DEPARTMENT: PROGRAM

POSITION TITLE: SOCIAL SERVICES Program SPECIALIST

STATUS: EXEMPT

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 love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination.

THREEFOLD PURPOSE OF THE WESTERN SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT:

JOB SUMMARY:

The Social Services Program Specialist (SSPS) is part of the Social Services Department team. The SSPS provides expert guidance within their specialty areas and professional guidance in various other areas of social service program development and implementation. This includes assisting with the Pathway of Hope initiative, and the transition from Bridges and Others to the Wellsky software. Another key role is participation in program evaluations across the Territory to review, assess and provide training to social service programs in accordance with the National Social Services Standards. Other responsibilities include special assignments and duties as assigned by the Territorial Social Services Secretary (TSSS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The staff person may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE:

• Lead or assist in program reviews across the Territory utilizing the National Social Services Standards. Provide onsite guidance and training as needed during the reviews.
• Review, research and prepare Territorial Program Planning Council proposal summaries as assigned.
• Responsible for assisting with overall coordination, training and implementation of the Pathway of Hope (POH) program across the Territory.
• Provide training and technical assistance to Corps and Institutions as they begin using the new Wellsky software.
• Conduct professional development and staff trainings as requested or assigned. (e.g., case management strategies, motivational interviewing, eco-mapping, etc...).
• Department contact person for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment programs, Harm Reduction - Low Barrier Shelters, Seasonal Shelters, ARC, ARP, Harbor Light, and Transitional Living Homes proposals in the Territory.
• Coordinate efforts of social services Substance Use Disorder programs with regards to program and funding.
• Provide leadership in the implementation of the Naloxone (and similar) policy implementation, including training and certification.
• Provide assistance to Corps and ARC regarding the continuation of the Harvest Initiative effort.
• Explore and facilitate the reintegration of the Mission Bridge program into Corps social services.
• Lead scheduled conference calls with representatives from the various SUD treatment programs across the Territory to share best practices and crosspollinate ideas.
• Be available to provide training to Cadets at CFOT as requested by Crestmont College.
• Provide supervision for social work student interns, as requested or assigned.
• Work with the SSRS in completing the Western Territory Social Services Program Index (Compendium).
• Contribute social work resources to the Social Services Resource Database, which serves as a reference tool for the field.
• Assist with the TL Williams funds reporting, distribution and monitoring.
• Department Liaison with Veterans Affairs programs and The Salvation Army Government Affairs Office.
• Department Liaison with EDS Departments as assigned.
• Partner with other Social Service Department staff members on departmental activities as needed.

EDUCATION:

Master of Social Work (MSW) or comparable graduate degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis on social services and addictions, or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE:

• Doing public presentations and trainings.
• Administering or supervising Salvation Army or comparable social service programs.
• Providing case management with at-risk, economically and socially vulnerable populations.
• Accessing and upkeep of databases such as TL Williams, Property, CPC/TPPC, etc.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in social services programs with emphasis on families and addictions
• Experience in administering corps social services programs
• Creating and compiling reports, graphs, general information

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to speak and understand English for effective communication
• Demonstrated ability to do PowerPoint presentations and reports
• Familiarity with Salvation Army policies and procedures
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong writing skills including proofreading, editing, and professional reports.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Reliable, flexible and creative
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office applications
• Strong relational and problem-solving skills

PHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as reference materials, files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead.
• Ability to load and change settings, devices and fixtures on various equipment used in and around an office environment.
• Ability to operate telephone and other electronic communication devices.
• Ability to operative various other office equipment including personal computers, copiers, fax machines and scanning equipment.
• Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. (occasionally).
• Ability to travel throughout the territory via car, train or airplane.
• Ability to understand written information.
• Ability to be creative, original, intuitive and perceptive.
• Ability to think logically, critically and visually.
• Ability to envision a project from beginning to end.
• Ability to solve complex problems and exercise good judgment and decision-making.

TRAVEL:

Travel, including overnight, will be required occasionally.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a typical office environment or in assigned program locations in the field. Full-time exempt position may require some weekend and evening work as needed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS PURPOSES OF THE SALVATION ARMY:

The employee acknowledges that he/she has been informed and understands The Salvation Army’s religious purpose and status as a church. The employee agrees that he/she shall do nothing in his/her relationship with The Salvation Army as an employee to undermine its religious mission. The employee agrees and understands that his/her services are a necessary part of The Army’s religious purposes, and his/her work-related conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such religious programs or The Army’s religious purpose.

AT-WILL CLAUSE:

I hereby understand and acknowledge that, unless otherwise defined by applicable law, any employee relationship with this organization is of an “at will” nature, which means that the Employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge Employee at any time with or without cause. It is further understood that this “at will” employment relationship may not be changed by any written document or by conduct unless an authorized executive of this organization specifically acknowledges such change in writing.

REPORTS TO: Territorial Social Services Secretary

Education

• 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)