Community Ministries Worker Canada
The role of a Community Ministries Worker is crucial in facilitating the organization and operation of food banks and other donation distribution services. This position involves a range of responsibilities aimed at supporting individuals and families in need within the community.
In this post, we will delve into the key responsibilities, required qualifications, experience, skills and preferred capabilities of a Community Ministries Worker while maintaining the original structure and content.
Key Responsibilities:
The Community Ministries Worker is tasked with several key responsibilities essential for the effective functioning of food banks and related services:
- Initial Intake Assessments: Conducting comprehensive initial intake assessments, including evaluation of client/protection issues, to determine the immediate needs and supports required by the clients.
- Emergency Assistance: Providing emergency assistance and other forms of direct service to clients as applicable to the program’s guidelines and objectives.
- Confidentiality and Record Keeping: Maintaining strict confidentiality and ensuring accurate client files and statistical records are kept up-to-date.
- Organization and Maintenance: Assisting in the organization, maintenance and cleanliness of the food bank and family services area to ensure efficient operations.
- Communication and Collaboration: Reporting any problems and working collaboratively with the community ministries supervisor and other staff members to address issues and improve service delivery.
- Safety and Hygiene: Ensuring compliance with safety precautions and hygiene standards, including universal precautions, to safeguard the well-being of clients, volunteers and staff members.
- Building Security: Taking responsibility, when necessary, for ensuring the security of the building and adherence to safety standards at all times.
- Physical Techniques: Using proper lifting, twisting and reaching techniques during job performance to prevent injuries and promote workplace safety.
- Sanitation Standards: Maintaining high standards of sanitation and cleanliness throughout the food bank premises to uphold health and hygiene protocols.
- Personal Hygiene: Demonstrating a commitment to personal hygiene standards to set a positive example for clients and colleagues.
- Workplace Inspections: Participating in monthly workplace inspections to identify and address any safety or operational concerns.
- Team Communication: Communicating clearly and positively with other staff members and volunteers to ensure effective collaboration and service provision.
- Product Knowledge: Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of products, services and market trends relevant to the food bank and related programs.
- Respectful Treatment: Treating all guests, staff members and volunteers with respect and dignity at all times.
- Additional Duties: Performing any other position-related duties as required to support the smooth functioning of the food bank and related services.
Education/Certifications:
The qualifications and education requirements for a Community Ministries Worker include:
- Educational Background: Possession of a Grade 12 or High School diploma, with additional education in the social work or human services field preferred.
- Formal Training: Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of at least one academic year is considered an asset.
- Certifications: Mandatory certifications include Occupational First Aid Level 1, WHMIS Training and Universal Precautions Training, along with completion of online New Hire Health and Safety Courses.
- Additional Training: Willingness to undergo any other training required by contract or The Salvation Army to fulfill the duties of the position effectively.
Experience:
Candidates for the role of Community Ministries Worker should ideally possess:
- Minimum Experience: At least one year of relevant experience in a similar role or within the social services sector.
Required Skills/Knowledge:
The successful candidate should demonstrate the following skills and knowledge:
- Alignment with Values: Willingness to adhere to the Mission, Vision and Values of The Salvation Army in all aspects of the role.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in spoken and written English to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent team and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues and provide support to clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Cultural Competence: Understanding and respect for individuals from diverse social and cultural backgrounds to provide inclusive and sensitive service.
- Computer Literacy: Good computer skills with a working knowledge of MS Office applications to maintain records and perform administrative tasks.
- Independence: Ability to work with minimal supervision while still adhering to organizational policies and procedures.
- Physical Ability: Capable of handling physical demands, including lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds and standing for extended periods.
- Active Listening: Ability to listen attentively and empathetically to clients, volunteers and colleagues and provide clear directions as needed.
Hours and Hiring Requirements:
The position requires full-time hours of 37.5 per week. Successful candidates may be required to undergo background checks, vulnerable sector screenings, provide a clean driver’s abstract and complete specified health and safety training prior to hiring.
Accommodations and Application Process:
The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation. Candidates requiring disability-related accommodations during the hiring process are encouraged to inform the organization of their requirements. While all applicants are appreciated, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Internal applicants are advised to inform their managing supervisors of their intentions before submitting their applications.
Preferred Skills/Capabilities:
While not mandatory, possessing a driver’s license is preferred for this role.
The role of a Community Ministries Worker encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities aimed at supporting individuals and families in need within the community. From conducting intake assessments and providing emergency assistance to maintaining safety standards and fostering positive relationships with clients and colleagues, this position plays a vital role in the effective operation of food banks and related services.
By adhering to the required qualifications, experience, skills and preferred capabilities outlined in this document, candidates can contribute significantly to the mission and objectives of The Salvation Army and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.
FAQ
What does a Community Ministries Worker do?
A Community Ministries Worker is responsible for organizing and managing food banks and donation distribution services. They conduct intake assessments, provide emergency assistance to clients, maintain records, ensure safety and hygiene standards and collaborate with other staff members to meet the needs of the community.
What qualifications are required to become a Community Ministries Worker?
Typically, candidates should have a Grade 12 or High School diploma, with additional education in social work or human services preferred. Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of at least one academic year is beneficial. Mandatory certifications include Occupational First Aid Level 1, WHMIS Training and Universal Precautions Training, along with completion of online health and safety courses.
What experience is necessary for this role?
Candidates should ideally have a minimum of one year of relevant experience, preferably in a similar role or within the social services sector.
What skills are important for a Community Ministries Worker?
Essential skills include adherence to organizational values, fluency in spoken and written English, excellent team and interpersonal skills, cultural competence, computer literacy, independence, physical capability and active listening skills.
What are the working hours for a Community Ministries Worker?
The position typically requires full-time hours, totaling 37.5 hours per week.