Mission Statement

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.

Position Summary

The Director of Social Services provides administrative and operational oversight to The Salvation Army (TSA) Social Services programs in Orange County. Programs include (but are not limited to) Family Services, (including Pathway of Hope), Emergency Shelters, Transitional/Permanent Supportive Housing, test/pilot/seasonal programs, and Human Trafficking (programs subject to change). The Director ensures all County social service programs and activities operate in a manner consistent with The Salvation Army’s mission.

Essential Functions

• Direct and manage all Social Services programs run by the County Coordination, including seasonal and/or temporary programs. Social service programs include Family Services, Shelters, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Transitional Living, Pathway of Hope Initiative, and Human Trafficking. Other programs may be added in the future to support current community needs.
• Establish and maintain baseline service expectations for all social services operations run by Orange County Coordination or local Salvation Army corps within the county. For offices run by corps units, the Director of Social Services serves as an accreditation partner, establishing baseline services and resourcing corps officers and employees in corps-run offices.
• Understand TSA policies and procedures and ensure compliance as required by TSA headquarters and administration. Monitor and oversee updating of all Social Services Policies and Procedures.
• Ensure successful design of any new/pilot OC Coordination Social Services programs.
• Supervise Case Managers and leaders of housing programs, Family Services, Anti-Tracking Services, and test/temporary programs.
• Serve as a liaison with Advisory Organizations, including the Advisory Board’s Social Services committee and Women’s Auxiliary. Partner with OC Divisional Secretary and Advisory Board for long range strategic planning.
• Oversee and act as liaison between research projects/partners (eg. UCI), Center for Applied Research (CARI) and OC Social Service programs.
• Establish and maintain budgets for all County Coordination Social Services programs in conjunction with department managers.
• Collaborate effectively with County Coordination and (may) serve on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). This includes attending regular staff meetings and coordinating with other county employees who oversee elements such as donor/public relations, business administration, CARI, human resources, etc.
• Represent TSA Social Services ministries in the community to improve visibility and partnership opportunities. This includes representing TSA on continuum of care committees and other community coordination groups.
• Oversee and develop staff training opportunities, including new staff orientation.
• Communicate volunteer needs to the Volunteer Coordinator and ensure TSA volunteer procedure is followed.
• Oversee and coordinate County Christmas distribution preparation and planning with Family Services and OC Coordination team.
• Oversee completion, accuracy, and submission of monthly statistical reports from all OC Social Service programs. Ensure each program properly maintains statistics and that staff submits accurate information.
• Ensure compliance with TSA record keeping (electronic and paper). Current system used is WellSky.
• Perform other assignments/duties as assigned.

Leadership Core Competencies

• Analytical – Synthesize complex or diverse information; conduct research, draw conclusions, and report outcomes; Develop workflow policies and procedures.
• Strategic Thinking - Develop strategies to achieve organizational goals; adapt strategy to address constant change and conditions.
• Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution – Identify & resolve problems and/or conflict in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully and develop solutions.
• Customer Service - Manage difficult and/or emotional clients, residents, staff, and/or guests; diplomatically address their needs to ensure mutually satisfying outcomes.
• Oral Communication - Speak professionally, clearly, and persuasively in a variety of potentially challenging situations; seek clarification and respond appropriately to questions.
• Written Communication - Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; Present numerical data accurately; Read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork – Balance team and individual responsibilities; Build a positive team spirit, morale, and group commitment to established goals, core values and objectives.
• Project Management - Prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; Organize work schedules of others and assign tasks. Follow up to ensure accountability.
• People Development - Include staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating, and process improvement. Be available and present to staff; provide regular performance feedback; help develop subordinate’s skills and encourage growth. Delegate work assignments; Match responsibilities to the right people; Set clear expectations and monitor delegated activities.
• Continuous Improvement/Organizational Effectiveness – Constantly look for ways to improve and promote quality effectiveness and efficiency at all operational levels. Improve/simplify processes and service offerings.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• By virtue of its direct contact with, and representation to people who engage in Salvation Army programs, people who demonstrate an understanding of TSA’s Christian mission are required for this position.
• Prior TSA program management experience is preferred, preferably in Social Services or ARC administration.
• MSW, with an administrative emphasis preferred. Master’s degree in social services or related field with social services experience considered. Minimum BA required.
• 3-5 years’ progressive staff management experience required. Must have successful verifiable experience in leading multiple teams and volunteers.
• Must be able to read, write and communicate in English. Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish preferred.
• Meet all health and safety regulations as defined by the Health Department as well as TSA.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test and clean MVR check (Required).
• If working in vicinity of children a criminal background check is required with certification for Protect the Mission policies and procedures.
• Ability to work with, direct, and relate well with co-workers, community members, and guests/clients.
• Ability to effectively function in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to relate well and work effectively with multiple constituencies and audiences.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality for all sensitive matters and situations.
• Ability to prioritize work and multi-task simultaneous projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be in good physical health and mental health, capable of meeting the demand of the position.

Experience

• 3 - 5 years: Progressive staff management

• Management in Social Services or ARC administration.

Education

• Bachelors or better in Social Work or related field
• Masters or better in Social Work or related field

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)