Program Assistant I Jobs in Whitby, ON (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:

EXPECTATIONS & TASK LIST RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

• Promote a comfortable and safe environment (i.e. the Drop-In center) where street-involved clients feel engaged and involved in healthy activities
• Facilitate orientation for Clients by taking basic, required information, provide any requested information, orient Clients to Drop In regulations and schedules
• Ensure client information is recorded in appropriate places
• Provide access to meals for outreach clients. Provide access to shower, toiletries and towel to outreach clients
• Facilitate commencement of RRTIP for outreach clients
• Assist with supervision of clients
• Perform all necessary Clerical duties for Client documentation, including Drop In Services Forms, computer entries, Log Book entries, toiletries, towel & other required forms.
• Report any safety issues that arise in the Drop-in to the Program Services Coordinator
• Build rapport with clients
• Ensure that all clients who access the Drop-In Centre are aware of Belinda's Place's available services, referring to the appropriate department/staff when necessary
• Provide crisis counseling and one-on-one support/brief intervention, advocacy and case management
• maintain relevant referral sources and pertinent programs that benefit clients and/or contacts within community
• Gather and present program statistics and other pertinent information in monthly and annual reports
• Ensure interactions and transactions, such as donations received are recorded according to policy
• Enforce Agency Rules and Expectations consistently
• Ensure all Taxi Vouchers, Transit Tickets are completed and recorded according to policy
• Provide high-needs (low-functioning) clients with extra individual informal counselling
• Organize clubs and groups within the shelter to increase critical thinking; encouraging clients to get involved within the community and take civic action.
• Make sure that the Drop-In Centre is clean and orderly and that all computers and lights are shut off at the end of every day
• Conduct Drop in Facility Security/Safety and Maintenance Checks on a regular basis according to policy
• Report all physical facility/building problems to Program Services Coordinator
• Promote positive and supportive attitudes toward clients who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• Promote programs and activities that empower clients to work towards their goals
• Act as an advocate and be a positive role model for clients in the community
• Develop effective working relationships and partnerships with community members, representatives of other departments, agencies and co-workers while representing The Salvation Army
• Adhere to standards that are consistent with the values & philosophy of The Salvation Army, Residential Services and the Regional Municipality of York.
• Participate fully and constructively in staff meetings and in service training; ensure adherence to all policies, procedures and employee handbook
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and coworkers of The Salvation Army Sutton Clients Shelter and Belinda's Place.
• As required and is applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to Executive director ; and represent the Organization in a professional manner
• Other duties as assigned

The above responsibilities are to be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army's Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Salvation Army standards of conduct.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• College diploma in Social Sciences field or equivalent experience (minimum)
• Previous experience with people experiencing homelessness as asset (one to three years)
• Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of Women's issues
• Knowledge and understanding of Mental Health/Addictions
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of and a commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity.
• Problem solving skills essential. The responsibilities associated with this position demand a high degree of confidentiality
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (Processing/Desktop, Publishing, Spreadsheet/Graphing, Database computer skills essential)
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Valid Driver's License would be an asset
• Must have good interpersonal/time management skills
• Good knowledge of community resources
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a vulnerable sector check search.

Note: An alternative level of education and experience may be acceptable

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.