Divisional Social Services Compliance Specialist - 11-001 - SC/ Southern CA DHQ - Social Services

Mission Statement

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.

Position Summary

The Divisional Social Services Compliance Specialist is responsible for supporting divisional leadership in maintaining the highest standards of compliance across all social services programs. This role ensures readiness for audits, conducts regular compliance checks, and manages reporting requirements. Working in tandem with the Programs Specialist and Business Specialist, the Compliance Specialist, and Divisional Social Services leadership helps safeguard program integrity, supports continuous improvement, and ensures adherence to all relevant regulations, policies, and contractual obligations.

Essential Functions

Compliance Oversight

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and Salvation Army policies, procedures, and contractual requirements across social services programs.
• Conduct regular audits and compliance checks, preparing programs and sites for both internal and external reviews.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and communicate updates to divisional leadership and program teams.

Audit Preparation & Support

• Lead and coordinate audit readiness activities, including documentation review, process improvement, and staff training.
• Collaborate with the Programs Specialist and Business Specialist to gather necessary data and evidence for audits.
• Address audit findings and implement corrective actions as needed.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and submit compliance reports, audit summaries, and corrective action plans to divisional leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain comprehensive records of compliance activities, audit results, and regulatory correspondence.
• Support routine and ad hoc reporting requirements for grants and contracts.

Collaboration & Training

• Work closely with the Programs Specialist and Business Specialist to ensure coordinated compliance efforts and seamless communication.
• Provide training and technical assistance to program staff on compliance standards, audit processes, and best practices.
• Serve as a resource for compliance-related questions and problem-solving across departments.

Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate and enhance compliance processes, systems, and documentation to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stay current with trends, regulations, and best practices in social services compliance and audit management.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Divisional Grants and Contracts Director.

Working Conditions

Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Must be able to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Must be able to lift to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social services, public administration, business, or related field; or at least 5 years related experience.
• Minimum three years' experience in compliance, audit, or grants/contracts management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced knowledge of compliance, audit processes, and reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with social services programs and relevant regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and compliance tracking systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Willingness to travel to program sites and events as needed.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass background check.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of social services programs involving homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health, childcare, HIV/AIDS, families, and child abuse.
• Knowledge of residential programs.
• Strategic planning and leadership in compliance and audit administration.
• Extensive knowledge of program development, operations, and regulatory requirements.
• Advanced understanding of social services programs, including homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health, childcare, HIV/AIDS, families, and child abuse.
• Knowledge of residential programs and Salvation Army policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of California employment law.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and teams simultaneously.
• Strong technical and analytical skills for compliance and audit oversight.
• Commitment to the mission and values of The Salvation Army.