Director of Social Services (Lafayette)

The Salvation Army Central Territory•Lafayette, IN

18d

About The Position

The Director of Social Services oversees programs and activities within the social services department to ensure client needs are met efficiently and consistently. Programs include Pathway of Hope, emergency utility and rent assistance, the food pantry, transportation assistance, and seasonal activities. The role provides leadership, supervision, direction, and administrative oversight for social services, including case management, emergency services, and seasonal programming. It also involves collaboration with Salvation Army leadership and community partners, grant development, program reporting, and support for staff, case managers, and volunteers. The Director supports implementation of Pathway of Hope by maintaining internal communication, monitoring program data and outcomes, collaborating with the Divisional POH Coordinator on policies and measures, staying current on funding resources, and supporting youth and family programming. The position also manages seasonal activities such as Toy Shop, back-to-school distribution, and Winter Warm-Up coat distribution, including volunteer recruitment and training, application data entry, and distribution preparations. The role promotes the spiritual dimension of Salvation Army social services, maintains confidentiality, and complies with Safe from Harm guidelines. Work is performed in an office environment and includes travel for training and community meetings, as well as some evening and weekend work. The position supervises Social Services staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in ministry and/or social services accepted; a master’s degree is preferred.
At least two years of experience supervising comparable social service programs that provide multifaceted casework interventions for families using a strengths-based approach.
Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain The Salvation Army Driver’s qualification standard.
Complete Safe from Harm training within the first 30 days of hire.
Obtain CPR/First Aid certification within 60 days of hire.
Complete the Case Manager Certification Program within 30 days of hire.
Complete SIMS data training within 30 days of hire.
Ability to speak, write, and understand English sufficiently to communicate effectively with leadership, field personnel, clients, supervisors, and employees.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems.
Ability to work with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
Ability to collaborate on complex social issues within families and communities.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and educational classes.
Ability to meet the described physical requirements, including manual dexterity and lifting, pulling, or pushing materials up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in ministry and/or social services.
Experience or strong interest in community outreach, organization, and community capacity development.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Commanding Officers, staff, the Advisory Board, and Divisional Headquarters to define strategic goals and implement plans.
Partner with Divisional Headquarters to secure grants, prepare and submit grant proposals, and provide required metrics to federal and local authorities.
Provide supervision, leadership, direction, and administrative oversight for the social services department, including case management, emergency social services, and seasonal activities.
Provide case consultation and technical assistance to social services case managers and volunteers.
Plan and facilitate monthly case manager meetings and provide individual supervision.
Meet regularly with staff and officers to provide support and information about community linkages, program requirements, intake processes, intervention strategies, and reporting data.
Represent The Salvation Army in community networks and committees as appropriate to social service needs.
Share updated Pathway of Hope information with local staff and prepare regular reports on program progress and status.
Ensure the quality of local Pathway of Hope data and reporting to support local, divisional, and territorial outcomes.
Collaborate with the Divisional POH Coordinator on program policies, procedures, goals, objectives, and outcome measures.
Keep current on funding resources relevant to Pathway of Hope and provide support and consultation for POH youth and family programming.
Oversee seasonal activities, including Toy Shop, back-to-school distribution, and Winter Warm-Up coat distribution.
Coordinate seasonal activities with staff and volunteers; recruit and train volunteers; prepare for setup and distribution days.
Enter seasonal activity applications and ensure client information is documented according to Salvation Army policy and procedure.
Promote the spiritual dimension of Salvation Army social services and the importance of Christian influence and evangelism in its ministries.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with Safe from Harm guidelines.
Perform other tasks as assigned by leadership.