Director of Programs

Who We Are

For more than 130 years The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church each year we help more than 2 million people providing necessities such as food clothing and addition we support people experiencing unemployment addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission vision and values of hope service dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Accountabilities:

The incumbent may perform all some or similar duties to the listed below:

Administration & Strategic Leadership

• Develop implement and review program policies procedures and forms in consultation with program managers.
• Participate in organizational strategic planning to advance mission vision and service excellence.
• Maintain accurate program statistics analyze data trends and prepare high-quality reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead program readiness for The Salvation Armys tri-annual Accreditation process ensuring continuous quality improvement.
• Prepare funding proposals in collaboration with the Executive Director and program coordinators.
• Ensure all contractual regulatory and accreditation requirements are consistently met.
• Approve payroll for all program staff and ensure compliance with HR and financial protocols.
• Integrate evidence-based approaches including trauma-informed care harm reduction and Housing First principles.
• Monitor emerging trends in homelessness housing and poverty reduction to inform program planning and innovation.

2. Program Development Delivery & Evaluation

• Design and implement evidence-informed holistic programs that meet the needs of clients integrating physical emotional social and spiritual support.
• Oversee annual program evaluations and implement findings to enhance service quality.
• Oversee systems for tracking client progress measuring program effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
• Develop and maintain logic models case management frameworks and outcome measurement tools.
• Ensure that client services include:
  • Comprehensive needs and spiritual assessments
  • Individualized goal and service plans
  • Coordinated referrals to internal and external supports
  • Ongoing monitoring follow-up and aftercare

• Provide direct consultation on complex client cases and model best practice intervention strategies.
• Promote a strengths-based approach that empowers clients in achieving stability and independence.
• Ensure programs are accessible equitable and culturally responsive with attention to the needs of Indigenous peoples newcomers and individuals with complex mental health or addiction challenges.

3. Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent the Ottawa Booth Centre in partnerships with government bodies housing providers and networks law enforcement advocacy groups and local community groups.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships to improve service coordination and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
• Represent the Ottawa Booth Centre at community planning tables coalitions and advocacy events.
• Collaborate with internal departments to support funding and public awareness initiatives.
• Participate in community committees fostering a visible and credible presence in the sector.
• Leads Ottawa Booth Centre in external engagement including advocacy work and public education. This may include representing The Salvation Army in the media participating in sector-wide initiatives and fostering community partnerships to strengthen housing and support systems.

4. Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise program managers ensuring consistent coaching performance feedback and professional growth opportunities.
• Foster a positive inclusive and mission-aligned workplace culture that prioritizes respect collaboration and safety.
• Ensure staff training in trauma-informed care harm reduction health and safety and relevant professional competencies.
• Lead recruitment onboarding and performance management processes for program staff.
• Actively participate in labour relations including serving on the Labour Management Committee.
• Provide mentorship training and professional development opportunities to ensure staff competence in crisis intervention mental health awareness and cultural competency.
• Leads staff development across all programs with a focus on consistent trauma-informed training and interdepartmental collaboration to ensure unified client-centered service delivery.

Compliance Quality & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to all legislative regulatory and Salvation Army standards for shelter and housing programs.
• Oversee risk assessments incident reviews and emergency response protocols.
• Safeguard client confidentiality and maintain high ethical standards in service delivery.

5. Program Financial Oversight

• Collaborates with the Director of Finance and program managers to provide program-level input during the annual budgeting process ensuring resource allocations reflect program priorities.
• Monitors program expenditures identifies variances or concerns and coordinates with the Finance team to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Provides timely and accurate program-level financial data to support quarterly and annual reporting to funders and organizational stakeholders.
• Contributes to fiscal accountability within programs through close collaboration with the Director of Finance.

6. Reporting & Accountability

• Prepare regular reports for the Executive Director and funders on program performance and impact.
• Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives incorporating client and staff feedback into program planning.

Health & Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements and organizational policies.
• Maintain a safe and respectful environment for clients staff and visitors.
• Lead emergency preparedness and crisis response planning for all program areas.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Governance Boards and Councils:

None

Internal:

• Acts as Executive Directors designate in their absence.
• Collaborates with Executive Team and participates fully in leadership committees.
• Directly supervises Manager of Residential Services Manager of Outreach Services and Manager of Addictions.
• Partners with Human Relations Business Partner on labour relations and staff engagement initiatives.

External:

• Represents the Ottawa Booth Centre to funders community agencies and government partners.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with the City of Ottawa Ottawa Police Services ByWard Market BIA and Supportive Housing Network.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to: Executive Director

• Direct reports: 3 - Directly supervises Manager of Residential Service Manager of Outreach Services and Manager of Addictions

Working Conditions:

• May deal with angry and abusive clients.
• May encounter verbal abuse.
• This position is considered a management position for the purposes of the Employment Standards Act of Ontario and as such is not covered by various ESA rules including but not limited to those related to hours of work daily and weekly rest periods and overtime compensation.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Armys Mission Statement in a professional manner upholding our code of conduct.

education experience AND Qualifications:

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Armys health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion is required including Child Check (if appropriate).

Education Qualifications and Certifications:

• Post-secondary degree in Social Work Community Development Human Services Management or related field (Masters degree preferred).
• CPI training along with first aid

Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum 8 years of senior management experience in program and operational leadership preferably in a non-profit or social services context.
• Demonstrated success in program planning development evaluation and community partnership building.
• Experience working in a unionized environment with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements (CBA).
• Proven experience managing staff and operations in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision and budget management.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation standards and reporting requirements.
• In-depth knowledge of issues facing homeless and marginalized populations.
• Proven skills in trauma-informed care harm reduction housing-first approaches and crisis intervention.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management.
• Willingness to learn Workday
• Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions internal equity and candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.