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. We are the largest non-governmental provider of social services in America and every year, we help over 30 million Americans overcome poverty, homelessness, addiction, economic hardships, loneliness, and exploitation through a wide range of programs and services.

The Social Ministries Department at our Eastern Territorial Headquarters in West Nyack, NY has an opening for a Community Programs Specialist.

The Community Programs Specialist is responsible for the proper and effective operation of the Missing Persons Program, consistent with the policies of The Salvation Army and applicable to local and state laws.  This individual is also responsible for Bible Correspondence Studies Program services to participants (students), and development of program materials.  The Specialist is also responsible for client services, database management and research, program presentation, and inventory control.  The Specialist will establish goals each year, in consultation with the Assistant Territorial Social Ministries Director, for presentation to the Territorial Social Ministries Secretary.

Missing Persons Program Operations

• Observe strict confidentiality in all personal or private matters concerning clients except where duty and wisdom require communication with a supervisor and/or the department head or other Salvation Army administration. The Specialist shall refrain from premature or unauthorized release of restricted information.

• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with Salvation Army personnel within Territorial Headquarters, throughout the Eastern Territory, as well as, with other territories and The Salvation Army world-wide.

• Respond to all inquiries regarding eligibility policies and procedures.

• Maintain strict eligibility protocols and seek guidance from supervisor when there may be extenuating circumstances.

• Process inquiries through the approved databases and research sources, working through each case in a professional and systematic manner. Cases remain active for at least a year, searching on a quarterly basis until the Missing Person is found and/or all search means have been exhausted.

• Provide updates to accepted inquirers regarding their case, as appropriate.

• Access, daily, Missing Persons communication avenues, such as: mail, email, telephone, fax, web page.

• Maintain the Missing Persons database, updating active cases regularly and closing non-active cases, as appropriate and storing as regulated by The Salvation Army Retention Schedule.

• Submit quarterly and end of year reports and stats, as well as other reports as requested.

• Responsible for processing research/database invoices and MP fees through the proper finance channels.

• Develop and maintain effective office procedures, by developing and maintain a “how-to” manual for operations.

• Annually review processes, procedures, and policies.

Bible Correspondence Program Operations:

• The Specialist is responsible for the following services to Bible Correspondence Program students:
  • Processes requests for Bible study.
  • Grades the initial Bible study lesson.
  • Enrolls students into the program.
  • Provides students series of study courses and material (i.e. Bible).
  • Records grades into the Bible Correspondence Studies database.
  • Returns graded courses to students.
  • Provides students encouragement in the form of completion certificates, prayer cards, and other materials as appropriate.
  • Ensures that student information is accurately entered and updated on a regular basis.
  • Maintains and updates written records of students, inquirers, institutions, and courses sent to volunteer graders.
  • Maintains accurate counts of all student activity, grader activity and contacts, on a quarterly basis.

• The Specialist is responsible for the following research and development of program materials:
  • Reviews professional articles for relevance to the program.
  • Responsible for layout and production of certificates (student and recognition)
  • Provides recommendations for enhancement of the Bible Correspondence Studies program.
  • Tracks and implements recommendations for revision to Bible lessons.
  • Develops student, grader and chaplain recruitment materials.
  • Updates the Grader’s Manual, as appropriate.
  • Promotes the Bible Correspondence Studies program by writing articles, public relations initiatives, and presentations to the field.
  • Develops materials for presentation at CFOT, workshops, seminars, etc., as requested.

•  The Specialist is responsible is responsible for the following services to volunteer graders:
  • Enroll graders into the program.
  • Provides student lessons for grading to volunteers, as appropriate.
  • Maintains accurate records to enable tracking of courses and volunteer hours.
  • Provides volunteer graders with support materials.

• The Specialist is responsible for inventory control of Bible lesson series, Bibles, certificates, prayer cards and other reading material.

•  The Specialist is responsible for student, chaplain, and volunteer recruitment. 
• Attend and participate in councils, conferences, seminars, and training courses, both Army and non-Army, in the interest of improving, coordinating, and advancing the services of the Missing Persons Program and Bible Correspondence Program, as authorized.
• Perform other responsibilities, Social Services Ministries Department events/projects, as assigned.

• 1 year of college
• 1-3years of related experience
• Experience with database research and data entry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent customer-service skills
• Detail-oriented, systematic and organized
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• Working knowledge of CommunityServices (client database management system) preferred but will train.
• Bi-lingual - Spanish, written and verbal is a must
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Generous Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
• TSA paid Life Insurance for Employees
• Additional life insurance options for employees
• On-site cafeteria
• Paid Time Off – Vacation, Sick, Personal days
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Non-contributory Pension Plan
• Professional Development
• Education Assistance
• Free, on-site Fitness Center
• Most federal holidays
• Opportunities to give back and support our communities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.