Social Services Director

Overview

Location: Divisional Headquarters, Programs Department (Hartford, CT)

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Hours Per Week: 40

Schedule: Monday–Friday; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (schedule may vary depending on the need)

 

Scope of Position: Provide oversight to the service extension program in the State of Connecticut.  Provide professional advice and grant reviews on social services in the Southern New England Division. Provide guidance and oversight to the Division’s short-term and long-term disaster recovery needs. Ensure all programs are aligned with The Salvation Army’s mission and policies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a role model by displaying a passion for the mission and adhering to the rules, regulations, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of work.
• Represent The Salvation Army in appropriate professional organizations outside The Salvation Army and on commissions or committees.
• Attend conferences and training.
• Serve on the Mission Advancement Group, the Program Committee, and the Mission Alignment Council.
• Ensure all service extension employees and volunteers complete required training.
• Provide direct supervision of employees.
• Work with the Public Relations Office to prepare and disseminate volunteer press releases and promotional materials.
• Maintain productive relationships with officers, employees, and community partners, including the Department of Housing, Journey Home, CCEH, 211, and other City and State officials.
• Provide administrative oversight to the Connecticut Service Extension Program.
• Attend pre-proposal conferences, write grant applications, review contracts, and submit reports required for housing programs. 
• Serve as the agency's primary contact for federal, state, and local funding agencies regarding all housing grants.
• Prepare and manage budgets.
• Prepare reports and monitor contract compliance.
• Support fundraising and positive community relations.
• Provide information for donor reports and large multi-program grant applications.
• Attend and participate in media events.
• Provide oversight of the Service Unit Kettle Campaign.
• Conduct quarterly meetings with managerial staff from all housing program sites to promote a Housing First culture for our guests.
• Assist in evaluating existing social service ministry programs while exploring opportunities for new social service ministries.
• Conduct annual program audits.
• Assist in prioritizing bridging those served through our social service programs into the mainstream of the Army’s congregational (Corps) life.
• Work with others to support and oversee social service programs within the Southern New England Division.
• Ensure consistency of compassion and maximum quality and compliance in delivering basic professional social service standards in all programming throughout the division.
• Assist with the operating budget for the Divisional Social Services and Service Extension Departments

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, health/human services, or a related field is required, or equivalent social service work experience. A master's degree in social work is preferred.
• Minimum of three to five years of employee supervision required.
• Grant writing, monitoring, and reporting experience is required.
• Contract and program fiscal management experience is required.
• Previous experience serving the homeless population is highly preferred
• Experience with community relationships in the federal, state, local, and non-profit arenas preferred.
• Highly organized with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Prior case management, program management, contract compliance, and administrative experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to lead employees with sleeves rolled up and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain a pleasant demeanor.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work environment.
• Ability to handle multiple projects, adhere to deadlines, and effectively manage and solve crises for positive outcomes.
• Must be able to speak comfortably in public.
• Must be able to respond to on-call shelter emergencies.
• Respect for all humankind and commitment to meet needs without discrimination.
• Willingness to travel within the Division (CT and RI).
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Must maintain a professional appearance.
• Must complete the KeepSAfe training a