Front Desk Clerk in City of London

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.

Position Purpose summary:

The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope Front Desk Clerk is responsible to greet and direct all visitors to the London Centre of Hope in a professional and courteous manner. The Front Desk Clerk is responsible for the registration and intake of all community members wishing to make application to stay at the London Centre of Hope. Every position contributes to the spiritual and social services mission of The Salvation Army, ensuring that their work and interactions with clients and coworkers is done in a manner befitting Christian standards, attitudes, principles and goals.

Accountabilities:

• To complete all duties in accordance with the Standards and Policies & Procedures of The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope.
• Participate in regular staff meetings to review operational effectiveness, changes in policies and procedures, and in-service training.
• As required and as applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to the Shelter Services Manager.
• Greet all visitors to the London Centre of Hope in a welcoming and respectful manner, ensuring any visitors with appointments are guided to the appropriate location.
• Answering or referring inquiries, made in person or by telephone, in a professional manner, directing telephone calls and/or taking and distributing telephone messages as required.
• Accept, record and distribute mail and deliveries (including fax).
• Provide referrals or general information to community members.
• Register new clients and notify shelter support staff that person has been registered.
• Distributing and monitoring use of access cards.
• Maintain accurate records of client stays.
• Refer clients to the appropriate persons for counseling, administration, pastoral care, medical assessment and social services assistance.
• Ensure all reporting/recording is documented as required.
• Accept, receipt and deposit in the safe, any monies received at Front Desk.
• Work cooperatively with staff from the various Centre of Hope departments to provide exemplary client service delivery.
• Develop an understanding of the Mission of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Maintain information in confidence as required.
• Participate as an active and responsible team member in all work groups through which position responsibilities are achieved.
• To treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner and assist personnel whom the position supports in developing those skills as required.
• Participate in supervision and performance appraisal process.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Health and Safety

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Work closely with security, identifying any safety and security needs.
• Responsible to report workplace hazards and dangers.
• Responsible to report workplace injuries or illness.

Client Services

• Hand out bag lunches.
• Responsible to accept medications from clients at registration and as delivered from pharmacies, placing all medications in the medication storage bin; returning medications to clients as directed by medication room personnel.
• Perform other position related duties as required.

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities of the incumbent. This position description will be reviewed by the employee and supervisor on a regular basis. Amendments can be made at any time at the discretion of the employer. The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with the Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian Standards of conduct.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Governance Boards and Councils:

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position reports directly to the Shelter Services Manager or designate.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule. Normal hours of work – may vary as per operational requirements and responsibilities, and includes a ½ hour paid meal break where applicable.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Completion of a two year College Diploma or University Degree in the field of human and or social services is required.
• An original copy of a Criminal Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• May require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• An understanding of the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army.
• The offer of employment is conditional on providing written confirmation from a health care provider that you have completed a two-step Tuberculosis Skin Test screening.
• First Aid/CPR and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or willingness to acquire one.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Experience working with a diverse population, including mental health and addictions is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer and clerical skills - ability to electronically create, upload, file and send documents, navigate database, effectively manage email.
• Understanding and support for a Housing First philosophy and issues relating to housing stability for vulnerable population groups.
• Knowledge and sensitivity to the social and economic barriers and issues unique to the shelter system.
• Exhibit a strength-based approach & compassionate response.
• Ability to use sound judgment when making decisions.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Excellent organizational skills, ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.