Receptionist / Social Services Worker (5444)

Job Summary: 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. Performs a variety of clerical and secretarial work necessary for the smooth operation of an assigned office; performs dictation, typing, and filing as a majority of the responsibilities; processes a variety of routine paperwork necessary for office operations; prepares minutes for meetings; files and records information; answers the telephone and provides general information regarding the office operations and/or services; processing incoming/outgoing mail for an assigned area; receives and processes gifts-in-kind.

Essential Functions: This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.

Social Service Worker 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 Lodge kitchen, Thrift Store or Distribution Center for assistance. Provides clients with food from pantry; receives and stocks items donated for the pantry; maintains an itemized account of pantry disbursements and inventory. Processes utility financial assistance for eligible clients; contacts utility organizations to arrange and process financial assistance. 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. Prepares and files client records in a timely manner ensuring all information is accurate and up to date; obtains signatures Reviews and tracks all client records in order to determine if client is active or inactive; maintains confidentiality of client information. Prepares and maintains statistical records on all services provided; compiles and prepares monthly statistical reports; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same. Answers telephone in a courteous and tactful manner; assists clients by providing accurate and complete information regarding the Social Service Program operations and/or services; assists public in locating missing persons. Receives, sorts, collates and distributes mail in an accurate and timely manner; ensures that all mail received is forwarded to the appropriate person and/or destination; collects and prepares outgoing mail. Performs routine filing of a variety of correspondence, forms, cards, records, reports, and documents; maintains and utilizes the bring-up filing system; ensures the files are maintained in an organized and efficient manner. Photocopies and/or shreds a variety of items including correspondence, forms, reports, and documents. Distributes information regarding Salvation Army services, programs, conferences, seminars, etc. in an accurate and timely manner; compiles mailing lists and ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same. Performs various clerical and secretarial support work associated with special projects, seasonal events, and conference and committee meetings; assists in coordinating arrangements and volunteers for the Christmas Kettle Program. Processes invoices for payment; types requisitions and check requests; receives and processes checks to pay bills; maintains appropriate back-up paperwork in files and ensures that payments are made in an accurate and timely manner.

Other Responsibilities: Types and files routine correspondence, documents, lists, reports, etc. on behalf of the Commanding Officer. Receives and processes incoming mail; prepares deposits of funds received in an accurate and timely manner. May serve as Coordinator for a specific program such as senior citizens or food programs; plans and coordinates program arrangements; sets-up program meeting area; ensures clients of program are served effectively. Performs related work for special and seasonal projects. Orders office supplies to ensure the inventory is maintained at a level to meet the needs of the department; orders equipment and any other special items required for the office operations including supplies for the photocopy machine; reviews office supply catalogs for desired items and ensures items are ordered at an economical price when possible. Prepares service requests for office machine and computer repairs. Coordinates arrangements for routine meetings; ensures that meeting rooms are properly set-up and cleaned before and after meetings; prepares food and drink as necessary. Computer Copy Machine Calculator Knowledge of sending/receiving/forwarding email General Knowledge of Microsoft Word Knowledge or general office practices and principles. Knowledge of social service practices and principles. 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. Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.

Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED And two years' experience working in a social or public service environment with experience assisting the public, Or Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certifications/Licenses: None