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 Deputy Director of Social Services (DDDSS) plays a critical leadership role in supporting the overall vision, mission, and goals of the Social Services Department. Under the direction and delegation of the Divisional Social Services Director (DSSD), the DDDSS helps plan, organize, and manage internal operations and supervises key departmental leaders including the Divisional Directors of Family Services, Child Services, and Homeless Services. This role ensures alignment with The Salvation Army’s mission and values while enhancing the effectiveness, integration, and impact of Family Services (including Corps Family Services), Child and Youth Services, and Homeless Services across the Southern California Division.

Essential Functions

Provide direct supervision and coaching to the Divisional Directors of Family Services, Child Services, and Homeless Services. Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the various programs throughout the Division. Communicate and work alongside the Divisional Social Services Director and Social Services Department to ensure fulfillment of grant requirements. Assist the Divisional Social Services Director to conduct reviews/evaluations of all social services programs Interface with the Divisional Social Services Director on issues of concern to and within social services programs within our division. Support the DSSD in strategic planning, program development, and departmental coordination. Serve as acting lead in the absence of the DSSD for the Social Services Department, ensuring continuity of operations and decision-making, while ensuring to maintain any necessary communication and updates to the DSSD upon return. Conduct regular internal monitoring, audit and reviews of government processes, procedures and compliance. Assist the DSSD in conducting the National Social Services Standards for all government sites. Verify units’ compliance with all regulations, as applicable (i.e. ADA, city ordinances, health departments, etc.) Work with the DSSD and respective team members in providing technical support, program assessments, program technical support and program compliance. Monitor programmatic performance, budgets, compliance, and outcomes across assigned service areas, including aiding monitoring personnel requirements; this includes compliance outlined in contracts & licensing regulations. Ensure programs operate in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Salvation Army policies. Maintain divisional services data and statistics for all residential and nonresidential programs across the division. Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to optimize resources and streamline operations. Interface with the Development Department concerning fundraising and new grant opportunities for program units. Assist in the implementation of divisional goals and initiatives. Represent the division in internal and external meetings, workgroups, and collaborative efforts as delegated by the DSSD. Review and contribute to reports, proposals, and strategic documents. Participate in budget planning and resource allocation discussions. Provide ongoing opportunities for professional development and education requirements for contracts. Support the review of client and staff grievances and incident reports to identify possible patterns that need remedy; make recommendations. Assist in the monthly, quarterly, and yearly reporting process as needed. Assist and support internal and external government grants/contracts audits, monitoring and reviews. Promote a culture of ethical conduct, accountability, and respect across all teams. Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis.  Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead.  Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.  Some travel required to participate in training opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications     

Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Administration, or related field (LMFT or LCSW preferred), or a minimum of twelve years leadership experience at a top-level non-profit organization. Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in social services, including supervision of multidisciplinary teams and oversight of programs serving unhoused populations, individuals impacted by behavioral health challenges, domestic violence, substance use, children and families, and veterans. Deep understanding of systems serving families, children, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Commitment to The Salvation Army’s mission, values, and Code of Conduct. Expertise in programmatic compliance, operations and government regulations at national, state and local levels. Knowledge and expertise of government grant regulations. Advanced computer skills (Windows, Excel, Microsoft Office, and PowerPoint). Ability to organize time, juggle priorities and develop effective communication materials. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills. Must have a valid California Drivers’ License with a good driving record.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities           

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; licensed and unlicensed. Knowledge of Salvation Anny policies and procedures. Knowledge of California employment law. Experience with contract compliance. Critical analytical skills. Strong communication skills, both written and oral. Ability to interpret policies/analyses/ trends, etc. Knowledge of applicable laws/policies/principles, etc.. Possess strong managerial skills. Possess problem identification & resolution skills. Possess project management skills, including use of computer programs (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) Ability to drive to different programs throughout the Division.