Social Services Manager

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Elgin, IL

6h•$53,915 - $64,698•Hybrid

About The Position

The Salvation Army is dedicated to “Doing the Most Good” by holistically meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of vulnerable neighbors through programs combating homelessness and hunger, providing safe spaces for kids, and offering hope. The Social Services Manager at the Elgin Corps is responsible for managing all Pathway of Hope casework services, implementing program objectives in collaboration with the Regional Social Work Manager and Corps Officer, providing direct services, maintaining records, and identifying resources. This role also provides administrative leadership to corps social service programs and staff, reaching out to the community to offer services and develop support networks and funding sources.

Requirements

Bachelors’ degree in a human service area required.
Minimum of two years of case management experience in a comparable social service or education program.
Minimum of one year of supervisory/leadership experience, managing a team of employee(s) and volunteer(s).
Completion of the Territorial Caseworker Certification Program, within the first 90 days of hire.
Completion of all trainings required by The Salvation Army and in compliance with state guidelines.
A valid driver’s license and clearance of The Salvation Army’s MVR process.
Ability to use independent judgement and discretion in business decisions related to overall social services program.
Cultural sensitivity with an interest in providing direct services to persons of various ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Friendly with excellent communication (verbal and written) and people skills, using diplomacy and good judgment.
A love for and desire to serve others, especially disenfranchised individuals, families, and the local community through the mission of The Salvation Army.
Integrity with the ability to work with confidential material.
Critical thinking skills including assessment, service planning, material assistance, resource development and networking, referral and linkage, follow-up, and documentation.
Time management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and use initiative.
Capacity to collaborate with Corps, Social Services, and Emergency Disaster Services.
A strong commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army.

Nice To Haves

A MSW is preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish/English); ability to communicate fluently in Spanish and English preferred.

Responsibilities

Interviews persons referred to the Pathway of Hope (POH) program to assess their eligibility and obtains background information.
Provides intake and assessment services as defined by the Pathway of Hope curriculum, delivering individualized services for a minimum of 10 families annually.
Conducts pre-screening and intake of participants using specified assessment tools, ensuring families meet low-income guidelines with an emphasis on vulnerable populations.
Provides linkage to Pastoral Care Representative for pastoral care, counseling, and support.
Conducts goal setting steps with participants, formulating change-oriented action plans.
Conducts follow-up case management meetings with participants.
Refers participants to internal and/or external services designed to address identified goals.
Monitors and tracks participants' progress in goal attainment on action plans.
Develops plans to address transition needs and ongoing documentation of progress.
Recruits, invites, and provides case management with families who desire to participate in Pathway of Hope.
Performs time-sensitive assessment screenings, goal assistance, and collaboration with community resources.
Meets weekly face-to-face, virtually, or by phone to check on client progress.
Maintains case files for each client, including all assessments, action plans, case notes, and graduation plans.
Enters client data and reporting of information into the SIMS system to support program outcomes.
Keeps records in compliance with standards for program evaluation/certification.
Participates in scheduled cluster meetings, conference calls, and individual consultation/supervision meetings with the Regional Social Work Manager.
Participates in meetings with Corps Officer and other Corps staff.
Participates in Divisional or Territorial educational forums and webinars.
Participates with POH planning and program development at assigned sites.
Collaborates with area agencies involved with clients in implementing case management plans.
Grants material assistance based upon need and as part of a total service plan and client goals.
Documents intake assessment and ongoing case management notes within 72 hours of intake.
Provides leadership and supervision for all social service programs and staff, including food pantry programs, home goods pantry programs, seasonal & holiday assistance, community meals, and emergency assistance.
Provides oversight for in-kind or financial aid according to the Emergency Assistance Program Policies & Procedures Manual.
Provides support for Holiday Assistance programs.
Uses the IRIS database to make and accept referrals and makes specific arrangements for clients to apply for additional resources.
Maintains and oversees concise comprehensive written case records on all clients requesting assistance.
Networks with local social service agencies, churches, schools, medical providers, and local businesses to establish and maintain partnerships.
Seeks opportunities to speak on behalf of The Salvation Army at area service clubs, community events, and churches.
Evaluates community needs and trends in consultation with other community organizations.
Maintains an updated community resource file and positive relationships with service providers.
Utilizes volunteers as appropriate.
Attends appropriate social service provider network meetings.
Attends emergency service workshops.
Maintains a working relationship with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Develops and monitors the Social Service budget in consultation with the Corps Officers.
Seeks out additional funding and grant sources in collaboration with the Resource Development Director.
Serves on committees related to case management, emergency assistance, and building sufficiency.
Maintains and processes proper documentation and reports for all grant and FEMA expenditures.
Is responsible for the thoroughness and accuracy of daily and monthly Salvation Army casework statistics and additional program statistics.
Organizes time and manages job to maximize client service and meet performance standards.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Corps Officers.
Plans and executes seasonal social service programs.
Facilitates the recruitment, application, and registration process for sending local youth to Salvation Army summer camps.
Provides leadership and direction to seasonal volunteers.