Director of Social Services (Lafayette)

KrocQuincy; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Lafayette is seeking a Director of Social Services to oversee all programs in the social services department, including Pathway of Hope, emergency assistance, food pantry, transportation and seasonal activities. The role emphasizes leadership, data reporting, and community engagement.

Key responsibilities include strategic planning with leadership, grant development, supervision of the department, and collaboration with volunteers and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ministry and/or social services; master's degree preferred.
• Background check required; results reviewed.
• Minimum of two years supervising social service programs with strengths-based approach.
• Valid driver’s license; must complete Safe from Harm within 30 days; CPR/First Aid within 60 days; Case Manager Certification within 30 days; SIMS data training within 30 days.
• Fluent English with strong communication and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Define strategic goals with leadership and implement plans.
• Secure grants by planning and writing proposals and reporting metrics to authorities.
• Provide supervision and oversight for the social services department.
• Provide direct case consultations to managers and volunteers.
• Lead monthly case manager meetings and provide supervision.
• Represent TSA Lafayette in community networks and committees.
• Oversee Pathway of Hope and seasonal activities with data reporting.

Skills

English proficiency

Community outreach

Cross-cultural work

Education

Bachelor's degree (ministry/social services)

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic reporting systems

Job description

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