Program Director

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Child Care

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Program Director - Early Head Start

LOCATION: Child Care

REPORTS TO: CAC Social Services Director

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

DEPARTMENT MISSION

To support the full mission of The Salvation Army by providing compassionate, professional service to the families residing at the Child Care Corps and in the community in a team-focused manner with the entire Child Care Corps staff.

OUTCOMES

Is responsible for the administration, formulation implementation, operation and review of Early Head Start Programs, Enhanced Home Day Care Program, New Moms Early Head Start Program, Red Shield Early Head Start Program, Simpson Early Head Start Program, Teen Moms Early Head Start Program and all other Early Head Start grants received by the Child Care Program. Directs all services and activities within the delegate agency level and sets program policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assures implementation of all Early Head Start Child Care grant Performance Standards and guidance:
   1. Represents The Salvation Army to all Early Head Start Child Care Program grant funding sources.
   2. Establishes or supports establishment of grant implementation plans and policies.
   3. Assures development of program management, supervision and communication systems to assure high quality programming and support staff development.
   4. Supervises directly or indirectly all Early Head Start Child Care Program staff.
   5. Informs the Director of any issues or concerns which arise related to meeting contract commitments or reimbursements for contract commitments.
   6. Ensures the rights and responsibilities of parents according to the Head Start 70.2 through support of parent committees.
   7. Ensures program is staffed with qualified and trained staff.
2. Responsible for all contract and budget application operations:
   1. Recommends fiscal policy, maintains fiscal control and negotiates contracts for purchase of service ensuring compliance with Salvation Army, grantee, local, state, and federal requirements.
   2. Obtains Divisional approval of all proposals, budgets and requisitions.
   3. Works in collaboration with the Administrations Manager to create all budget applications, contracts, budget revisions, and budget amendments.
   4. Develops the Early Head Start Child Care department budget submission to the Divisional Finance Board.
3. Assures continued development of the Early Head Start Child Care Program:
   1. Creates and provides staff support to Early Head Start Child Care Program.
   2. Increases funding to implement goals of advisory council.
   3. Attend department, delegate agency, and other meetings related to social service administration and Early Head Start Child Care issues as assigned.
4. Oversees the Health Advisory Committee.
5. Attends the Head Start Executive Director Meetings.
6. Attends the Parent Policy Committee meeting.
7. Maintains accountability for all program evaluations and resulting program improvement:
   1. The Salvation Army Annual Program Review.
   2. The United Way Report and periodic reviews.
   3. Annual audits.
   4. The Head Start Program Review for base Early Head Start programs, Enhanced Home Day Care Program, New Moms Early Head Start Program, Red Shield Early Head Start Program, Simpson Early Head Start Program, Teen Moms Early Head Start Program.
8. Maintains and addresses child development services for low income families with preschool age children in Chicago.
   1. Advocates in the community for services.
   2. Applies for funding for services when needed services are not available in the community.
   3. Maintains linkage with community agencies and government funding sources.
   4. Serves as a resource person to the Social Services Secretary, providing factual information and expert opinion as required for effective deliberation and decision making related to the operation of Early Head Start Child Care programs.
9. Implements Personnel Policies:
   1. Develops and periodically reviews personnel policies and practices, in accordance with agency and grantee regulations, ensuring compliance with federal, state and local laws governing equal opportunity employment, minimum wages, etc.
   2. Interprets Salvation Army policies to employees.
   3. Establishes personnel policies as required by specific funding sources.
   4. Advocates for employee within the Salvation Army system.
   5. All other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the CAC Social Services Director.

In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved as well as the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

This individual relates to, and interacts with, a wide range of contacts both within and outside the Salvation Army (including, but not limited to outside contracts/vendors/clients, DHQ staff, department heads, institutions and corps personnel, and neighborhood agencies). In these contacts, they act as a representative of the Army and its mission.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited university or college with a Master's degree in child development or related field.
• Minimum of five years' experience in administration and supervision.
• Good organizational and communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as with a team of people.
• Good judgment in making decisions, recognizing established precedents, and demonstration of resourcefulness in meeting problems.

COMPETENCIES

• A commitment to uphold and promote the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation of faith-based service organizations.
• An interpersonal style that is service oriented and supportive of the other departments.
• Ability to maintain ongoing communication with program participants by demonstrating excellent verbal and written communication skills and follow-up.
• An excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes and policies.
• Ability to manage projects to completion, prioritize work flow to include maintaining documentation standards, provide quality service delivery.
• Ability to demonstrate negotiation and problem solving to effectively deal with complex problems and achieve effective solutions.
• Ability to interpret and follow procedures/guidelines and meet performance targets to comply with child care standards.
• Ability to work on own initiative, as part of a team, and participate in agency/local-sponsored events with participants and professional staff.
• Ability to be self- motivated in a challenging work environment and to work with sensitive and confidential information.
• Extensive knowledge of social service and early childhood programs.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the CAC Social Services Director informed on all critical issues relating to his/her area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office or child care environment with a low to moderate noise level.

THE SALVATION ARMY 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.