Social Services Manager

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Aug 03, 2025
THE SALVATION ARMY NORTH AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION Child Care POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE: Social Services Manager LOCATION: Child Care REPORTS TO: Program Director FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt STATUS TYPE: RFT PAY GRADE: 208 PAY RANGE: $30.86 - $37.81 OUTCOMES Oversees the Head Start Social Services, Disabilities and Mental Health components, provides clinical supervision to all child care social service staff; serves as a liaison to two or three Head Start sites or programs, and participates as a member of the management team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES Oversees the Head Start Social Service, Disabilities and Mental Health components with the Head Start site staff (especially Directors, teachers, and social service staff) and Managers. Assures that children and family's needs are responded to by Social Service staff based upon social work principles and practices Establishes and implements the social service philosophy of the program that is inclusive of the Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Social-Emotional Learning Act. Facilitates in-service training for social service, disabilities, and mental health staff Observes staff/family practices interactions and provides technical assistance to social service, teaching, and administrative staff Attends Department of Family and Social Services (DFSS) Social Service, Mental Health, and Disabilities Advisory Meetings Monitors social service, disabilities and mental health tracking and documentation Provides direct oversight to the Mental Health Consultant's contract in providing services to children, families, and site staff Acts as the liaison between program sites, DFSS and Chicago Public School (CPS) in identifying, assessing, and referring children with suspected disabilities Works with the Program Director to revise the Forms Notebooks annually Establishes collaborative relationships with community organizations Provides clinical supervision to all child care social service staff Meets individually with each social service staff person. Plans for utilization of staff development/conference funds in Head Start Budget and Salvation Army Allocations, and monitors expenditures Facilitates family case studies Serves as a liaison to two or three Head Start sites Meets with the site director monthly, or as needed to provide supervision and support Responds to the requests for information, technical assistance, and support from the site director Supports director in responding to special needs and child abuse situations Provides technical assistance in implementing policies at the site Represents the site and its needs to the Administrative Office Evaluates the site directors annually Participates as a member of the Child Care Program Management team. Planning Coordinates with all members of the management team to plan, support and monitor all programs of the Salvation Army Child Care Program Assists with the Budget review. Makes appropriate suggestions for expenditures and/or changes. Participates in new program development Identifies potential funding sources for supplemental services and develops proposals as requested Personnel Support Assists with developing and maintaining good staff relationships Participate in interviews for management staff, as requested Represents the Salvation Army and Child Care Program to staff with regard to personnel policies. Advocacy Develops an atmosphere of support for the agencies program within the community at large and among programs users. Maintains liaison with state, community and neighborhood institutions and organization. Assumes an advocacy position for children and families when presenting at professional conferences, as well as internal and external meetings. Professionalism Maintains a professional approach to job duties. Adheres to personnel policies. Supports and enforces program regulations. Assumes and thoroughly completes all duties in a professional and timely manner. Accepts responsibility willingly. Demonstrates enthusiasm for the program. Responds objectively to change. Responds in a positive manner to constructive suggestions. Respects the confidentiality of parents, children, and other staff members. Keeps abreast of early childhood education practices through: Demonstration a proficient knowledge of child development Demonstrates professional growth and development through: Identification of own training needs Participation in training seminars Enrollment in advance college courses Reading professional literature and research Application of training to professional performance Other Duties All other duties as assigned. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS This position reports to the Program Director. This position supervises two-three program sites as determined by Program Director. This individual relates to and interacts with a wide range of contacts both within and outside The Salvation Army. In these contacts, they act as a representative of the Army and its mission. PEFORMANCE MEASURMENTS This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Graduation from an accredited University or college with a Master's Degree in Social Work. Experience and training in implementation of Ages and Stages - Social/Emotional Questionnaire preferred. Minimum of two years' experience in management and supervision. COMPETENCIES A commitment to promote the mission of The Salvation Army. An excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies. A demonstrated ability to manage projects, priorities, and staff in a constantly changing environment. A communication and management style that exhibits the principles and values of the Army as well as fosters team relationships and effectively communicates information. A flexible style that also displays a willingness to learn. Possess ability to multitask with a strong awareness of deadlines. An understanding of federal (Head Start), state and Salvation Army policies and mandates. An understanding of data management, procedure development & flow of information. A "hands-on" knowledge of how to effectively work with diversity in the workplace. Good organizational skills and the ability to work independently as well as with a team of people. Good judgment in making decisions, recognizing established precedents, and demonstration of resourcefulness in meeting problems. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. POSITION LIMITATIONS This individual will only commit Salvation Army resources that have been allocated or approved. This individual will keep the Program Director and other pertinent staff members informed on all critical issues relating to his/her area of responsibility. This individual will adhere to all Salvation Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT This position is required to do light physical work and must be able to lift and/or move up to 50lbs. occasionally. 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 includes an office environment with a low noise level. 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.