Executive Director of Social Services

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Executive Director of Social Services to lead and oversee our comprehensive social service programs. This pivotal role involves developing strategic initiatives, managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering strong relationships within the community. The ideal candidate will be passionate about empowering underserved populations, especially individuals with disabilities, and will bring a proactive leadership style that drives program excellence and organizational growth. As a key leader, you will champion innovative solutions to enhance the quality of services delivered and promote a culture of collaboration, integrity, and excellence.

Essential Functions: This job should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accomodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Plans, coordinates, instructs, supervises, monitors and evaluates the work performance of the Social Services staff. Ensures compliance to TSA and Department policies and procedures.
• Provides support and encouragement to staff persons and provides development opportunities.
• Ensures that department is functioning to full capacity and providing the services required by staff and clients. Includes making recommendations for hire, advancement, and/or termination, training, etc.
• Prepares and manages contracts and maintains sound working relationships with government and community agencies related to Social Services. Completes and submits applications and reports to Dane County Coordinator for program.
• Develops, organizes, implements, and administers new Social Service programs designed to address unmet or under-met needs of the community.
• Analyzes the effectiveness of Social Services. Programs including ensuring programs comply with TSA’s mission.
• Assumes responsibility for development and administration of standards and procedures affecting social service personnel and operations. Inspects operations and facilities to ensure adherence to those standards.
• Prepares and manages annual Social Services budget.
• Processes HUD grant applications, including gathering and reporting statistics for affected Social Services programs.
• Prepares and executes City of Madison, Dane County, FEMA, United Way, and HUD Funding applications/ RFP in conjunction with the Director of Grants & Compliance.
• Supervises local Extension programs, including recruitment and management of programs, volunteers, monitoring services provided and developing and managing program budgets.
• Works cooperatively with Dane County Coordinators, HR Representative in recruiting, selecting, and managing staff; Property and Security Director in managing Social Service facilities; Development Director to secure new and ongoing Social Services funding; Business Administrator to write, negotiate, monitor and report on all Government contacts.
• Ensures compliance with Salvation Army Socila Services policies and procedures in all programs, including confidentiality and ethics.

Skills

• Extensive experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and in behavioral health settings.
• Proven ability in relationship management with community organizations, government agencies, clients, and families.
• Strong administrative experience with budgeting, compliance oversight, and program development.
• Demonstrated leadership in social services administration with supervisory experience in managing diverse teams.
• Excellent writing skills for report generation, grant applications, and policy documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for documentation, communication, and project management purposes.
• Experience working with underserved communities from diverse cultural backgrounds; bilingual skills are highly desirable.
• Skilled in program management with a focus on social service delivery standards and client-centered approaches.
• Ability to supervise staff effectively while fostering a positive team environment aligned with organizational values.
• Knowledge of federal/state regulations related to social services provision; experience ensuring organizational compliance is essential.
• Maintains and updates Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with other service providers in the community toward meeting community needs and services.
• Attends and actively participates in community meetings on behalf of The Salvation Army Social Services.
• Attends and participates in meetings of the Dane County Coordination management team, Coordinating Council, and Dane County Advisory board and program Committee meetings.
• Minimum Qualifications

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

Education: Master's in Social Work or related field required.

Experience: 5 years Social Work Management experience

Cerifications: Must have valid Driver's License with clearance to drive from TSA's insurance carrier.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Principles and practices of social work and case management techniques relevant to the services offered.
• Federal regulations and state laws applicable to the programs.
• Contract administration and compliance.
• Advanced interviewing skills.
• Public and private social services providers within the community and community resources programs available.
• Collaborative case planning.
• De-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.
• Computer applications related to work including strong skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet, and email. Possess or obtain working knowledge of Service Point.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person or over the phone.
• Programs and eligibility requirements for the Social Security Administration, State Medicaid, Badger Care, County social Services and Food Stamps, and other relevant programs.
• The Salvation Army Safe from Harm training program.

Ability to:

• Communicate exceptionally well orally, in writing, and over the phone.
• Analyze, interpret, apply and explain applicable complex laws, codes, regulations, and procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Use initiative and independent judgement within Salvation Army ethics guidelines; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Set and observe appropriate boundaries with Staff and Guests.
• Possess well-developed decision-making skills with attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Excell in a diverse, collaborative team environment.
• Mutli task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job. Physical requirements include: good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity.

Travel: Local; throughout Dane County service area.

Working Conditions: Work environment characteristics described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The duties of this job will be primarily performed indoors under normal room temperatures. The noise level will generally be low.

At times the duties will involve working with individuals having infectious and/or communicable diseases.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that as an employee of The Salvation Army they will support its religious mission.

Join us as we work passionately to make a meaningful difference in people's lives through innovative leadership in social services!

Pay: $90,682.00 - $113,353.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Cover Letter Preferred: To help us better understand your qualifications and career interests, we encourage candidates to include a cover letter with their application.

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Social Services: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Location:

• Madison, WI 53704 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Benefits:

Salary : $90,682 - $113,353