Director of Social Services and Grant Coordinator (Lafayette)

The Salvation Army Mission Statement :

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible.

Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Job Objective :

The Director of Social Services will work to ensure client needs are being efficiently and consistently. You will be responsible to oversee all programs and activities within the social services department including Pathway of Hope, emergency utility and rent assistance, food pantry, transportation assistance and seasonal activities.

The Grant Coordinator will also be responsible for securing grants according to policies and procedures.

What You Will Do :

• Collaborate with Commanding Officers, Staff, Advisory Board and Divisional Headquarters to define fundraising goals for the organization and implement plans to achieve them.
• Secure grants for the organization by planning and writing necessary grant proposals and submitting appropriate metrics to appropriate authorities.
• Provide ongoing supervision, leadership, direction, and administrative oversight for the entirety of social services department including case management, emergency social services, and seasonal activities.
• Provide direct case consultation and technical assistance to social services case managers and volunteers.
• Plan, coordinate and facilitate monthly case manager meetings, providing leadership, and individual supervision.
• Meet with staff and officers regularly to offer support and information regarding community linkages, programmatic requirements including intake processes, intervention strategies and collection of data needed to meet program reporting requirements.
• Attend and represent TSA Lafayette at community networks and committees as appropriate to TSA Social Service needs.
• Plan, execute and provide leadership to annual Toy Shop distribution including volunteer recruitment and training.
• Other tasks as assigned by leadership

Program Implementation - Pathway of Hope

Ensure consistent internal communication and understanding of POH programs by sharing electronic and hard copies of updated information with Lafayette POH Staff;

prepare regular reports on the POH progress and status.

• Ensure quality of local data and reporting of information that will support local, divisional, and territorial POH program outcomes.
• Ensure relevance and consistency of POH by collaborating with Divisional POH Coordinator regarding ongoing development of policies and procedures, goals and objectives, and outcome-based measures related to the POH.
• Ensure relevance of POH approach to funders by keeping current on program funding resources.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and training of new employees directly involved in POH.
• Provide case manager orientation and training for new POH case managers and / or volunteers.
• Work with commanding officers and other staff to develop an action plan to address program development needs
• Oversee annual POH evaluations / outcomes measurement and complete summary / review report to Divisional POH Coordinator.
• Report any POH implementation challenges and work with the Divisional POH Coordinator to develop an action plan to address program development need

Seasonal Holiday Activities :

• Assume responsibility for seasonal activities to including Toy Shop, back to school distribution.
• Data entry for applications to ensuring all client information is correctly documented according to TSA policy and procedure.
• Volunteer recruitment and training for seasonal activities.
• Preparations for set up and distribution day for seasonal activities.

Education and Training

• Assume responsibility to plan, conduct and / or participate in other social service workshops and other staff training events at the territorial, divisional or local level, as requested and / or assigned.
• Provide guidance and promote the spiritual dimension of Salvation Army social services programs, emphasizing the importance of Christian influence and evangelism in all Salvation Army ministries, including delivery of social services in contemporary settings.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with Safe from Harm guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications : The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and / or abilities required for this position.

Education : Bachelor's degree accepted in an area of ministry and / or social services; master's degree preferred.

Background Checks : Position requires a background check to be completed, and all background check results will be reviewed.

Experience : Minimum of two years of experience in the supervision of comparable social service programs that offer multi-faceted casework interventions designed to address the needs of families utilizing a strengths-based approach.

• Certifications : Must have a valid driver's license and maintain The Salvation Army Driver's qualification standard; must complete Safe from Harm training within the first 90 days of hire;
• CPR / First Aid certification within 60 days of hire : complete Case Manager Certification Program within 120 days of hire;

SIMS data training within 30 days of hire.

Skills / Abilities :

• Able to speak, write and understand English in a manner sufficient for effective, communication with leadership, field personnel, and clientele, supervisors, and employees.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems
• Experience and / or strong interest in community outreach, organization, and community capacity development.
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people and clients of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to collaborate on complex social issues within families and communities.
• Demonstrated capacity to facilitate groups and educational classes.

Supervisory Responsibility : This position provides supervision to positions in Social Services.

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical Requirements Include :

• Good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity
• Lifting, pulling, and pushing of materials up to 25 pounds
• May require bending, squatting, walking
• May require standing for extended periods

Travel : T ravel required for training and community meetings.

Working Conditions : Work is performed in an office environment and will require some weekend and evening work.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and / or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position.

Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.