Director of Social Services (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.

Salary Starting Range: $50,000 - $74,000

Job Objective:

The Director of Social Services will work to ensure client needs are being met 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.  

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate with Commanding Officers, Staff, Advisory Board and Divisional Headquarters to define strategic goals for the organization and implement plans to achieve them.
• Partner with DHQ. to secure grants for the organization by planning and writing necessary grant proposals and submitting appropriate metrics to appropriate federal and local 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.

• 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.
• Provide support and consultation for POH youth and family programming.

Seasonal Holiday Activities:

• Assume responsibility for seasonal activities to including Toy Shop, back to school distribution and Winter Warm-Up coat distribution. Coordinate activities with staff and other volunteers as needed.
• 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

• 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 30 days of hire; CPR/First Aid certification within 60 days of hire: complete Case Manager Certification Program within 30 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: Travel 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.

Why Work with Us?

If you’re ready for a career doing meaningful work with a discernable impact, keep reading. The Salvation Army’s brand promise is to Do the Most Good® - and it’s our employees that help us get there. At every level and in every discipline, you can have a real impact on your community through the work done inside our walls every day. If you work for us, you will be the hands and feet that enable us to help others.

We are as impassioned about our employees as we are about our mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help anyone in need in His name without discrimination. Our work culture reflects this quality, which makes our offices seriously great places to work. Just walk inside our doors and you’ll quickly see that our employees are proud to support programs that make a difference.

In addition to traditional Health, Wellness, RX and PTO benefits, see what our employees told us they most liked about working for the Indiana Division of TSA by responding to our most recent 2023 survey…

• 91% are proud of their work to help meet the needs of people in their communities
• 75% find their “Work Stress” manageable
• 80% find their managers supportive during those times of stress
• 89% appreciate the flexible work options they have in their position
• 98% appreciate how they are allowed to use 4 sicks days as “Discretionary”
• 99% appreciate the 11 paid holidays they receive each year

See what our employees said when asked to rank the best reasons for working at the Indiana Division Salvation Army…

1. Helping People
2. Faith Centered Organization
3. Work Environment/ Co-Workers
4. Benefits