Library Services Assistant Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

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:

The Community Services Program Coordinator is responsible for supporting the current Community Services programs along with creating and delivering a broad range of relevant transformative programming and special events that reflects The Salvation Army's mission and meets the evolving needs of the community. This role fosters meaningful relationships, supports client engagement, and strengthens holistic service delivery. Key areas include program development, food procurement, client and volunteer engagement, team collaboratoin, and outreach initiatives as well as leadership of the annual Christmas Hamper Program.

The work of this position supports the organizational desire to move from transactional distribution services toward relational and transformational ministry. Working collaboratively with the Community Services Manager and leadership ministry team of Guelph Citadel, they will support and strengthen existing Community Services programs while thoughtfully identifying and developing opportunities for new initiatives where a spiritual focus can be meaningfully integrated, allowing The Salvation Army's mission and vision to come to life.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

General

• Ensure the ministry objectives are consistently accomplished and that a spiritual focus is applied to all program initiatives.
• Ensure that all duties are completed in accordance with the principles, standards, policies, and procedures of The Salvation Army.
• Assist the Community Services Manager with ongoing strategic planning to ensure programming reflects client needs as these may evolve; monitor and evaluate program delivery and outcomes; assess community needs and review client feedback to determine potential alternate programing and develop a strategy for the implementation of such programs.
• Work with the Community Services Manager to ensure that programs (including program reviews, inspections, and audits) meet contractual, legal, and internal requirements.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures as it relates to external funders.

Program Delivery, Development and Supports

• With the oversight of the Community Services Manager, support, strengthen, and evaluate current programming, while researching, planning, developing, and delivering creative, innovative, and responsive programs that address community needs and strengths.
• All programming is to be relationally focused, support transformational change, and support the social, emotion, and spiritual needs of participants. i.e., may include, Red Cap, Anger Management, EAL (Love New Canadians), Alpha, Life Skills classes, etc.
• Provides oversight for both transformational programs and essential transactional services such as food support and basic needs assistance.
• Create a safe space for clients and their families where they can explore their practical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Through conversation and prayer, shares the hope and love of Jesus in a manner that supports and respects the faith journey of our clients and their families.
• Ensure a spiritual dynamic, and focus, in all programming, including facilitated access for clients to pastoral services and other church-based programs.
• Work with other CS and ministry staff to maintain, promote, and improve the profile of TSA Guelph Citadel and CS programs within the community; actively promote the Guelph Citadel and CS programs to clients.
• Help strengthen integration between the Corps and Community Services by identifying and coordinating shared program opportunities (e.g., the Loft Library) that meet both church and community needs.
• Cultivate a community of practice with internal staff and external partners.
• Network with referral agencies and/or other community sources as required. Refer clients to other community resources where appropriate.
• Actively promote a positive environment across all programs, ensuring all individuals (volunteers and participants) are treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Collaborate with Community Services Manager and staff to implement programs.

Seasonal / Special & Food Bank Programs

• In consultation with the Community Services Manager, organize, plan, and assist in the delivery of special programs such as Christmas Assistance, Food Drives, summer camps, Backpack, and other Community Services programs as required.
• Assist with the collection, transport, unloading, organizing, and movement of food donations or supplies.
• Participate in community partnerships to enhance food security and access for clients.
• Participate in planning and evaluation of food-related programs to align with client and community needs.
• Communicate with suppliers to coordinate food donations, deliveries, and special requests.
• With the support of the Community Services Manager, lead the planning, preparation, and execution of the client intake/registrations; volunteer scheduling, logistics, and distribution of the annual Christmas Hamper Program.
• Liaise with donors and community partners; maintain confidentiality and client care.
• Track program data and contribute to future planning.
• Assist with the collection, transport, unloading, unpacking, moving, lifting, organizing, setting up, and organizing of program and food donations or supplies.
• Participate in community partnerships to enhance food security and access for clients.
• Participate in planning and evaluation of food-related programs to align with client and community needs.
• Communicate with suppliers to coordinate food donations, deliveries, and special requests.

Volunteers

• Assist the Community Services Manager, recruit, orientate, support, and train CS program volunteers.
• Demonstrate work methods, provide supervision and logistical guidance, and ensure that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.

Administration

• Create and assist in presentations promoting volunteer opportunities to businesses, schools and the general public as required.
• Maintain accurate data in a timely manner such as written records, logs/reports of activities, operational reports, statistical reports, in an organized manner; client information on The Salvation Army's computer system while maintaining confidentiality and providing statistical reports.
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with Operating Policy and applicable legislation.

Health and Safety

• Monitor safety practices in compliance with health and safety standards, and prepare, submit, and act on incident reports; provide calm intervention as required ensuring the safety of everyone.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
• Identify and report promptly on any safety hazards, property, vehicle and facility maintenance needs/problems, equipment, or supply issues/needs to the Community Services Manager.

Property and Facilities Support

• Assist with the physical upkeep, organization, and basic maintenance of Community Services facilities and vehicles as part of daily operations.
• Identify and promptly report property, vehicle, and facility maintenance needs, safety hazards, or supply issues to the Community Services Manager.
• Call and arrange for minor vehicle servicing, building maintenance, or supply replenishment as directed.
• Support the cleanliness and readiness of service areas to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for clients, staff, and volunteers.
• Perform other related duties as required.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Internal:

• Corps Officer, Community Services Manager, staff, and volunteers
• Required to participate in staff and leadership team meetings.
• May offer logistical and operational support to staff members.
• Collaborate and provide input to the Community Relations Coordinator related to the development and distribution of promotional materials for programs and events.
• Participate in regular staff meetings to review operational effectiveness, to update on changes in policies and procedures, and to engage in in-service training opportunities.

External:

• Liaise and network with community leaders and social agencies, and community partners.
• Represent The Salvation Army in the community at outreach events, partnerships, and inter-agency and other social service agency community groups and presentations when appropriate.

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position reports directly to the Community Services Manager.
• Direct reports for this position: there are no direct reports for this position.
• This role is that of an independent worker and part of a team; generally, works alongside with those supervised.
• Assist the Community Service Manager in providing in-scope supervision, direction and advice to up to 10 volunteers, which may fluctuate from day to day and week to week within established guidelines and operational needs.
• Assist the Community Service Manager to coordinate internal program volunteer meetings as required.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Has responsibility for the wise use of his/her own resources; oversees materials management such as donations/product flow and distribution of same.
• The incumbent may provide input into the program portion of the annual budget.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a regular full-time position based on 35 hours per week.
• The performance of this job requires the ability to lift/move 30 lbs. with no assistance from others, reach, bend, twist, and stoop frequently, work in a standing or sitting position for long periods, and computer keyboarding.
• May be exposed to disagreeable people including the occasional angry and/or abusive client/public, working with people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
• Some local travel up to 10% of the time is associated with this position for meetings etc.

Normal hours of work: The supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule as per operational requirements Monday to Friday. Flexibility in scheduling is required; some weekend and evening work may be required.

PLEASE NOTE: it will require greater scheduling flexibility during the months of November and December due to seasonal programming.

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, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college diploma program of 2 academic years, preferably in a human services field, i.e., Social Services Worker, Community Development/Engagement.
• Ability and/or willingness to provide or obtain a Safe Food Handlers Certification.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver's license, own vehicle and insurance is required.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• A minimum of three (3) years of prior related experience in a wide range of social service programs, i.e., community outreach and missions.
• At least one (1) year of previous experience with broader community engagement (such as events and communications.)
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering community-based programs that respond to the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations, with an emphasis on empowerment, inclusion, and long-term impact.
• Proficient in a computerized environment; must have strong skills using Microsoft Office Suite, Canva and the use of social media.
• Experience in volunteer supervision/coordination.
• Experience in planning and managing successful community program initiatives and events in the non-profit sector is preferred.
• Have a keen interest in the social services sector and a desire to see lives transformed.
• Possesses a genuine concern for and interest in the marginalization of society.
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with church members and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Hands-on experience and human services experience working with marginalized individuals is required; a working knowledge of mental health and addiction issues.
• Strong knowledge of community-based resources is required and experience networking with government and social service agencies.

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Ability and willingness to support the mission, vision, and core values of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as it relates to position responsibilities.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive, and supportive relationships with participants, colleagues, volunteers, students, corps members, and community partners.
• Maintain and promote a positive image of The Salvation Army by providing a high caliber of services and dealing with others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Represent The Salvation Army i...