Bridging the Gap Director

Bridging the Gap Director

The Salvation Army’s Lowell Corps. is hiring a Bridging the Gap Director and offers an excellent benefit package to eligible employees, including:

• Generous paid time off every year that includes vacation and sick time, holidays, and up to 3 personal days.
• Employer-funded Pension Plan (company contributions begin after 1 year of employment).
• Comprehensive health care coverage with low-cost employee premiums, co-pays, and deductibles.
• Eligibility for supplemental insurance plans including Short Term Disability, AFLAC, and Voluntary Term Life.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Eligibility for the Federal Government’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Most importantly, a job with a good purpose!

Location: 150 Appleton St., Lowell, MA
Hours/week: 40 hours per week
Exemption: Non-exempt
Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Responsibilities

Develop and direct the Bridging the Gap (BTG) program in Lowell.

• Develop a strong network of referrals of at-risk/high-risk youth from appropriate agencies.
• Interview prospective referrals and their parents/guardians to evaluate client matches for the program.
• Lead a minimum of two tracks of BTG group meetings a week (three to four total meetings).
• Supervise BTG Assistant Director, Teaching Assistants (if applicable).
• Update or revise group lesson plans, as needed, for each BTG session guided by the standardized program curriculum and in consultation with the Massachusetts Bridging the Gap Director.
• Evaluate, update, and enhance BTG curriculum in keeping with the values of The Salvation Army.
• Cookordinate program including speakers and guests to enhance program curriculum.
• Develop follow-up procedures so as to evaluate effectiveness of the program.
• Recruit and supervise BTG interns.
• Develop funding opportunities so as to eventually make the program self-sufficient, in consultation with the Corps Officer, Massachusetts Bridging the Gap Director, and the Divisional Grant Writer.
• Write funding proposals for the BTG program as requested (including United Way and Community Development Block Grant proposals).
• Network with community members/professionals to improve The Salvation Army’s standing in the community, as well as develop new opportunities for partnerships and service delivery.
• Consult and train with the Massachusetts Bridging the Gap Director as requested.
• Attend Divisional Bridging the Gap Director meetings as requested.
• Provide appropriate spiritual outreach to the youth served.
• Plan and promote public graduation ceremonies/meetings for BTG youth participants, inviting family members, corps members, advisory board members, public officials, MA Bridging the Gap Director, etc.
• Follow up with graduates and families to evaluate program success.
• Explore and implement a BTG Graduate Program for youth that have completed the program.
• Continue to keep in touch with all BTG Graduates.
• Follow all safety policies provided by The Salvation Army regarding working with youth.

Qualifications

• Education Requirements:
• B.A. in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, or related field.
• Work Experience:
• A minimum of one-year experience working with at-risk youth and knowledge of juvenile justice system is preferred.
• Other Qualifications:
• Great organizational skills.
• Experience in developing and coordinating small youth groups.
• Program Development Experience is Preferred.
• Strong networking skills are essential.