Divisional Social Services Program Specialist - 11-001 - SC/ Southern CA DHQ - Social Services

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.

Position Summary

The Divisional Social Services Programs Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting the oversight, tracking, and processing of grants and contracts for social services programs. Working under the Divisional Grants and Contracts Director, this position collaborates closely with the Social Services Business Specialist and other team members to monitor fiscal and program outcomes, ensure wellness, and drive continuous improvement.

The Specialist aids in grant acquisition and writing, supports routine reporting, grants and contracts monitoring, compliance oversight, and provides hands-on training and support to program sites and staff. The role requires strong problem-solving skills, cross-departmental collaboration, and the ability to work independently and proactively with leadership.

Pay Range

$75,000/yr. - $90,000/yr.

Essential Functions

Program & Grant Support

• Assist in the oversight and management of grants and contracts, ensuring accurate tracking and processing through organizational systems and modules.
• Collaborate with the Social Services Business Specialist to strategize and monitor fiscal health, program outcomes, and overall wellness across all social services initiatives.
• Support the preparation, review, and submission of grant applications and contract documents, contributing to grant writing and acquisition efforts for operating programs.

Reporting & Analysis

• Aid in the development and delivery of routine reports on the status of all grants and contracts, including fiscal and programmatic outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date records and dashboards to support monthly and quarterly reporting requirements.

Site & Event Support

• Provide on-site support and training to program teams, attending program events and visiting sites to ensure effective implementation of grant and contract requirements.
• Serve as a resource for program staff, offering guidance on compliance, process improvements, and best practices.

Collaboration & Problem-Solving

• Work cross-departmentally with leadership, finance, legal, property, compliance, and program teams to address challenges, resolve issues, and optimize processes.
• Demonstrate independent initiative in identifying and solving problems, ensuring timely and effective execution of responsibilities.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the evaluation and enhancement of systems and processes related to grants and contracts management.
• Stay informed of trends, regulations, and best practices in social services program administration.

Other Duties

Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Divisional Grants and Contracts Director and leadership team.

Working Conditions

Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Must be able to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Must be able to lift to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, social services, or related field; Master's preferred or over 10 years in government grants/contracts writing and compliance oversight for community programs.
• Minimum five years' experience in grants/contracts management, compliance, and supervision.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with grant writing, reporting, and compliance preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and relevant system modules.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Willingness to travel to program sites and events as needed.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass background check.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strategic planning and leadership in grants/contracts administration.
• Extensive knowledge of program development and operations.
• Extensive knowledge of social services programs involving homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health, childcare, HIV/AIDS, families, and child abuse.
• Knowledge of residential programs.
• Knowledge of Salvation Army policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of California employment law.
• Advanced knowledge of compliance, audit processes, and reporting requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and teams simultaneously.
• Strong technical and analytical skills for financial and programmatic oversight.
• Commitment to the mission and values of The Salvation Army.

Masters (preferred)
Bachelors of Public Administration (required)

Experience With Grant Writing, Reporting, And Compliance. (preferred)
5 years: Minimum Experience In Grants/Contracts Management, Compliance, And Supervision. (required)
10 years: Minimum Experience In Government Grants/Contracts Writing And Compliance Oversight For Community Programs. (required)

Motor Vehicle Check (required)
Driver's License (required)