Job Abstract

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 Skid Row Ministry Program Manager is responsible for the leadership, management and supervision of the Skid Row Ministry Program. The Skid Row Ministry Program’s goal is to support and engage the residents of Skid Row through relationship building, wholistic case management, shelter and housing placement, community engagement, and Christ centered spiritual counsel and service. The Manager will oversee outreach team staff and will work in collaboration with the LA Metro Coordination to manage and develop the program. The Manager will also collaborate with local Salvation Army Programs to provide resources, programs referrals and direct support to the residents of Skid Row. In addition, the Manager will seek to work in collaboration with government and non-profit agencies such as LAHSA and its providers, Missions on Skid Row, residential shelter and housing programs, health care agencies, and substance use programs to provide referrals and care for residents on Skid Row.

Essential Functions

• Community Engagement
  • Represent The Salvation Army a local government, and City and County meetings and councils, as well as local community coalition meetings.
  • Collaborate with LAHSA, Los Angeles Central Providers Collaborative, the LA County Department of Health services, and other Skid Row collaboratives and coalitions.
  • Identify and reach out to non-profits, government agencies, churches, and community organizations on Skid Row.
  • Establish connections with local landlords, housing coalitions, the Skid Row Housing Trust, Skid Row SRO’s, and other housing providers in the vicinity of Skid Row.
  • Engage with local businesses and retailers to determine how you can work together to improve the lives of Skid Row residents.
• Mobile Outreach
  • Identify, engage, and provide support services to Skid row residents.
  • Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients that allow us to provide services and case management.
  • Submit Interim Housing referrals in Clarity.
  • Collaborate and participate with LAHSA’s C3 teams, the Department of Health Services, and other Skid row agencies.
  • Provide resources and assistance to residents for acquiring identification, benefits, health care, life skills, CalFresh, legal services, and other resources as needed.
  • Target particularly vulnerable residents such as those with medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse issues; pregnant women, and men or women with babies; families with children; and seniors.
  • Offer food, water, clothing, and hygiene items to residents.
  • Order supplies and giveaways for the program.
  • Schedule and organize community volunteer opportunities.
• Relational Case Management
  • Engage residents on Skid Row, assess their needs, and provide one time or ongoing assistance and support.
  • Complete CES assessments in HMIS as needed (VI-SPDAT), provide progress reports, and coordinate with other agencies or case managers regarding care/case management for clients.
  • Maintain a comprehensive resource base of services, agencies, and referrals for residents.
  • Maintain all records in HMIS & WellSky, capturing all services provided.
  • Assist clients in becoming housing ready through obtaining necessary documents and assessments so they meet the eligibility requirements for obtaining shelter or housing.
  • Coordinate family re-unification for clients who meet the requirements.
  • Utilize the Pathway of Hope program for pregnant women, individuals with custody or legal guardianship of children, individuals seeking to reunite with children, and other clients willing to complete the program.
  • Offer one on one and group counseling as appropriate.
• Supervision
  • Train, mentor, and supervise the other team members of the Skid Row Ministry Program
  • Develop a program calendar and schedule, determine, and assign short terms goals and objectives and tasks for the team.
  • Oversee the case management, client engagement and progress of the other team members.
  • Cultivate a healthy, open, culturally appropriate, and respectful work environment that creates a welcoming and productive workplace.
• Spiritual Care
  • Reach out to residents with an attitude of grace, kindness, love and humility.
  • Offer prayer and Christian counsel as appropriate.
  • Offer devotionals, bible study materials, and encouraging Christian materials as appropriate.
  • Refer residents to local Salvation Army Corps or Christian churches.

Working Conditions

Ability to work outside in various weather and terrain conditions. Must be in good physical and mental health, capable of meeting the demand of the position. 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 40 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree – Social Work preferred.
• Valid driver’s license
• Good driving record through MVR check.
• One to two years’ experience with the homeless population
• Experience working successfully with issues of substance abuse, mental health, criminal background, and other potential barriers to economic self-sufficiency.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Outlook and internet applications

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to work with deadlines and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Culturally competent and able to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to enter data and case notes into multiple electronic databases with accuracy.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Able to work with challenging or confrontational individuals and de-escalate arguments and confrontations.
• Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team and in conjunction with other organizations.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on tasks.