Resource Specialist - Family Services

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here. Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY: This position provides client-centred care, family support, case management, provides leadership for program initiatives, administrative duties and organizational requirements. ACCOUNTABILITIES: Client-Centred Care /Case Management: Conducts client intake interviews and completes follow-up support with clients as determined. Develops relationships with clients to ensure individual needs are heard and addressed appropriately. Assists client to problem solve their own issues/concerns/crisis. Provides support and referrals while ensuring the client's dignity remains intact. Stays connected to other community agencies ensuring current knowledge is accurate for referrals and resources. Responds to community and client inquiries, provides suggestions/information on appropriate resources and referrals. Works with clients to set goals based on their own identified needs and timelines as appropriate. Works collaboratively with community agencies to meet client needs. 2.Family Support: Hosts family planning meetings, and interagency meetings as requested by families, as well as case conferences to support families in navigating complex issues. Provides comprehensive assessment in collaboration with families. Utilizes a culturally sensitive approach engaging all methods of communication. Provides referrals as approved by families to support, enhance, and address any needs. Assists families in navigating systems and performs advocacy as necessary. Connects families with resources and services that include educational, financial, healthcare, employment, child and youth programs, clinical services, tax services, financial literacy. Supports families involved with legal systems (child and family services, family, justice system, etc.) Empowers parents in their child-rearing initiatives to strengthen parenting. Assists families in obtaining mental health and addiction resources and support when applicable. Assists immigrants and refugees in integrating into a new society including literacy, community, and all relevant supports to foster a sense of belonging. Prepares case plans with client-led goals and monitors client successes accordingly. Engages families in internal programming, resources, and supports. Encourages collaborative engagement with families and their identified supports. Works with community partners and stakeholders to streamline services for client and families. Builds self-efficacy, client self-determination, and strength-based assessments that are culturally relevant and congruent to the values of Salvation Army. Creates and implements family driven, empowerment-based programming to strengthen family systems and mobilize clients towards better outcomes. 3.Program Support: May be required to assist with coordination of donations and supplies. May provide support for other position tasks. May evaluate programs and services for quality improvement. May be required to perform duties of other Community and Family Services positions. 4.Administrative: Enters and maintains data base, client case notes, may extract data from database for statistical purposes. Supports team members in upholding best practices and service to clients and sharing learnings and findings. Completes designated reporting requirements (including month ends, statistics, learning summaries). Completes appropriate paperwork as/when required (incident reports, vacation requests, etc.). Performs administrative tasks (i.e., filing, photocopying, email, etc.) that support program objectives and/or delegated by supervisor. Attends and participates in meetings/events/committees (internal and external) as required. Gathers, shares, and maintains up to date resource information in determined format. Reviews policies, procedures, and program guidelines and provides suggestions for change or improvements. Supports, orients, and trains volunteers and students as required. May show work methods to new employees and/or mentor new employees. May be required to take/prepare meeting minutes. Writes letter of support and/or advocacy for client driven needs. CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT Internal: Community Services (Calgary) employees, volunteers, and students External: Clients, the public, Community agencies MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY: Reports directly to: Family Services Program Manager Direct reports for this position: None FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: Uses or maintains organization assets in accordance with established guidelines. Does not process any financial transactions with no budget responsibilities. Moderate material responsibilities (access to private and confidential information, assistance with coordination of donations and supplies, etc.). WORKING CONDITIONS: Work Schedule - Monday to Friday-12:30-9:00 PM. Works in an office within a community-based center. Meets one-on-one with clients. May be required to utilize de-escalation approaches with irate, irritable, and potentially aggressive clients. May be required to support clients with mental health concerns within a collaborative team as determined by the client. May be required to deliver programming including workshops. May work within the community to meet clients and other resources. The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army's Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Qualifications and Certifications: Completion of a two-year diploma in a related social service or mental health field (i.e., social work, addictions). Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector Search. May require a Child intervention Check. Current Emergency First Aid with Level A or C CPR from an Alberta approved provider. Incumbents with a Social Work diploma or degree must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements At least one year of prior related experience in frontline casework with an emphasis on mental health, homelessness, addictions, or social services. Knowledgeable about and demonstrates understanding of barriers and struggles of low-income families and individuals. Knowledge of concurrent/co-occurring disorders including mental health diagnosis and addictions. Knowledge and understanding of the struggles of newcomers to Calgary. Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, familiarity with databases, as well as keyboarding skills. Well versed in understanding family dynamics and vulnerable populations. Knowledge of the impact of poverty and how it affects families, communities, and society. Skills and Capabilities: Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities. Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures. Effectively builds trusting relationships to work effectively and support clients. Able to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics. Attention to detail and process oriented. Respond appropriately to crisis situations. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Able to effectively communicate with a range of service providers or agencies. Self-motivated, able to work under pressure and manage time effectively, prioritizing work tasks. Able to stay calm in stressful situations. Team player who works collaboratively and makes positive contributions to the team and supports co-workers. Exemplary ability to demonstrate compassion, empathy and understanding. Engages in critical thinking, high level of self-awareness, recognizes bias and approaches clients with an appreciative inquiry. Sophisticated ability to assess risks and vulnerability while finding strengths and protective factors.