Community Ministries Coordinator at The Salvation Army in Canada

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 Ministries Coordinator provides leadership and oversight to a broad range of relevant, holistic, programming and special events developed to meet the needs of the individuals and families served through Lindsay Community Services.

The work of this position supports the organizational desire to move from transactional distribution services toward relational and transformational ministry. Working collaboratively with the leadership of the Lindsay Community Church, they will focus on identifying and creating programs where a spiritual focus can be applied, and The Salvation Army mission and vision can truly come to life.

Accountabilities

Operations and Programming

• Actively develops and maintains community / business contacts, partners, and donors who can assist with the procurement needs of the foodbank.
• Oversee the activities of the food bank - organize and ensure that the food bank is well maintained / adequately stocked, sorts and processes donated goods and assist clients with food selection in the food bank.
• Accept, organize, sort, and distribute perishable and non-perishable food products to the community on established operating days.
• Coordinate the pickup and delivery of community donations. This may include doing the pickups.
• Manage food procurement through various sources.
• Periodically review assistance guidelines with Community Services team.
• In collaboration with the Corps Officer, research, plan, develop, prepare and deliver creative and innovative programming designed to address community needs.
• All programming is to be relationally focused, support transformational change, and support the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of participants. i.e., may include, Red Cap, Anger Management, ESL (Love New Canadians), Alpha, Life Skills classes, Pathway of Hope, etc.
• Create a safe space for clients and their families where they can explore their practical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.
• Through conversation and prayer, share the hope and love of Jesus in a manner that supports and respects the faith journey of our clients and their families.
• Refer clients to the Corps Officer for pastoral assistance as needed.
• 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 staff/volunteers to maintain, promote and improve the profile of TSA Lindsay Community Church and CS programs within the community; actively promote Lindsay Community Church and CS programs to clients.
• Network with referral agencies and/or other community sources as required. Refer clients to other community resources where appropriate.
  
  

Seasonal / Special Programs

• Responsible for the organization, planning and delivery of seasonal and special programs such as Christmas assistance, food drives, backpacks, camping ministries, and other CS programs as required.
  
  

Volunteers

• Recruit, orientate, support, assist, and train food bank volunteers.
• Assist in the development of strategies and recommendations for food bank volunteer development.
• Demonstrate work methods and ensure that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.
• Prepare and distribute monthly food bank volunteer schedules ensuring adequate coverage.
• Monitor the performance of food bank volunteers to ensure high quality services are provided to our clients and other departments.
• Ensure divisional/territorial standards are followed by all volunteers.
  
  

Administration

• In collaboration with the Corps Officer (or designate), responsible for various correspondence, newsletters, and Community Service administrative duties and will assist with the unit’s website and social media.
• Answers phone and greet the public.
• Maintain accurate data in a timely and organized manner, which includes operational reports, statistical reports, and client participation waivers / agreements as required.
• Maintain the volunteer database for all Lindsay Community Services volunteers, as well as any required paperwork in keeping with Salvation Army policies and procedures; ensure that background checks, driver’s abstracts, and the required organizational training are up to date.
• Create and assist in presentations promoting volunteer opportunities to businesses.
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with Operating Policy and applicable legislation.
  
  

Health and Safety

• Ensure that the food bank areas are maintained regarding appearance, condition and safety as recommended by Public Health.
• Assist in the maintenance of other Community Service areas.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain CS equipment, and ensure inventory is up to date.
• Ensure pest control is in place as needed for the food bank areas
• Ensure the cleanliness of the program vehicle, and report maintenance issues to the Corps Officer; maintain a mileage log for the program vehicle.
• Maintain accurate records of refrigerator and freezer temperatures; report any issues to the supervisor.
  
  

Critical Relationship Management

Perform other related duties as required.

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Internal

• Corps Offices, staff, and volunteers
• Participate in regular staff meetings to ensure strong communication, to review operational effectiveness, to update on changes in policies and procedures, and to engage in in-service training opportunities.
  
  

External

• Engage with clients within the foodbank context.
• Engage with current and potential donors with the goal of strengthening community awareness and increasing opportunities for food bank donation procurement.
  
  

Managerial/Technical Responsibilities

• Reports directly to: Corps Officer or designate.
• Direct reports for this position: there are no direct reports for this position.
• Provide supervision and advice to new staff, students and up to 20 food bank volunteers, which may fluctuate from day to day and week to week within established guidelines and operational requirements.
• Represent The Salvation Army at community meetings on behalf of Ministry Unit as directed by the Corps Officer or designate.
  
  

Financial And Material Management

• Ensure that TSA financial policies and procedures are followed for the safe/secure handling of any CS monetary donations.
• Oversee food bank materials management such as donations/product flow and distribution of same.
• Involved in financial matters, has responsibility for the wise use of his/her own resources. The incumbent provides input into the annual budget.
• Ensure that food purchasing is minimized as much as possible. When necessary, purchase food for the food bank after consulting with the Corps Officer and reviewing the budget.
  
  

Working Conditions

• This is a regular full-time position based on 35 hours per week.
• The performance of the job requires the ability to lift/move 30 lbs., reach, bend, twist, and stoop frequently, work in a standing or sitting position for long periods, un-packing delivery vehicles, and computer keyboarding.
• Exposure to scents and fumes.
• 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 travel up to 10% will be required and may include travel to meetings outside the immediate area. Required to use a program vehicle when available.
  
  

Normal hours of work: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break. Flexibility in scheduling is required as some weekend and evening work may be required.

Education, Experience And Qualifications

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a two (2) year Community College Diploma in a human service field, i.e., Social Services Worker, Community Services Worker, Child, and Youth Worker.
• A University Degree in a relevant field of study would be a definite asset, i.e., Bachelor of Social Work, or Bachelor of Arts in a social services field such as Psychology, Sociology etc.
• Completion of a Volunteer Management Certificate would be an asset.
• Ability and willingness to provide or obtain valid Safe Food Handlers, First Aid/CPR and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certifications.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance, provide a driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
  
  

Experience And Knowledge Requirements

• A minimum of three (2) 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.)
• Proficient in a computerized environment; must have strong skills using Microsoft Office Suite 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.
• Possess 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.
  
  

Skills And Capabilities

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• 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 in a professional, positive, and engaging manner.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of populations served, awareness, and understanding of client’s needs, problems, interests, skills, deficiencies, and idiosyncrasies. Respect and work effectively with individuals of diverse cultures, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public, government, business leaders and professionals.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be reliable and operate in an environment of accountability.
• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• High standards of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics; the ability to use sound judgment when making decisions and the ability to model the values of The Salvation Army.
• Lead by example, by demonstrating a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible.
• Exhibit empathetic listening skills, have excellent oral/written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness 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 Background Check screening.
  
  

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $39,739.02 to $49,673.78 with a maximum of $59,608.54.

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 [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.