Program Director

Location: The Salvation Army Red Shield Lodge             

 (Full-Time/Salaried)

Job Summary

This position plans, directs, coordinates and monitors the day-to-day operations of a Social Service Program such as Transitional Living, Homeless Services, Emergency Services, Crisis Intervention Services; develops, implements and evaluates program operations and services; supervises all program staff and ensures work is in compliance with established policies and procedures as well as local, state and federal regulations; researches and prepares grant proposals and secures program funding; prepares and monitors program expenditures in compliance with program budget.

Key responsibilities:

• Supervises and monitors the day-to-day activities of the program including housing, life skill classes, transportation, financial assistance, food/clothing/furniture assistance, employment assistance, educational and vocational assistance; ensures that operations run smoothly and in compliance with established procedures.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates program services based on changing needs of clientele; develops programs to assist in the stabilization of homeless individuals and families as well as to provide crisis intervention; conducts assessments to identify program's strengths and weaknesses and to specify program goals.
• Supervises the work of program personnel; trains and instructs caseworkers and Corps employees in proper methods and procedures adhering to acceptable standards for social services casework, according to the Salvation Army Social Services Code of Ethics, and Area Command program standards.
• Monitors work in progress and upon completion to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program policies and procedures.
• Plans, coordinates, and/or facilitates life management classes to assist clients in obtaining skills that will enable them to functionally cope with their environment; obtains speakers and workshop presenters as needed.
• Design and modify programs in accordance with professional social services accreditation standards, submit applications and documentations for professional program accreditation from such groups and the Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness, QESST Accreditation; Provides professional social work consultation, intervention, and monitoring. Plans, coordinates, and/or facilitates crisis intervention sessions, group life skills, adult financial mentoring, and life skills programs to assist clients in obtaining skills that will enable them to functionally cope with their environment.
• Provides child safety evaluations to determine the appropriate programs and services needed to improve the probability of successful family outcomes. Develop individual services; tailored to address assessment findings, arranges appropriate interventions and services, monitors family progress and adjust services as needed to improve outcomes. Offers spiritual encouragement and prayer upon
• request; suggests, encourages, and accompanies social services program participants to varied corps programs designed to transform individuals and families; act as professional speaker and workshop presenters when requested and confer with other professionals as needed.
• Manages Intake process to include admission to the program; determines applicant’s eligibility to receive services; explains program rules and procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the counseling of clients and develops an action plan designed to lead client to self-sufficiency and independent living; maintaining case management records on each family; monitoring resident's progress in weekly meetings and classes; collecting rent fees from clients.
• Oversees subordinates in interviewing clients requesting assistance to determine client’s eligibility for varied grants and services based on program guidelines and restrictions; records clients’ disposition and other pertinent information such as income, expenses, family and work history; assist subordinates and clients in completing applications for assistance.
• Assists subordinate personnel in determining most appropriate approach or method in resolving difficult or unusual client cases.
• Reviews rapid re-housing case worker’s contacts with clients, assesses individual service plans (ISP’s) and oversees tracking of all client’s progress and compliance towards Individual Service Plan and program goals.
• Recruit, interview, manage, and monitor all volunteer activities associated with Red shield service programs. Presents program information to volunteer groups; creates and suggest volunteer service opportunities to enhance outcomes; coordinates and supervises volunteers in varied activities to benefit social service program participants.
• Serve as Red Shield liaison/representative by attending regularly scheduled meetings of community social service partners. Network and develop alliances with community agencies that will benefit financial emergency services and rapid re-housing clients.
• Maintains awareness of local, state and federal regulations governing program operations and ensures compliance to the same including health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Recommends new policies and procedures or changes in current practices to enhance the effectiveness of program operations and services.
• Prepares various correspondences and completes paperwork necessary for program operations.
• Maintains confidentiality of all client information in accordance with The Salvation Army Code of Ethics requirements.
• Develops, implements, and enforces program policies and procedures; prepares and updates procedure manual.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with community agencies to maintain awareness of resources and make appropriate referrals.
• Oversees and trains Social Service staff, ensuring dignified and professional customer service; ensures compliance with program policies and procedures as well as local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
• Conducts performance evaluations and hiring/firing recommendations to the Red Shield Services Director and/or Commanding Officer.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work or related field; Master’s Degree preferred;
• Five (5) years progressively responsible experience performing social services work, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Ability to meet attendance requirements. Ability to read, write and communicate the English language. Ability to respond to emergency situations quickly and calmly while maintaining control and initiating the proper corrective action. Ability to perform combinations of sitting, standing, and walking on a frequent change basis. Distance of travel is usually within the same building. Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) 5 -10% of work time. Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.

Employee Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plans and more!

Why work for us?

The Salvation Army offers a broad range of career opportunities, particularly targeted toward those motivated by our mission, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Salvation Army strives to do the “Most Good” for its employees by offering a greater sense of purpose in the work performed, by training and mentoring employees and by offering competitive compensation and benefit plans.  Whether employed as a truck driver, administrative support team member or the director of a program, our employees understand at the core of their work is the opportunity to be an integral part of an organization that is Doing the Most Good.

Additional Information:

All employees recognize The Salvation Army is a church and agree they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

To apply, click on the “Apply Now” icon at the bottom of this posting.

Application Submittal Period:  04/02/2025 – 04/12/2025

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled

When an application is selected for review, typically, only applicants who indicate the relevant education and experience requirements, as indicated in the job description for the position, may be considered for job openings. Please FULLY complete the application, answer questions completely, honestly and to the best of your ability. Please also upload a copy of your resume (when available). Those applicants requiring accommodation to the application and/or interview process should contact a representative of the Human Resources Department at the applicable location.

We appreciate your interest in employment opportunities with The Salvation Army!