Star Gospel Mission Job Description
PROGRAM OFFICER

Reports to: Executive Director

Direct Reports: TBD

Essential Functions:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position.  The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.

About Star Gospel Mission:

Founded in 1904 in Charleston, South Carolina, Star Gospel Mission exists to transform lives through Jesus Christ by compassionately providing resources for people experiencing hardships. The Mission’s principal response is to provide housing options, counseling, and other human services to men facing homelessness. It also responds to the needs of the community by offering emergency assistance to individuals and families. Most importantly, Star Gospel Mission offers hope through the Gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone seeking spiritual transformation.

Job Summary:

The Program Officer at Star Gospel Mission is responsible for overseeing and managing effective programming for the men's residential program and community social services. This role involves strategic planning and implementation of existing programs, as well as the development of new initiatives, such as a men's substance abuse intervention program and a women's lodge. The Program Officer must have experience in nonprofit programming, community engagement, and Christian ministry.

To continuously strengthen and uphold Star Gospel Mission's core values, vision, and mission by enhancing the quality and standard of services provided, thereby expanding the mission's reach and impact in the lives of individuals in need.

The Program Officer will:

  • Oversee all aspects of Star Gospel Mission's men's residential program and community social services to ensure that each participant is effectively pursuing housing, financial, and relational goals.

  • Facilitate regular program meetings to assess progress and address any challenges.

  • Ensure compliance with relevant laws, ordinances, and best practices in social work and ministry.

  • Supervise and train program staff to ensure effective case management and program delivery.

  • Help Star Gospel Mission generate and effectively report data for the use of reporting to donors and foundations.

  • Serve as a mentor and resource for program staff, offering guidance, expertise, and support as they navigate the challenges of their roles within the organization.

Current Program Goals and Responsibilities: (30%)

  • Lead in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program curriculum.

  • Cultivate an environment of healing and self-discovery within the program.

  • Promote healthy and respectful communal living standards within program living quarters.

  • Provide spiritual leadership and care to program staff and participants.

  • Participate in Star Gospel Mission events as appropriate or requested by the supervisor.

Future Program Development and Planning Responsibilities: (70%)

Substance Abuse Intervention Program

  • Develop comprehensive program goals, objectives, and strategies for the substance abuse intervention program, in alignment with Star Gospel Mission's mission and values.

  • Establish partnerships with local community organizations to enhance program effectiveness and resource availability.

  • Recruit and train staff members specifically dedicated to the substance abuse intervention program, ensuring they possess the necessary qualifications and skills to provide high-quality services.

  • Monitor program outcomes and evaluate effectiveness through regular data collection and analysis, making adjustments as needed to optimize outcomes.

  • Collaborate with community stakeholders and government agencies to advocate for policy changes and funding support to sustain and expand the substance abuse intervention program.

Women's Lodge Program

  • Develop a comprehensive plan for the women's lodge program, outlining goals, objectives, target population, admission criteria, and service delivery models.

  • Design and implement program policies and procedures to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of residents within the women's lodge.

  • Recruit and hire staff members to oversee daily operations and provide support services to women residing in the lodge, such as case management, counseling, and life skills training.

  • Collaborate with other agencies and faith-based organizations to coordinate referrals and wraparound services for women transitioning out of homelessness.

  • Monitor program performance and outcomes, collecting data on resident demographics, housing stability, employment status, and other relevant indicators to track progress over time.

  • Foster a supportive and empowering environment within the women's lodge, promoting dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency among residents.

  • Provide leadership and guidance to program staff, including regular supervision, training, and professional development opportunities to enhance their capacity to serve women experiencing homelessness.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Program Administration, Social Services, or a field related to the goals of Star Gospel Mission, and

  • Three years experience in a faith-based organization

  • Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid State Driver's License 

Christian ministry credentials/experience helpful

Materials and Equipment:

General Office Equipment Computer Smart/Mobile Device Technology

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Understanding of nonprofit organizational structures, program compliance requirements, and success measurments

  • Ability to build and maintain partnerships with community stakeholders, including government agencies, local businesses, faith-based organizations, and other service providers

  • Proficiency in designing, implementing, and evaluating social service programs, including needs assessment, goal setting, outcome measurement, and continuous quality improvement strategies

  • Skill in providing comprehensive case management services, including intake assessment, goal setting, service planning, and referrals, to support program participants in achieving their housing, financial, and relational goals

  • Sensitivity and awareness of cultural diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, to effectively engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and ensure culturally responsive service delivery.

  • Ability to provide effective leadership and supervision to program staff, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and professional development, to foster a cohesive and high-performing team dedicated to achieving program objectives.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to meet attendance requirements.

  • Ability to speak and read the English language.

  • Ability to sit, walk, and stand on a frequent change basis in order to perform the duties of this position. 

  • Ability to lift objects weighing between 25 lbs.

  • Ability to travel throughout the Tri-County area on a regular basis to work with donors/prospects, and professionals of their communities.

Working Conditions:

Work is typically performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.

Statement of Purpose

This document provides descriptive information about the above Star Gospel Mission position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. An individual’s ability to meet the qualifications and capabilities described in this document is not a guarantee of employment or promotion. Star Gospel Mission reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.

All employees recognize that Star Gospel Mission is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of Star Gospel Mission to undermine its religious mission.