistical reports as required, including the Monthly NSS form.
• Administer programs in accordance with Salvation Army policy and procedures, maintaining appropriate relationships and boundaries with associates, guests, members, volunteers, partners, and vendors.
• Exhibit practical knowledge of programs and their relevance to the needs of the community.
• Make copies and complete other administrative paperwork as needed.
• Attend Salvation Army meetings/trainings and participate in inter-agency provider meetings as directed.
• Assist with preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the Social Services budget.
• Support Corps Officers with program setup, seasonal events, and campaigns including Christmas, Thanksgiving, Back-to-School, Angel Tree, and other efforts.
• Assist with minor facility and property needs as directed.
• Perform other assignments or duties as directed to support the overall mission of The Salvation Army in Oxnard

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend squat climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to be able to lift to 25lbs. Ability to grasp, push, and pull objects such as file cabinet drawers and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrate an understanding of The Salvation Army mission are required for this position.
• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent with some college course work in social services or experience in a social service setting.
• Ability to engage and diffuse crisis situations.
• Must have data management and reporting skills.
• Meet all health and safety regulations as defined by the Health Department as well as The Salvation Army.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Must be in good physical health and mental health, capable of meeting the demand of the position.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test and clean MVR check (if applicable).
• If working in vicinity of children a criminal background check is required with certification for Protect the Mission policies and procedures.
• Able to function in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment.
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess good interpersonal and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective and professional working relationships with leadership, coworkers, clients and community.
• Ability to analyze problems and reach acceptable and workable solutions.
• Knowledge of standardized but moderately complex procedures and operations.