Director of Social Services

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISON

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Director of Social Services

LOCATION/DEPT: Winnebago County

REPORTS TO: Winnebago County Coordinator and Assigned Corps Officer

PEOPLE MANAGER: Yes

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 209

PAY RANGE: $67,574 - $82,778

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to "Doing the Most Good". We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for kids after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

OUTCOMES

The Social Services Director for The Salvation Army of Winnebago County plays a critical leadership role in advancing the mission of The Salvation Army through effective, compassionate, and strategic delivery of social services. This position works collaboratively with Winnebago County, internal departments including Development, EDS, and Operations, the Rockford Temple Corps, and a wide range of community partners. This position fosters strong communication, consultation, cooperation, and coordination to enhance service effectiveness and community impact. The Director is responsible for establishing and implementing both short- and long-term strategies, policies, and operational plans that ensure high-quality, mission-driven social services. This role provides oversight, leadership, and direction to support sustainable programs that respond to community needs while upholding The Salvation Army's values and standards.

The Director of Social Services is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties, organized by functional area:

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the Social Services Department, including supervision of all social service staff and volunteers.
• Provide reflective supervision that supports staff well-being, professional growth, accountability, and mission alignment.
• Support staff development through coaching, training, performance feedback, and participation in professional development opportunities.
• Engage in strategic planning to assess department needs, set priorities, and guide short- and long-term program and service delivery goals.
• Oversee payroll processing, timekeeping, and staff scheduling to ensure compliance with Salvation Army policies and operational needs.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of statistics related to programs, grants, Pathway of Hope outcomes, and divisional requirements.
• Ensure all funding sources, including grants, donations, and internal allocations, are administered in compliance with the approved budget, applicable contracts, agreements, policies, and reporting requirements.
• Provide oversight of department record keeping, ensuring confidentiality, proper document disposal, and maintenance of the Program Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Complete all required Salvation Army employee, Illinois-specific compliance, and mandated social services training.
• Assist the County Coordinator and/or officer assigned to support this area to establish connections with the Winnebago County community, including various social service agencies and government entities.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with social service agencies and partners throughout Winnebago County and represent The Salvation Army at local and regional social service meetings to strengthen partnerships and advance the mission.
• Engage in public speaking, media appearances, presentations, and advocacy as needed to promote The Salvation Army and its social services mission.
• Support the recruitment of volunteers and donors to strengthen programs and community impact.
• Meet regularly with the Corps Officer to report on social service activities, share relevant information, and collaborate on opportunities for mission integration across programs and ministries.
• Collaborate with the Rockford Temple Corps Pastoral Care team to provide holistic support for social service participants, including appropriate referrals, spiritual care, and ministry engagement as aligned with The Salvation Army mission.

• Coordinate and oversee the operations of all social service and seasonal programs: Emergency assistance, Pantry, Pathway of Hope, Life Enrichment, Feed the Need, Golden Hearts, Koats4Kids, Angel Tree
• Maintain awareness of emerging needs, opportunities, and trends within Winnebago County and use this information to evaluate, enhance, or develop social service programs.
• Meet with the Divisional Pathway of Hope Project Manager, Regional Social Work Manager, Pathway of Hope Caseworker and Corps Officer in the development of the annual local Pathway of Hope plan and ensure progress toward established goals and outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Operations Director to plan and execute logistics for seasonal social programs such as food drives and Christmas initiatives and provide support for Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) operations as needed.
• Oversee internship opportunities for students and volunteers in relevant social service fields, providing mentorship, guidance, and meaningful hands-on learning experiences.

OTHER DUTIES

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Education: MSW, non-profit administration, human services management or a related field accepted
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in progressively responsible positions managing social service programs
• Bilingual- Spanish or other language

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Corps Officer 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 environment with a low noise level.

COMPENTENCIES

• 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 as well as anticipates and responds to the needs of client departments.
• A flexible style that also displays a willingness to learn.
• An excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
• A demonstrated ability to manage projects, priorities, and programs in a constantly changing environment.
• A communication and management style that exhibits the principles and values of the Army as well as fosters team relationships and effectively communicates information.
• An extensive knowledge of the principles of community relations.
• Knowledge of the Army's history, mission, and structure, as well as its services, policies and procedures.
• A good understanding of resource development systems and the professional knowledge necessary to achieve department objectives.
• Highly effective communication skills that are persuasive and professional through interpersonal communication, public speaking, and written materials.
• An understanding of data management, procedure development and flow of information.
• A "hands-on" knowledge of how to effectively work with diversity in the workplace.
• Computer literacy and the ability to work with a variety of computer programs necessary in administering social work in Rockford.
• Knowledge of Salvation Army policies regarding social work.
• An understanding of and compassion for all people in need.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• The Director of Social Services will report directly to the Winnebago County Coordinator and/or any officer assigned to support this area. and will work very closely as a key member of the Winnebago County Leadership Team.
• The Director will work closely with as an essential member of the Winnebago County Leadership Team.
• The Director of Social Services will represent and assist the County Coordinator in external linkages with the Rockford Advisory Board, Winnebago county community, including other social service agencies and government bodies deemed appropriate.
• This position will supervise the Social Services Case Worker, Pathway of Hope caseworker, Emergency Assistance Case Worker, Receptionists, Administrative Assistant, Pantry Coordinator and additional positions as needed.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

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

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.