Director of Social Services (Lafayette)

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Lafayette, IN

19d•$50,000 - $74,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Social Services oversees the Salvation Army Lafayette social services department to ensure client needs are met efficiently and consistently. The role provides leadership and administrative oversight for programs including Pathway of Hope, emergency utility and rent assistance, the food pantry, transportation assistance, case management, and seasonal activities. The Director collaborates with organizational leadership and community partners, supports grant development and reporting, supervises staff and volunteers, and represents TSA Lafayette at relevant community networks and committees. The position also oversees Pathway of Hope implementation and reporting, supports youth and family programming, and coordinates seasonal holiday activities such as Toy Shop, back-to-school distribution, and Winter Warm-Up coat distribution. It 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, requires travel for training and community meetings, and may include evening and weekend work.

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 with multifaceted, strengths-based casework interventions for families.
Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain The Salvation Army Driver’s qualification standard.
Complete Safe from Harm training within 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.
Speak, write, and understand English sufficiently to communicate effectively with leadership, field personnel, clients, supervisors, and employees.
Proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems.
Experience or strong interest in community outreach, organization, and community capacity development.
Ability to work sensitively and in a culturally appropriate manner with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to collaborate on complex social issues within families and communities.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and educational classes.
Ability to meet physical requirements that may include lifting, pulling, and pushing materials up to 25 pounds; bending, squatting, walking, and standing for extended periods.
Ability to travel for training and community meetings.
Agreement, as an employee of The Salvation Army, not to undermine its religious mission.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
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, including planning and writing proposals and submitting required metrics to federal and local authorities.
Provide ongoing 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, coordinate, 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 data collection for reporting.
Represent TSA Lafayette at community networks and committees relevant to social service needs.
Carry out other tasks assigned by leadership.
Maintain internal communication about Pathway of Hope programs, share updated information with local staff, and prepare regular progress and status reports.
Ensure the quality of local Pathway of Hope data and reporting to support local, divisional, and territorial program outcomes.
Collaborate with the Divisional Pathway of Hope Coordinator on program policies, procedures, goals, objectives, and outcome measures.
Keep current on funding resources relevant to Pathway of Hope and support youth and family programming.
Oversee seasonal activities, including Toy Shop, back-to-school distribution, and Winter Warm-Up coat distribution, coordinating staff and volunteers as needed.
Enter seasonal activity application data and ensure client information is documented according to Salvation Army policies and procedures.
Recruit and train volunteers for seasonal activities and prepare for their setup and distribution days.
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.