Careers at Samaritan Ministry! – Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington

Samaritan’s mission is to address racial inequity and the growing socio-economic divide in the region, on both the individual and collective levels, says Rev. David B. Wolf, Samaritan’s Executive Director.

CURRENT OPENINGS

Scroll down for more about these positions:

– PROGRAM DIRECTOR

– LEAD CASEWORKER: ANACOSTIA-CONGRESS HEIGHTS (DC)

– LEAD CASEWORKER: NORTHWEST AND NORTHEAST (DC)

– STRIVE EMPLOYMENT READINESS TRAINER

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Full–time

The Program Director (PD) has primary oversight for effective delivery and outcomes of the Next Step Program (Next Step) to program participants, who are typically individuals living in or on the edge of poverty, including those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, or underemployment, and an increasing number of recently released returning citizens. Oversight also includes Next Step initiatives, operations, and staff at multiple existing and potential sites in the Washington metropolitan area. As a Management Team member, the PD creates new community partnerships; increases service utilization across sites; ensures delivery of quality services; oversees accurate and complete program data collection, analysis, and reporting; and leads efforts to create additional opportunities for delivering STRIVE, our soft skills employment readiness training, which is both a key component of Next Step and a nationally recognized model. With STRIVE training, SMGW is the Washington area affiliate of STRIVE National, based in New York City. PD and the Executive Director are principal representatives for our affiliation in this regard. The role requires significant collaboration with all members of the Management Team and the Program Committee specifically regarding program data reporting, communication of program opportunities and challenges, policies relating to participants and program operations, and achievement of our Board-approved strategic goals. This position requires significant collaboration with the Volunteer Manager re: volunteer staffing, training and with Executive Director on strategic initiatives.

Who We Are

SMGW is a faith-based, non-profit organization committed to empowering program participants to realize significant and positive life changes. Through a practice of rigorous compassion and coaching, trained Next Step caseworkers, specialists, and instructors, partner with participants who set life goals in the areas of employment, housing, education, health, and benefits. In collaboration with their caseworker, participants then identify the smaller “next steps” required to meet their goal(s). SMGW is comprised of a diverse staff and volunteer team who are also committed to community change through deliberate, ongoing, and collective action to end systemic racism, while seeking equity for all. Though faith based, SMGW welcomes all and has no religious requirements for program participation or employment.

Responsibilities

Programming

Leads implementation of new and/or expanding program initiatives in collaboration with Executive Director. Current programming consists of: STRIVE employment readiness training, casework services, burial assistance; individualized job placement support, and adult basic education/GED preparation.
Manages day-to-day program operations in multiple sites, including development of program staffing and services in new sites.
Maintains standards and procedures for effective casework and training. Performs periodic audits of case notes and other digital reports to assure compliance with program standards.
Gathers, prepares, analyzes, and interprets program data to share with Program Team, Management Team, and the Program Committee. Collaborates with Salesforce vendor (CUBE84) to troubleshoot operational and reporting issues. Ensures STRIVE data is successfully transmitted to Apricot, the STRIVE National database from HIRE DC, a Salesforce platform.

Prepares written and oral reports for Program Committee and Board Meetings.

Personnel

Leads regular Program Team meetings and identifies opportunities for team building, data review, feedback, and strategizing.
Provides supervision and support for each program team member. Identifies opportunities for each team member’s professional development. Conducts performance reviews and implements performance improvement plans in consultation with the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Serves as primary driver for recruiting, screening, interviewing, and onboarding new Program Team members, including Intern Caseworkers.

Interviews and onboards new program volunteers; identifies additional volunteer opportunities and create position descriptions; and plans and implements an annual volunteer training schedule – all in partnership with the Volunteer Manager.

Partnerships

Collaborates with Byte Back leadership and our STRIVE trainer to achieve excellence for the existing Byte Back–SMGW program partnership.
Establishes and expands relationships with the Montgomery County Court Systems.
Provides oversight for all SMGW federal grants (i.e., DC Burial Assistance Program (DC Health), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), DC Department of Employment Services (DOES).

Increases SMGW’s presence in the community, including speaking and presentation engagements.
Attends Coalition for Non-Profit Housing & Economic Development (CNHED) meetings and other area events to represent and stay abreast of trends and developments in the social service arena.

Other duties, as assigned by the Executive Director.

Requirements

At least 3 years’ experience leading Program Teams of five or more employees in a nonprofit organization. Greater experience will be valued, along with advanced education, training, and licensure.
A bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related field is a minimum education requirement. An advanced degree in the field is valued but must come with at least 3 years’ experience managing a team of 5+ (as noted above), including 3 years’ direct service to adult clientele.
At least 3 years’ experience entering and analyzing program data in a program database and using it to inform programming among staff. Knowledge of Salesforce platforms is appreciated but not required.
Proven analytical, planning, and visioning skills, as well as clear written expression that demonstrates those skills such as what might be embodied in a strategic plan for programming.

A portfolio of active relationships with community service providers in the Washington metropolitan area and proven people skills in cultivating and maintaining institutional and individual partnerships for collaborative grass-roots mission and its funding.
Demonstrated commitment to achieving socioeconomic parity and racial equity within and beyond one’s own organization. Ability to understand and explain how structural racism has created and sustained inequity in areas of housing, medical and employment for SMGW participants in the area.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook/Word/Excel and program database(s).
Ability to regularly travel among SMGW sites and other in-person meetings within the metropolitan area.
Be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 and its variants.

Attend occasional evening events, such as Board meetings and Donor events.
Experience working collaboratively and directly with volunteers in the execution of program objectives.
Personal experience with churches and other faith-based institutions is preferred, but not required.
Availability for handful of weeknight/end meetings/events related to the mission and its governance.

Starting salary for this position is $70,000 – $90,000. Higher compensation within the range values advanced training in the field, notably a master’s degree in social work, as well as direct experience in case management and workforce training, in addition to 5+ years of supervisory experience.

To apply, address cover letter to: Rev. David B. Wolf, Executive Director, SMGW – but send your letter and resume to our recruiter: Mr. John Capozzi, C Associates, Cassociatesstaffing@gmail.com

LEAD CASEWORKER: ANACOSTIA-CONGRESS HEIGHTS (DC)

Hiring Immediately

Full-time

Position Summary

The Lead Caseworker (LC) establishes and maintains the Anacostia – Congress Heights (SE DC) offices as a strong, reliable presence in the Anacostia and Congress Heights Community through outreach, advocacy, casework, and support. As team leader for these offices, the LC supervises volunteers; creates and expands community partnerships; and manages the U Street office. He/she also provides casework on site to participants in both the U Street and Congress Heights locations. He/she will collaborate with SMGW staff share best practices, establish consistency, and exchange ideas for participant engagement. The LC for this office reports to the Program Director.

SMGW’s Mission

SMGW is a faith-based, non-profit organization committed to empowering program participants to realize significant and positive life change. Through a practice of rigorous compassion and coaching, trained caseworkers, specialists, and instructors, partner with participants who set life goals in the areas of employment, housing, education, health, and benefits, then identify the smaller “next steps” required to meet those goals. SMGW is comprised of a diverse team of staff and volunteers who are also committed to community change through deliberate, ongoing, and collective action to end systemic racism, while seeking equity for all people. SMGW has no religious requirements for its participants or employees and welcomes all.

Position Responsibilities

Team Leadership

Serve as team leader for the Anacostia office (Team leader for Congress Heights is ABE Coordinator), ensuring an inclusive and collaborative workplace.

Supervise volunteers and casework interns. Collaborate with Program Director and Volunteer Manager to identify needs and opportunities for volunteer engagement.

Oversee collection and distribution of in-kind donations (e.g., food, toiletries, PPE, etc.) to support the site’s program participants, in coordination with Pantry Manager and Volunteer Manager.

Monitor allocation of direct services (e.g., financial assistance, Metro cards, toiletries, food) and track approved disbursements. Collaborate with peers across sites to ensure consistent processes.

Ensure proper functioning of office equipment and IT services related to program delivery, communicating any concerns with the Chief Operating Officer

Perform and/or assign daily housekeeping tasks to ensure a clean, organized office.

Ensure adequate supply of program materials (e.g., forms, resource directories, flyers) and other supplies (e.g., PPE, office supplies, participant resources such as non-perishable food & toiletries).

Community Cultivation & Engagement

Develop strategy to generate SMGW presence in the Anacostia – Congress Heights community and attract more prospective participants to the office.

Develop, sustain, and grow positive relationships with local service providers and potential referral sources for all SMGW services.

Casework & Casework Oversight

Provide casework services to all those who request assistance in accordance with SMGW policies. This includes conducting intakes, formalizing, and implementing the ID voucher process, and assisting participants with various goal-related tasks (e.g., online job or housing applications).

Provide supervision for Casework Associates/Interns at the Anacostia and Congress Heights offices.

Refer participants to appropriate in-house services (e.g., job placement) and or outside community resources and maintain follow-up as needed.

Collaborate with the Adult Basic Education Coordinator, the Employer Specialist, and STRIVE Trainer(s) to provide comprehensive, coordinated services.

Create/update participant records within three days of service, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Maintain other participant files as appropriate, ensuring the confidentiality of participant information in accordance with SMGW’s confidentiality/boundaries policy.

Organizational Responsibilities

Participate in SMGW special events, sharing information and success stories about SMGW participants; assist event staff as needed to ensure event success.

Attend staff meetings, trainings, and organizational events, as requested.

Take on other duties as needed and assigned.

Qualifications

At least five years of casework experience in social/human services with adult populations, or related experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Knowledge of and experience in the Washington, DC area and its resources.

Ability to work within an organizational framework, while recognizing and responding to the unique needs of the Anacostia community. Proven supervisory/leadership experience is strongly preferred.

Database experience required; Salesforce preferred. Comfortable with Zoom, Outlook, WORD, as well as digital research and recordkeeping.

Public speaking experience highly desirable, to facilitate outreach and ongoing interaction with other agencies and prospective participants.

Capacity to work occasional non-traditional hours and travel in the community between and around the SMGW offices(s) in which you serve. Occasional travel between offices may also be required.

Nature of the work largely requires in-person presence, with limited exceptions.

COVID Precautions: As part of our commitment to safety, all staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID (including all boosters for which they may be eligible) or be approved for a religious or medical exemption and agree to undergo weekly testing. All new hires must provide proof of full vaccination or have received an approved exemption prior to their start date.

Salary: Starting salary is $50,000 based on qualifications above. Starting salary can be adjusted commensurate with significant relevant experience, demonstrated success in producing program impact, and/or additional credentials. Starting salaries are competitive with similarly sized non-profits in the Washington area.

To apply, please send resume and a cover letter, explaining why you think this position and this organization might be a match for you to: Ms. Jennifer Seager-Valentine, Program Director, at jseager@samaritanministry.org

LEAD CASEWORKER: NORTHWEST AND NORTHEAST (DC)

Hiring Immediately

Full-time

Position Summary

The Lead Caseworker (LC) divides his/her time between our established NW DC office and a new site on the border of NW DC and NE DC on the grounds of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. At that location, he/she will establish and maintain a reliable SMGW presence in the area through outreach, advocacy, casework, and support. As team leader for the NE DC office, the LC supervises volunteers, provides casework, creates, and expands community partnerships, and manages the office. This role presents a unique opportunity to develop a strategic outreach plan for establishing our presence in the community at a new site. The LC reports to the Program Director.

SMGW’s Mission

Position Responsibilities

Community Cultivation and Engagement

Co-design and implement evolving outreach and engagement strategy.

Cultivate relationships with community partner organizations in the NE DC area, with the objective of establishing pipelines for prospective participants.

Develop, sustain, and grow positive relationships with local service providers and potential referral sources for all SMGW services.

Strengthen our connection with host congregation (St. Paul’s Church, Rock Creek Parish) by collaborating with parish staff and volunteers to coordinate efforts to help participants and visitors from the church’s community.

Team Leadership

Serve as team leader, establishing and ensuring an inclusive and collaborative workplace.

Supervise volunteers and casework interns. Collaborate with Program Director and Volunteer Manager to identify opportunities for volunteer engagement.

Oversee collection and distribution of in-kind donations (e.g., food, toiletries, PPE, etc.) to support program participants, in coordination with Pantry Manager and Volunteer Manager.

Monitor allocation of direct services (e.g., financial assistance, Metro cards, toiletries, food) and track approved disbursements. Collaborate with peers across sites to ensure consistent processes.

Ensure proper functioning of office equipment and IT services related to program delivery, communicating any concerns with the Chief Operating Officer.

Perform and/or assign daily housekeeping tasks to ensure a clean, organized office.

Ensure adequate supply of program materials (e.g., forms, resource directories, flyers) and other supplies (e.g., PPE, office supplies, participant resources such as non-perishable food & toiletries).

Casework and Casework Oversight

Provide casework services to all those who request assistance in accordance with SMGW policies. This includes conducting intakes, formalizing, and implementing the ID voucher process, and assisting participants with various goal-related tasks (e.g., online job applications, housing applications, etc.).

Provide supervision for Casework Associates/Intern Caseworkers at the Northeast DC office.

Refer participants to appropriate in-house services (e.g., job development) and or outside community resources and maintain follow up as needed.

Create/update participant records within three days of service, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Maintain other participant files as appropriate, ensuring the confidentiality of participant information in accordance with SMGW’s confidentiality/boundaries policy.

Organizational Responsibilities

Participate in SMGW special events, sharing information and success stories about SMGW participants; assists event staff as needed to ensure event success.

Attend staff meetings, trainings, and organizational events, as requested.

Take on other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

At least three years of casework experience in social/human services with adult populations, or three years of related experience. demonstrating increasing responsibility and leadership. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

At least five years of casework experience in social/human services with adult populations, or related experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Ability to work within an organizational framework, while recognizing and responding to the unique needs of the community. Proven supervisory/leadership experience is strongly preferred.

Knowledge of and experience in the Washington, DC area and its resources.

Experience with or in DC social services, both public and community based strongly preferred.

Database experience required; Salesforce preferred. Comfortable with Zoom, Outlook, WORD, etc., as well as digital research and recordkeeping.

Public speaking experience highly desirable, to facilitate outreach and ongoing interaction with other agencies and prospective participants.

Capacity to work occasional non-traditional hours and travel throughout various parts of the metropolitan area as needed.

Nature of the work largely requires in-person presence, with limited exceptions.

COVID Precautions: As part of our commitment to volunteer and participants safety, all staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID (including all boosters for which they may be eligible) or be approved for a religious or medical exemption and agree to undergo weekly testing. All new hires must provide proof of full vaccination or have received an approved exemption prior to their start date.

Salary: Starting salary is $50,000, based on qualifications above. Starting salary can be adjusted commensurate with significant relevant experience, demonstrated success in producing program impact, and/or additional credentials. Starting salaries are competitive with similarly sized non-profits in the Washington area.

To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter, explaining why you think this position and this organization might be a match for you to: Ms. Jennifer Seager-Valentine, Program Director, at jseager@samaritanministry.org

STRIVE EMPLOYMENT READINESS TRAINER

Full-time, Hiring Immediately

Position Summary

SMGW seeks a second STRIVE Trainer to work in a location separate from our corporate STRIVE Trainer. STRIVE training is the workforce development component of the Next Step program. STRIVE training uses the nationally recognized and trademarked STRIVE curriculum, which produces demonstrated results in major urban areas across the country. SMGW is the STRIVE affiliate in the Washington, DC area. The Trainer selects, plans, creates, and implements daily lesson plans; assigns and checks homework; and, provides individual sessions as warranted with assistance from Next Step caseworkers and other members of the STRIVE team. Trainings are virtual now but will be delivered in person soon. The STRIVE Trainer collaborates with the whole program team on referrals and participant progress, and reports to the Program Director (PD). We are seeking

SMGW Mission

SMGW is a faith-based, non-profit organization committed to empowering program participants to realizing significant and positive life change through a practice of rigorous compassion and coaching from trained caseworkers, specialists, and trainers who collaborate with them for change. Participants set life goals in the areas of employment, housing, education, health, and benefits, then identify the smaller “next steps” required to meet those goals. SMGW is committed to community change through deliberate, ongoing, and collective action to end systemic racism, while seeking equity for all. SMGW has no religious requirements for program participants or employees and welcomes all applicants.

Responsibilities

Instructs and leads STRIVE employment readiness training, including the planning, creation, and implementation of daily lesson plans.

Ensures effective and high-quality delivery of the training, adjusting style and content based on participant learning needs. Presents information using a variety of instructional techniques and formats, such as role-playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, and lectures.

Guides participants to develop realistic and appropriate job expectations and encourages growth, learning, and positive work attitudes.

Implements individual employment development plans using career assessment testing tools and/or informal assessments.

Evaluates participant progress in the training by making individual participant assessments and subsequent recommendations for service needs for a participant, to or through the participant’s Next Step caseworker.

Tracks STRIVE enrollees, graduates, and placements; enters case notes and other participant information into both Salesforce and Apricot.

Represents Samaritan Ministry in Trainer meetings with other STRIVE affiliates, STRIVE National, and among other workforce development professionals and groups, as assigned.

Utilizes national I-STRIVE library for online learning and best practices, as well as other resources as identified and assigned.

Collaborates with the program team to assess potential STRIVE participants and to increase program completion and retention rates.

Assists Employer Specialist in matching employment opportunities with participants.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

At least two years of experience teaching or training, ideally in workforce development with chronically unemployed/underemployed adults, returning citizens, senior citizens, persons without a GED or high school diploma, and/or persons with differing abilities. Knowledge or experience with the STRIVE curriculum, or a similar curriculum, is an asset.

At least one year of experience in social services and/or workforce development, with direct service responsibility, including an understanding of barriers to employment and demonstrated experience with assisting people overcome such barriers.

Ability to demonstrate to participants an effective resume, cover letter, and candidate interview.

Proficiency with Zoom and other online learning platforms such as Microsoft Teams, including but not limited to the ability to create/edit slides, share screens and conduct online learning sessions.

Proficiency in maintaining electronic records and data.

Experience with program databases, as well as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Associate degree, or higher, in the Human Services, Education, Social Work – or other related field.

Lived experience navigating the challenges that our program participants face is a plus.

Ability to administer CASAS tests, is a plus.

STRIVE, SMGW’s workforce development training, is a component of our Next Step Program. Next Step is designed to empower participants to achieve goals leading to a sustainable and purposeful life. Goals are typically set in the areas of employment, education & training, health, and housing. SMGW has five sites in the Washington area and serves over 1,000 people each year. SMGW is a STRIVE affiliate site and part of a national network known for its high rates of job placement and retention. www.strive.org

Salary: Starting salary range is $49,000 – $54,000, based on qualifications above. Starting salary can be adjusted commensurate with significant workforce training experience, demonstrated results in facilitating student success, and/or additional credentials. Actual starting salaries are competitive with similarly sized non-profits in the Washington area.

To apply, send a resume and address a cover letter to Ms. Jennifer Seager-Valentine, Program Director at jseager@samaritanministry.org, explaining why you think you are a match for this position and for Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington.