Territorial Social Services Director

Overview

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.

We are the largest non-governmental provider of social services in America and every year, we help over 30 million Americans overcome poverty, homelessness, addiction, economic hardships, loneliness, and exploitation through a wide range of programs and services.

The Territorial Social Services Director (TSSD) will advance and sustain the integrated Christian ministry of The Salvation Army through its mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination, by articulating, encouraging, and promoting the values of The Army as delivered through Social Services programs and ministries.

While responsible for providing support to Salvation Army Social Services personnel and leadership personnel at the Divisional and Territorial levels, the TSSD may be directed by the Territorial Commander, Chief Secretary, with direct reporting to the Program Secretary to provide research and staff support to new initiatives, social services program reporting of operations to the Territorial Mission Alignment Council and other responsibilities as delegated. This position represents the USA Eastern Territory on the National Social Services Commission, and as otherwise directed. 

The TSSD is responsible for the day-to-day management and direction of the Territorial Social Ministries Department, including staffing and budget of the department’s operations.

This position is based at our Eastern Territorial Headquarters in West Nyack, NY.

Responsibilities

Provide executive level oversight, coordination, direction, and support to the field for the broad area of social servicesministries provided by The Salvation Army throughout the Eastern Territory. Ensure that all Salvation Army social service activities include appropriate, relevant and intentional expressions of ministry, reflecting the Christ-centered values and principles of the full mission of The Salvation Army. The TSSD serves as an internal consultant and technical advisor to territorial and divisional administrations regarding social service program administration, policies, and procedures. The TSSD is the primary external representative on behalf of the territory on issues related to social service activities and programs. Ensure the understanding and commitment of all Salvation Army social service programs, including those accredited by external agencies, to develop and implement a pastoral care plan to meet the spiritual needs of program participants. Serve as primary source of knowledge and analysis of current trends, policies and strategic issues facing social service programs. Communicate regularly with the Secretary for Program with respect to the state of Salvation Army social services throughout the territory, including the development of executive summaries and focused reports when by the Territorial Secretary for Program and other territorial administration. Identify and lead appropriate initiatives impacting the social services ministries, working closely with DSSD’s and other staff as needed. Identify and propose intermediate and long-range goals as may result from surveys; participate in planning which has social services implications. Support and collaborate in the development of marketing, communication, and fund-raising practices and strategies that will support and enhance divisional and local social service programs.

Strategic Planning and Program Development:

Coordinate and support strategic planning initiatives and assessments to ensure Salvation Army services are meeting best practices and are responsive to changing community environments. Conduct surveys and studies as indicated by the Territorial Secretary for Program. Prepare data as requested by the Secretary for Program for annual command reviews and National (USN) requests. Provide administrative support to the L. Williams, Beecher and Margaret A. Strachan Program grants in consultation with the Secretary for Program and Territorial Mission Alignment Council. Ensure the proposed projects meet the application guidelines. Oversee the review and annual evaluation of approved projects.

Program Evaluation:

Supervise the national social service program evaluation process within the territory. Oversee the scheduling of the reviews to ensure programs meet minimum standards as outlined in the National Program Evaluation Tool. Review completed evaluations, and present recommendations to the Territorial Mission and Program Encourage access and use of the National Program Evaluation Tool for institutions and the Basic Social Services Tool for corps as appropriate and in coordination with divisional leadership in a manner that addresses best practice, program administration, pastoral care, and risk management concerns.

Information Management Systems and Technology:

Support the continued development, in collaboration with the Territorial IT Department, of comprehensive and integrated client data systems for social services programs (., material assistance, shelter, housing, utility assistance), and Pathway of Hope (upon request). Work with Territorial IT and the Program Secretary to ensure that the client information management systems support required program client data collection and reporting functions, (., National Statistical System, local requests, seasonal assistance, specialized programs, and outcome analysis). Coordinate, with Territorial IT, the implementation of a Territorial client management system in collaboration with the Territorial Information Technology Department. In collaboration with the Territorial Legal and IT Departments, ensure client management systems meet the confidentiality policy and data privacy standards established by The Salvation Army, and other local, state, and federal standards and contractual obligations where applicable. Ensure database systems have the capacity to provide data analysis that supports the field’s further understanding of their community, program outcomes, and enhance client engagement, as well as provide useful and informative metrics that assess missional advancement.

Policies and Procedure Development:

Collaborate with the Territorial Legal Department in reviewing and developing policies and procedures that ensure ethical standards and best practices for specific settings, meet contract obligations, and uphold The Salvation Army’s Provides counsel, consultation, and assistance to commands regarding social service policies, standards, procedures, printed materials, forms, etc. Disseminate to the field updated policies and procedures in a timely and accessible manner that ensures changes are clearly communicated and impact on the field has been acknowledged.

Capacity Building through Training and Collaboration:

Collaborate with the CFOT regarding appropriate lectures, seminars or institutes the support the College for Officer Training and The Salvation Army Continuing Education Program (SACEP). The TSMD always emphasizes the integrated mission of The Salvation Army and ensures ministry is the forefront of all social service programming in the territory. Coordinate the development of curriculum and training for Social Services staff in the territory. Ensure that content is relevant to the field, provides best practice training within the framework of The Salvation Army’s mission. Expand virtual training resources and strengthen accountability and recognition for successful case management of clients. Develop, plan, coordinate and execute the Territorial Social Services Conference every three years. Negotiate event venue contracts and with various vendors for conference kit materials, portfolios, program print, etc. Develop and submit conference budget that encompasses costs for conference space, accommodations, and speaker honorarium. Organize workshops and plenary sessions that support the further development of personnel involved in administrating and providing direct care for a broad range of social service programs. Lead territorial coordination of the National Social Services Conference on assigned year and according to conference planning guidelines. Recommend host location to National Social Services Department. Facilitate the development of training and technical support utilizing available

Recurring Assignments:

Prepare annual department budgets for Social Services and Pathway of Hope. Routinely review monthly budget reports and develop projections to ensure that the affairs of the department are within the budget. Serve on Territorial, Headquarters boards, councils, commissions and/or committees as assigned. As appointed, represent the territory at the National Social Services Commission and other National and International committees, councils or programs. Work in partnership with THQ departments and bureaus on an ongoing basis to achieve annual Social Service Departmental goals, objectives, and initiatives. Develop proposals, reports and make recommendations to Leadership based on rigorous analysis of organizational, economic, demographic, and cultural factors, that impact the provision of social services ministries, sustainability, and best practices. Prepare the Social Services Section of Annual Reports to International Headquarters upon request and in response to other Leadership requests.

Travel/Work Conditions:

Travel, including overnight and weekends, will be required occasionally (est. one wk./Quarterly. Work is performed in a typical office environment. This is a full-time professional position which will require some weekend and evening work. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position:

Education and Experience:

Master's Degree; Master of Social Work degree is preferred. Licensed Social Work preferred; Licensed Social Clinical helpful. Ten years progressive experience in social services, with at least five years in a management capacity or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for this leadership. Responsibility for administering a variety of social service programs in a Christian environment is preferred.

Philosophical Perspective:

Requires commitment to Biblical Christian principles and teachings as they influence the regard for the individual, the delivery of services in a respectful and compassionate manner, and a hope for future restoration and change of individuals, families, and communities. A commitment to serve mankind within a framework of justice and dignity, an understanding of advocacy, and challenges experienced by marginalized segments of society. Adheres to and promotes The Salvation Army Social Services Code of Ethics.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise, motivate, and encourage all staff of the Territorial Social Ministries Department to work as a team which embodies efficiency, unity of purpose and dedication to serving those on the front lines of The Salvation Army ministry promptly, positively, and effectively. Plan, prioritize, monitor, and evaluate the work of department staff; ensure staff receives appropriate training to perform jobs efficiently and effectively; endeavor to develop staff capabilities for ever- increasing responsibilities. The Territorial Social Services Ministries Director provides supervision to 13 staff members.

Skills:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of Social Service Program Administration at a leadership level including laws and regulations governing social service agencies. Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective reports and technical writing including documents for publication. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and communicate appropriately at all levels within and outside of the organization to educate and influence others to achieve desired results of social service programs and enhance/emphasize the mission of The Salvation Army. In collaboration with Territorial Community Relations and Development Department, maintain knowledge of acceptable practices for soliciting, administering, and managing private, foundation, corporate government funds and ensuring funds acquired through grants and contracts are properly secured, reported, managed and protected in an effort to maximize funding opportunities for The Salvation Anny throughout the territory. Ability to serve as a technical expert, resource, and liaison to administration at the territorial and divisional level, as well as to local units. Ability to supervise, maximize and evaluate the work of department personnel of varying backgrounds and abilities. Proficiency in oral and written English that is adequate for functioning in an English-speaking context. Experienced in preparation and delivery of oral presentations to a range of audiences, utilizing PowerPoint or other presentation technologies. Knowledge of and ability to effectively use a computer, Lotus Notes, Microsoft Office programs, digital, video, and online platforms, and related computer software.

What We Offer

Generous Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits TSA paid Life Insurance for Employees Additional life insurance options for employees On-site cafeteria Paid Time Off – Vacation, Sick, Personal days 403(b) retirement savings plan Non-contributory Pension Plan Professional Development Education Assistance Free, on-site Fitness Center Federal holidays Opportunities to give back and support our communities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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