Assistant Director of Programs

The Assistant Director of Programs assists the Director of Programs in providing oversight and support for the leadership teams in various ministry units across the Ontario Division. The incumbent provides strong leadership by directing and coordinating all program matters at the assigned ministry units. The Assistant Director in conjunction with the Director of Program ensures programs and funding agreements meet various stakeholders’ expectations. The incumbent is responsible for the direct supervision of supervisory/managerial program staff at various locations.

Program and Service Responsibilities:

• In the absence of the Director of Programs, the Assistant Director oversees all aspects of the program operations in accordance with the mission and values of The Salvation Army Housing and Support Services.
• In the absence of the Director of Programs, the Assistant Director provides direction and support to Community Residential Facility (CRF) staff in screening CSC (Corrections) client cases.
• Participate in regular case management meetings with key stakeholders and community partners.
• Liaise with community resources in the relevant service areas and encourage community involvement in programs, partnerships, and program development.
• In conjunction with the Director of Programs, represent the organization at community and funder forums to promote TSA services and increase TSA presence in the communities we serve.
• Assisting the Director of Programs in overseeing and providing support to the social service staff in the planning, implementation, and continued direction of all program areas.
• Demonstrate and model an understanding of the psychological and social dynamics of working with individuals who have diverse needs and interests.
• Work with and support Program Managers and case management staff to ensure the diverse needs of clients are met; develop and monitor all programs to ensure measurable outcome effectiveness in line with funder and internal goals and expectations.
• Receive and resolve serious client and community complaints in dialogue with Program Managers, Director of Programs, and Employee Relations as necessary.
• Work with and support Program Managers to ensure all documentation and records are completed in an organized and timely manner, e.g., shift reports, intake, program evaluations, daily logs, the collection of data and incident reports, daily and monthly statistics and tracking staff hours and schedules.
• Support Program Managers to make effective decisions based on occurrence reports in keeping with The Salvation Army’s policies and procedures, seeking input from Employee Relations as required.
• Facilitate staff meetings based on the change management process and prepare program staff for future mergers.
• Ensure that all staff are aware of emergency procedures and are prepared to implement them immediately as necessary.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure the proper procedures are followed in the event of a workplace injury or illness, conducting incident investigations as applicable.
• Ensure steps in the Early and Safe Return to Work Program are followed as required.

Human Resources:

• Communicate regularly with the Employee Relations department regarding activities related to human resources and make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions and procedures, including recruitment, onboarding, and retention.
• Ensure that employee files are up to date and stored in a secure area.
• Responsible for completion and update of employee position descriptions and job duties in consultation with the Employee Relations department for those supervised.
• Conduct regular supervision with staff; ensure that performance reviews are completed, in a timely manner, for all staff.
• Complete payroll supervisory functions in UltiPro including approving vacation, sick time, timesheets, etc., for those supervised.
• Schedule and chair program staff meetings for all Ministry Units supervised.
• Provide support and team leadership to staff and ensure that they work together to achieve the purposes of the organization.
• Ensure that all staff complete all mandatory training and certifications as required; identify any training needs and report to the local Ministry Unit supervision.
• Work with Program Managers and Coordinators to develop and implement frameworks and approaches that promote staff engagement and retention, ensuring that staff engagement starts with the onboarding/probationary period.

Perform other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a full-time position based on 40 hours per week. Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• The working conditions are such that to meet the operational needs, job flexibility is required as it relates to hours of work and work schedule.
• Mostly works regular business hours – some evenings and weekends required.
• Normal location of work is within the Ontario Division including but not limited to: Halton, Hamilton, Dundas, Brantford and other communities within the ONGL division.
• Attendance is required at monthly departmental meetings.
• Rotational on-call duties.
• Travel between various Ministry Units is required. A short period of driving is required (30-40 min).
• May encounter verbal abuse from clients.

• Completed a post-secondary University Degree in social work or equivalent education.
• Master’s Degree will be considered as an asset.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification and CPR/First Aid Certification would be an asset or willing to obtain.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of five (5) years but less than seven years of prior related experience, including experience in a residential setting, experience in supervision, leadership, coaching, and motivating staff and working with marginalized clientele.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Develop an understanding of the Mission of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities and support the Mission in all aspects of work, including the way responsibilities are fulfilled.
• Maintain information in confidence as required.
• Participate as an active and responsible team member.
• Participate in probationary and annual performance appraisal process.
• Provide necessary resources, supports, and training to program staff.
• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner and assist personnel whom the position supports in developing those skills as required.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.
• Adhere to all Salvation Army policies, directives, and operating guidelines.
• Lead by example, demonstrating a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and be flexible in the face of change.
• Strong interpersonal, time management, and oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Supervisory/management skills and the ability to lead, coach, and motivate.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity, good judgment, and ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Attentive listening skills for supervision, counseling, and conflict resolution.
• Must have strong skills and experience using word processing (WORD) and spreadsheet use (EXCEL).
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Develop new and unique ways to improve community-based programming and create new opportunities.
• Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Be able to lift/move more than 20 pounds as required.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License, personal vehicle required and insurance, current copy of driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• Provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening and Enhanced Security Clearance that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• Be able to obtain clearance through the Enhanced Reliability Screening through Corrections Canada.
• Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• This position description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.