Social service 101

This module was prepared by Cadet Emma LaBossiere, and presented in class on 4/22/2020. The class Power Point is attached under Aims below.

• Background: Master's in social work. Worked as a corps social worker for 2.5 years, and at DHQ for Pathway of Hope for 2.5 years. 
• Knows: Strengths-based perspective. Record keeping is an important part of social services; universal intake forms facilitate consistent documentation.
• Wanted to learn: How to effectively teach basic social services information in a way that is engaging and effective; a particular challenge in this online format
• Learned: How to engage peers through the Holy Spirit, prayer, and research. In order to serve your community in any capacity, you have to first know your community, so get to know your people and have open conversations.

To introduce the principles, procedures and programs of SA social services programs, so that new lieutenants know what to expect in their corps, and as the foundation for the exploration of specific social issues.

1. The scale of our intervention is, by design, commensurate with the human outcomes and life changes we seek
2. Our efforts are sustained over time and are sufficient to support long-term growth
3. When matters of character or conduct are at the root of individual or family dysfunction, effective intervention lifts up and facilitates change at the personal level
4. When social circumstances and outside forces contribute to suffering, effective intervention includes strategies to alter those situations
5. Our intervention does not injure those it is intended to benefit
6. While assisting one individual or population, our intervention does not negatively impact the well-being of others
7. Our efforts are specific, measurable, realistic, feasible, and motivating, yet practical in every sense

Program Development: 

• Do a Needs/Opportunities Assessment
• Check what is available and utilize what already exists
• PRAY
• Be careful/cautious in budgeting and be sure to find funds

Community Involvement: 

• Consult with Advisory Board and Corps Council
• Coalitions and Interagency Partnerships are key
• Know your community!

Finances: 

• Find unique sources of income (Dollar Energy/GNEF)
• Program Budgets (always keep within your budget and refer if you are out of your budget)
• Contracts

Record Keeping:

• Keep behind a passcode (computer) or behind a lock
• All things are confidential - be wise!
• Refer to the Social Services Records Retention Schedule.
• Met and unmet needs 

Facilities: 

• Presentable and clean - so important!
• Be welcoming, always.
• Be purposeful (placement of bulletin board etc.)
• Privacy and safety (have a code with your staff for violence or potential violence in the building; ensure desks are in a safe, escapable location)
• Use Strengths-based approach

Winship, J. (2016). Faith in action: Guiding principles of The Salvation Army social services ministries: Social services direct care handbook. Hoffman Estates, IL: The Salvation Army.