Youth Center Director

THE SALVATION ARMY

North and Central Illinois Division

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB TITLE:                           Youth Center Director

LOCATION/DEPT:               Peoria Citadel Corps

REPORTS TO:                       Corps Administrator

PEOPLE MANAGER:           Yes

FLSA CATEGORY:              Exempt, Full Time

PAY GRADE:                        206

PAY RATE:                           $48,138 - $57,766 Annually

 

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to “Doing the Most Good”. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for youth after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

 

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the development and management of The Salvation Army Peoria Citadel Youth Center. Must be a positive example and reflect the love of Jesus through leadership and interactions. Must build quality, healthy relationships with youth (ages 6-17) in the community through positive youth development.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead grant compliance including related policies and procedures, data management, statistical reporting, budgeting, financial reporting and collaborative agreements.
• Facilitate evidence-informed positive youth development models and infuse trauma-informed care principles across all structured and unstructured activities.
• Prepare and submit financial and statistical reporting as required by grant partners or The Salvation Army.
• Oversee and manage The Salvation Army Youth Center (The SAL) activities; monitor open gymnasium, hallway, breeze way, bathrooms, outdoor field activities; maintain safe environment; enforce policies and procedures; ensure security of facility at closing.
• Research, plan and develop athletic, educational, and recreational activities for the youth center. Develop and schedule programs for ages 6 to 17 with the intent of bridging all participants into Salvation Army spiritual activities.
• Coordinate with other community organizations and school officials to spearhead enrollment in community center programs; assist in the solicitation of funds and marketing for community center programs to business and civic organizations alongside Tri-County Development Staff; research, assist with the budgeting process of grants and obtain grant funding to support community center programs and equipment.
• Lead youth group activities and oversee the character-building programs. Research, develop and execute programs with the intent of discipling youth to grow and mature socially, emotionally, and spiritually, including but not limited to Bible studies, divisional programs, weekday services, and youth conferences/retreats.
• Direct and supervise other youth programming, including, but not limited to: Summer Day Camp, Vacation Bible School, Summer Overnight Camping Ministry, After-School Program, New Family Outreach Events, Community Celebrations, etc. Manage the related administrative functions of approved programs such as financial accountability, program details, and/or travel arrangements.
• Personally attend and transport youth to related activities and programs. (Youth Councils, Disciple Retreat, Youth Center special events, etc.)
• Be a mentor to youth, encouraging and supporting them. Understanding and properly communicating the doctrines and biblical beliefs of The Salvation Army to the youth.
• Train, supervise and provide ongoing support and guidance for volunteers as needed.
• Personally attend and transport youth to Army activities and programs (Youth Councils, Discipleship Retreat, Youth Center special events, etc.).
• When applicable, generates departmental payroll by calculating timecards.
• Prepare, update, and maintain confidential records and files of youth and community center participants.
• Supervise, schedule, and keep records for volunteer workers in youth programs and/or community center programs.
• Prepare and maintain monthly count of services rendered and prepare monthly statistical report for The Salvation Army and outside agencies-and organizations.
• Develop and implement the necessary systems to facilitate open gyms and basketball practices.
• Specifically manage our current Upward basketball program, which is currently an annual 11 week program with two nights of evening practices each week throughout the season and nine, Saturday morning game days. This includes enrolling participants, recruiting and training coaches, evaluating players, creating team rosters and schedules, hiring referees, temporary coach coverage and managing game days with related functions.
• Manage all gym rentals, including payments and building safety and security. Assis with other related rental events as necessary.
• Purchase the necessary supplies for all youth center programs and file receipts for reimbursement. Track costs for various programs and determine whether expenditures are eligible for reimbursement.
• Supervise, schedule, and keep records for community service workers in community center programs.
• Encourage community center patrons to attend or participate in other Salvation Army programs and worship services. Alongside corps officers and congregants, bridge community center patrons to the congregational life of the corps.
• When necessary, transport program participants to and from activities using Salvation Army vehicles.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Administrative Expectations

 

• Successfully satisfy the training requirements associated to the position and as required by The Salvation Army.

 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in youth ministries, human services or related course of study preferred; significant related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

 

Experience:

• Three years of leadership experience within established youth programs is highly desired.
• The qualified candidate will also have experience in leading programs and people in a ministry-based program.
• Knowledge and skills related to youth development interventions and grant management requirements of State and Government funded programs are essential

 

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to multi-task several projects concurrently
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated awareness of budget resources and cost control, as well as planning and administering budgets.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications.
• Willing to work a sporadic schedule of mornings, afternoon, evenings, or weekends. Schedule will depend upon youth center programs and activities.
• Ability to initiate, develop, and follow through with new and current programs.
• Possession of certification in CPR/First Aid/AED or the ability to obtain such certification and the ability to respond in times of emergency.

 

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit resources of The Salvation Army that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. The individual will keep the designated Supervisor informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position may be required to do light to moderate physical work. Sometimes heavier.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment including a PC and potentially make public presentations/interactions.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• This individual must be able to travel to meet the needs of the position. A valid MVR is required.

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position will report to the Corps Administrator.
• In context related to this position’s duties, this individual will interact with a wide range of contacts both internal and external. In these contacts he/she will act as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

 

COMPETENCIES

• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. 
• Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
• Treat staff, clients, and visitors with courtesy.
• Respect others’ property and person.
• Use professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. 
• Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

 

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved.  Timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed.  An evaluation of how effective service is provided. Performance will also be determined by outcome information provided during weekly staff meetings and monthly reports.

 

POSITION LIMITATIONS

This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.