Overview

The Salvation Army’s Lowell Corps is hiring a Bridging the Gap Director and offers excellent benefit package to eligible employees including:

• Generous paid time off every year that includes: holidays, up to 3 personal days, vacation time and sick time.
• Employer funded Pension Plan (company contributions begin after 1 year of employment)
• Comprehensive health care coverage with low cost employee premiums, co-pays and deductibles
• Eligibility for supplemental insurance plans including Short Term Disability, AFLAC and Voluntary Term Life
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Eligibility for the Federal Government’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Most importantly – a job with a good purpose!

Pay Range: $19 to $21.20/hr depending upon experience

Hours: 40 hrs/week

Develop and direct the Bridging the Gap (BTG) program in Lowell.

• Responsible for the development and continuing enhancement of the BTG program in Lowell
• Develop a strong network of referrals of at risk/high risk youth from appropriate agencies.
• Interview prospective referrals and their parents/guardians to evaluate client matches for the program.
• Lead a minimum of two tracks of BTG group meetings a week (three to four total meetings).
• Supervise BTG Assistant Director, Teaching Assistants (if applicable).
• Update or revise group lesson plans, as needed, for each BTG session guided by the standardized program curriculum and in consultation with the Massachusetts Bridging the Gap Director.
• Evaluate, update and enhance BTG curriculum in keeping with the values of The Salvation Army.
• Coordinate program including speakers and guests to enhance program curriculum.
• Develop follow-up procedures so as to evaluate effectiveness of the program.
• Recruit and supervise BTG interns.
• Develop funding opportunities so as to eventually make the program self-sufficient, in consultation with the Corps Officer, Massachusetts Bridging the Gap Director and the Divisional Grant Writer. Write funding proposals for the BTG program as requested (including United Way and Community Development Block Grant proposals).
• Network with community members/professionals to improve The Salvation Army’s standing in the community, as well as develop new opportunities for partnerships and service delivery.
• Consult and train with the Massachusetts Bridging the Gap Director as requested.
• Attend Divisional Bridging the Gap Director meetings as requested.
• Work with Corps Officers to provide appropriate spiritual outreach to the youth served.
• Provide monthly statistical reports and program /youth participant stories to the Massachusetts Bridging the Gap Director and Corps Officers as required.
• Plan and promote public graduation ceremonies /meetings for BTG youth participants, inviting family members, corps members, advisory board members, public officials, MA Bridging the Gap Director, etc.
• Follow up with graduates and families to evaluate program success.
• Explore and implement a BTG Graduate Program for youth that have completed the program.
• Continue to keep in touch with all BTG Graduates.
• Follow all safety policies provided by The Salvation Army regarding working with youth

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education or related field
• A minimum of one-year experience working with at risk youth and knowledge of juvenile justice system is preferred
• Must have great organizational skills
• Must have experience in developing and coordinating small youth groups
• Program development experience is preferred. 
• Strong networking skills are essential.

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. The Salvation Army is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified job applicants, job candidates, and employees with disabilities to ensure they enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities and benefits of employment as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO is the Law.

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.