Assistant Program Director

THE SALVATION ARMY

North and Central Illinois Division – Pathway Forward Program

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:                     Assistant Program Director

LOCATION/DEPT:                   Pathway Forward

REPORTS TO:                         Program Director

FLSA CATEGORY:                  Exempt

STATUS TYPE:                        RFT

DEPARTMENT MISSION 

The Mission of the Assistant Program Director is to assist in the oversight of all facets of the Pathway Forward Program, with special emphasis on coordination of personnel management in all departments.

OUTCOMES

A resource exists to ensure that Program and Human Resources functions are effectively developed, implemented, and evaluated.    

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Function

1. Supports the Program Director in maintaining Pathway Forward Program reputation of offering the highest quality services to former offenders.
2. Supports the Program Director in implementing Salvation Army policy and exemplifies the philosophy of The Salvation Army. Excellent relations are maintained within all elements of The Salvation Army and various government and accrediting agencies involved with the program.
3. Supports the Program Director, Program Supervisor, and Clinical Administrator in team development. Attends and provides leadership in coordination with the Program Director at staff meetings and administrative meetings. Coordinates Program Unit Team meetings on regular intervals for the purpose of program sharing and for dispensing policy directives.
4. Excellent relations are maintained with all elements of The Salvation Army and the various government and accrediting agencies involved in the program.
5. This position will supervise assigned departments.
6. Works to ensure the program is operated in a fiscally sound manner.
7. Works to ensure the program continuously reviews policy and procedures for improvement. The program exercises a leadership position in the community and creatively seeks new opportunities to exert its influence.
8. Data is collected, verified, recorded, analyzed, and disseminated in a manner which meets or exceeds all obligations imposed by The Salvation Army, the Bureau of Prisons, The U.S. Probation Office, The American Correctional Association, and Federal, State and local laws.
9. Polices and procedures are reviewed at least annually or accuracy and utility, and are revised as needed.
10. Assures compliance with funding contract requirements affecting employees including annual training requirements for employees with annual assessment outcomes.
11. Oversees and enforces the Pathway Forward Grievance Policy assuring internal procedures are followed. All Grievance complaints and responses are presented to the Program Director for review and signature. Consults with the Metropolitan Division Human Resources Department on issues as needed.
12. Actively participates in maintaining accreditation of the Pathway Forward Program.
13. Is knowledgeable of all aspects of The Salvation Army Pathway Forward Program including organizational structure, budgets and budget development, program policies and procedures, accreditation requirements, contract development and negotiation.
14. Attends Advisory Council meetings and participates in public relations events.
15. Provides support in ongoing activities as well as seasonal events.

Human Resources Function

1. Provides guidance and oversight to the Human Resources Manager guaranteeing hiring processes are followed, positions are posted, team interviews are conducted, and necessary background checks are done prior to hire.
2. Works to ensure hired staff are highly skilled, stable, and dedicated to the mission of The Salvation Army.
3. Oversees the Assistant Business Manager’s completion of payroll in an expeditious manner.
4. Oversees all employee related issues or concerns. Works with HR Manager to resolve issues in a fair, consistent and timely manner. Keeps the Program Director and Divisional Human Resources Department informed on all pertinent issues or problems.
5. Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with staff. Monitors employee morale and reports problems or issues to the Program Director in a timely manner.
6. Investigates employee relations issues (complaints, concerns, etc.) when needed. Resolves issues in a timely manner.
7. Performance counseling occurs in coordination with and in compliance with Pathway Forward program policies which have been written in accordance with The Salvation Army Metropolitan Divisional standards. Keeps the Program Director and Divisional Human Resources Department informed of issues.
8. Maintains healthy employee relations through effective communication, solicitation of employee feedback, employee events and recognition.

Other Duties

1. All other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position will supervise staff in assigned departments.

This position, under auspices of the Program Director, has supervisory authority over persons employed by, volunteering for, or residing in the Pathway Forward Program.

In contacts related to this position’s duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission. 

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

• This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved.
• Timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
• Performance evaluations will consider the timeliness, effectiveness, and completeness of tasks performed and the results of internal and external audits, when applicable.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree and preferably Master’s degree (Social Services, Human Resources, Corrections, Behavioral Sciences, or related field).
• Minimum of five years related administrative experience in which leadership was demonstrated.
• Proficient in PC-based work environments, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Credentials for this position will increase to reflect any dictated by the American Correctional Association.

COMPETENCIES

• A commitment to uphold and promote the mission of the Salvation Army and a dedication to achieving and maintaining a diverse, competent, and motivated workforce.
• A dedication to applying the principles of faith-based community services to Corrections.
• An interpersonal, service-oriented style which is conducive to leading a large diverse number of people.
• A panoramic overview which lends itself to understanding, analyzing, and improving a complex organization structure.
• A visionary sense of corrections programs, coupled with realistic program design and implementation.
• An extensive knowledge of corrections, including in-depth awareness of various community treatment and rehabilitation models.
• Extensive experience with the administrative requirements and financial operations of government agencies.
• Strong analytical and management skills.
• An experienced and excellent public speaker.
• Sound judgment and financial acumen.
• A demonstrated ability to manage projects and programs in a constantly changing environment.
• A decision-making approach that evaluates options, resources, and outcomes in light of goals and objectives.
• A communication and management style that exhibits the principles and values of The Salvation Army and fosters team relationships. A positive approach that builds and encourages a positive team-work environment.
• A service orientation, anticipating and responding to the needs of employees.
• Ability to work with and manage confidential material.
• High degree of organization and efficiency.
• Tact, discretion, and a reputation/record of good judgment, fairness, and sensitivity.
• A strong attention to detail.
• A solid understanding of the interpretation of regulations and requirements.
• Highly developed listening and observational skills.
• A “hands-on” knowledge of how to effectively work with diversity.
• Behavior which models the philosophy of The Salvation Army.
• A long-established dedication to spiritual growth.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will review any questionable issues with the Program Director before formulating any decisions.
• This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
• This individual will keep the Program Director informed of all critical issues relating to his/her area of responsibility.

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 is a residential environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions as resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others’ property and person; professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates.  Supports the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

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.