Bridging the Gap Director - BTG

Overview

The Salvation Army’s Cambridge Corps., is hiring a Bridging the Gap (BTG) Director and offers the following benefit package to part-time employees:

• Generous paid time off every year that includes: holidays, vacation time and sick time
• Employer funded Pension Plan (company contributions begin after 1 year of employment and consistently works 20+ hours/week)
• Eligibility for supplemental insurance plans including: Voluntary Term Life & AD&D benefits, AFLAC Insurance
• Most importantly – a job with a good purpose!

Location: 402 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA

Hours/week: 24 hours per week

Exemption: Non-exempt

Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

* While the full salary range is shown, we expect to hire around $22.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. This is a grant funded position.

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the BTG program, including instruction, staff training, active case management, daily program operations, and the ongoing development, enhancement, and growth of the program. Ensures that program services effectively address the needs of the at-risk population served by the Cambridge Corps

Duties & Responsibilities:

a) Establish, cultivate, and strengthen relationships with community partners and referral sources to support ongoing collaboration and ensure a consistent flow of referrals to the BTG program.

b) Identify and pursue opportunities to deliver presentations and participate in youth-focused meetings and community events to increase awareness of the BTG program, its services, and the resources available to at-risk youth and the broader community.

c) Develop, implement, and deliver an engaging and creative daily curriculum that includes lessons, community service projects, site visits, and other activities aligned with the standardized BTG program curriculum and the values of The Salvation Army. Review and revise group lesson plans as needed to meet participants’ needs and program objectives. Coordinate guest speakers and community partners to enrich the curriculum and enhance the learning experience. Provide training and ongoing guidance to staff in curriculum delivery, fostering collaboration to ensure consistent and effective program implementation.

d) Provide ongoing, individualized case management and support to each youth participating in the BTG program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, attending school, court, and individual meetings; conducting hospital visits as needed; establishing and monitoring goals with youth and their families; assisting youth with employment opportunities; and connecting participants with positive community resources and support services. Maintain appropriate follow-up and continued engagement with youth after program completion to support their long-term success and well-being.

e) Ensure each youth’s progress, participation, and outcomes are accurately documented throughout their involvement in the BTG program, with appropriate follow-up and continued documentation after program completion to monitor ongoing progress and support long-term success.

f) Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date files for each youth and/or family served, ensuring all required documentation is organized, current, and handled in accordance with program policies and confidentiality requirements.

g) Communicate with parents or guardians at least once per month to assess the youth’s progress at home, identify family needs or concerns, and determine how The Salvation Army can provide additional support or connect families with appropriate community resources and services.

h) Ensure all program statistics, records, and reports are accurate, complete, and submitted within established deadlines. Maintain timely and accurate data entry in SAMS and prepare and submit required monthly statistical reports and program updates, including youth participant success stories, to the Massachusetts Bridging the Gap Coordinator.

i) Collaborate and maintain communication with relevant agencies and community partners to ensure compliance with program requirements, coordination of services, and effective delivery of support to youth and families.

j) Develop and coordinate meaningful community service opportunities for youth within The Salvation Army and provide appropriate supervision and guidance to ensure activities are safe, productive, and aligned with program goals and values.

k) Plan, coordinate, and promote public graduation ceremonies and program events recognizing BTG youth participants’ achievements. Coordinate invitations and attendance for family members, Corps members, Advisory Board members, public officials, the Massachusetts Bridging the Gap Director, and other relevant community stakeholders to celebrate participants’ accomplishments and highlight the program’s impact.

l) Maintain and strengthen the partnership with YouthWorks to provide summer employment opportunities for BTG graduates at The Salvation Army. Responsibilities include identifying eligible youth, developing job descriptions, guiding participants through the application and hiring process, and providing training, supervision, and ongoing support throughout their employment. Collaborate with other departments within The Salvation Army to identify additional job placements and create meaningful work experiences that support youth development, skill-building, and future employment opportunities.

m) Develop and strengthen the BTG youth leadership team by creating opportunities for program graduates to remain involved, take on leadership roles, mentor current participants, and contribute to the ongoing success and growth of the program.

n) Foster a welcoming, supportive, and structured program environment that promotes respect, accountability, and positive youth development. Consistently apply positive discipline strategies that encourage appropriate behavior, reinforce expectations, and support the social and emotional growth of all participants.

o) Participate in the recruitment, selection, onboarding, performance management, and, when necessary, termination of BTG employees and volunteers in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies and procedures.

p) Provide ongoing supervision, training, and professional development for BTG employees and volunteers to ensure effective program delivery and adherence to program standards. Conduct regular staff meetings as needed to communicate expectations, review program activities, address concerns, and promote collaboration and continuous improvement.

q) Research and identify potential funding sources, including grants, community partnerships, and other funding opportunities, to support the sustainability, continued development, and growth of the BTG program.

r) Perform all duties in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies, procedures, and regulations, including those governing staff and client relationships, work schedules, holidays, and other requirements relevant to the position.

s) Attend Divisional Bridging the Gap Director meetings as requested to stay informed of program updates, share best practices, collaborate with other program leaders, and ensure alignment with divisional goals and initiatives.

t) Refer individuals who express spiritual needs or seek spiritual guidance to the appropriate Salvation Army officer, ensuring they are connected with relevant spiritual support and resources in a respectful and compassionate manner

u) Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned that are consistent with the scope, purpose, and requirements of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education or related field.

Work Experience:

Must have experience working with teenagers and at-risk populations.

Must have experience in case management and teaching or running groups.

Other Qualifications:

• Good organizational skills, experience in developing and coordinating small youth groups, and program development experience is preferred.
• Strong networking skills are also essential.
• Must be confident, mature, and flexible
• Must be self-motivated, have a high energy level and be able to continue to develop and grow the program.
• Have a passion for serving at-risk populations and juvenile justice

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Salvation Army is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified job applicants, job candidates, and employees with disabilities to ensure they enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities and benefits of employment as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO is the Law.

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.