Corps Assistant

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory in Oakland, CA is seeking a Corps Assistant to support the Ministry Leader in coordinating Corps ministries, outreach programs, and discipleship efforts. This role requires bilingual English and Mandarin skills and the ability to work across English and Chinese programs.

You will assist with Sunday School planning, youth and family ministry, and seasonal initiatives while maintaining records and coordinating volunteers.

Qualifications

• Fluency in spoken and written English and Mandarin Chinese required (Cantonese preferred).
• Demonstrated Christian character, integrity, professionalism, and ministry leadership.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in ministry operations and program coordination.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support and assist the Ministry Leader / Corps Officers in leading and coordinating Corps ministries, discipleship programs, worship services, outreach efforts, and community engagement initiatives.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and leading Sunday School, Bible studies, fellowship ministries, Corps Cadets, Junior and Senior Soldiers classes, and other discipleship programs.
• Develop, lead, and coordinate youth and family ministry programs, outreach activities, camps, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and spiritual growth opportunities.
• Co-lead and, when assigned, lead Bible studies, small groups, ministry gatherings, occasional preaching, and teaching responsibilities in both English and Chinese.

Skills

English fluency

Mandarin Chinese

Leadership

Microsoft Office

Discretion & judgment

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

Position Summary

The Corps Assistant supports the Corps Officers/Ministry Leader in the leadership, coordination, development, and operation of Corps ministries, community outreach programs, discipleship efforts, youth and family ministries, worship services, and seasonal programs. This role exercises discretion and independent judgment in coordinating ministry activities, volunteers, schedules, and operational needs under the general supervision of the Corps Officers/Ministry Leader. The Corps Assistant align with The Salvation Army doctrine and serves as a Christ-centered representative of The Salvation Army in conduct, leadership, and ministry service.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Soldiership Requirement: The selected candidate must complete The Salvation Army Senior Soldier preparation course within one (1) month after completing a three (3) month probationary period and be enrolled as a Senior Soldier upon completion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ministry & Program Support

1. Support and assist the Ministry Leader / Corps Officers in leading and coordinating Corps ministries, discipleship programs, worship services, outreach efforts, and community engagement initiatives.
2. Assist in planning, coordinating, and leading Sunday School, Bible studies, fellowship ministries, Corps Cadets, Junior and Senior Soldiers classes, and other discipleship programs.
3. Develop, lead, and coordinate youth and family ministry programs, outreach activities, camps, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and spiritual growth opportunities.
4. Co-lead and, when assigned, lead Bible studies, small groups, ministry gatherings, occasional preaching, and teaching responsibilities in both English and Chinese.
5. Support Education Center programs including music, youth, family, and community programs.
6. Assist in pastoral care, visitation, spiritual encouragement, and ministry support for Corps members, youth, families, seniors, and community members.
7. Support and participate in Divisional, Territorial, and National programs, camps, conferences, and leadership development opportunities.
8. Assist with seasonal ministry events including Thanksgiving outreach, Christmas programs, Angel Giving Tree, Red Kettles, Adopt-a-Family, summer programs, and other Corps initiatives.
9. Any instructions from The Ministry Leader/ Corps Officers relate to ministry needs.

Administrative & Operational Support

1. Provide general administrative support for Corps operations and ministry programs.
2. Maintain ministry records, reports, statistics, files, and program documentation, including NSS reporting and WellSky database systems.
3. Prepare ministry communications, reports, correspondence, schedules, presentations, and program materials in English and Chinese.
4. Coordinate meetings, appointments, registrations, and event logistics.
5. Support volunteer coordination, onboarding, scheduling, communication, and ministry team development.
6. Maintain office supplies, inventory, and ministry operational support systems.
7. Support Corps operations through effective communication, organization, and coordination.

Program Coordination & Logistics

1. Coordinate communication, registration, transportation, and logistics for programs, camps, outreach activities, and special events.
2. Assist with transportation support for Corps ministries, activities, camps, and events.
3. Support hospitality, fellowship meals, and ministry event operations as needed.
4. Assist in recruiting, supporting, and developing volunteers, soldiers, and ministry participants.

Financial & Compliance Support

1. Assist in fundraising efforts, seasonal campaigns, and community engagement activities that support youth ministries and Corps outreach initiatives.
2. Support donor engagement and community partnership activities as assigned.
3. Assist with receipts, reimbursements, ministry documentation, and basic expense tracking.
4. Ensure compliance with Salvation Army policies, procedures, PTM requirements, and safety guidelines.
5. Support risk management and operational excellence within Corps ministries and programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

1. Fluency in spoken and written English and Mandarin Chinese required (Cantonese preferred).
2. Demonstrated Christian character, integrity, professionalism, and ministry leadership.
3. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in ministry operations and program coordination.
4. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
5. Excellent organizational, multitasking, and time management abilities.
6. Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and cultures.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
8. Ability to learn and effectively use new software and ministry management systems.
9. Demonstrated leadership abilities in ministry, discipleship, volunteer coordination, and outreach programs.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

1. Must possess a valid California Class C Driver License, and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle
2. Must be 21 years or older
3. Complete The Salvation Army vehicle course training
4. Must complete and maintain all required Salvation Army training including Protecting the Mission (PTM).
5. Background check and fingerprinting are required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis
2. Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects
3. Ability to reach overhead
4. Ability to operate telephone
5. Ability to lift up to 25-40 lbs, occasional lift and/or move up to 75 pounds
6. Ability to operate a computer
7. Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information
8. Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools PC, Telephone, Copier, Printer, etc.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation where appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.