Youth Program Specialist

The Salvation Army 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 for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

BASIC PURPOSE

The Youth Program Specialist (YPS) supports the spiritual, programmatic, and administrative needs of The Salvation Army's Divisional Youth Department. This position assists in the development and delivery of youth programs, events, and leadership training at both divisional and corps levels, while also managing key administrative systems, records, and communications. The YPS serves as a key point of contact between Divisional Headquarters and local Corps, encouraging the spiritual growth and leadership development of youth and youth leaders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Spiritual & Programmatic Support
  
  
  
  • Assist Corps in developing and supporting local youth ministries including Troops, Corps Cadets, Junior Soldiers, and Sunday School.
  • Lead devotionals and Bible lessons when visiting Corps or during events.
  • Help identify, disciple, and equip youth leaders and potential candidates for leadership.
  • Plan and lead youth leadership training seminars and youth discipleship retreats.
  • Serve as spiritual support at Divisional events, providing workshops and devotionals.
  
  
  
  
• Event Planning & Leadership
  
  
  
  • Participate in the planning, promotion, and execution of divisional youth events including:
    
    
    
    • SAY Rally & Camp
    • Corps Cadet Retreat
    • Youth Rallies and Retreats
    • Young Adult Retreats
    • Candidate Events
    • Summer Camps
    
    
    
    
  • Support logistics: scheduling, promotional material, vendor coordination, registration, room assignments, and volunteer recruitment.
  • Maintain Camper Database; track quotas and notify DYCS of gaps in attendance.
  
  
  
  

• Administrative & Communication Duties
  
  
  
  • Act as primary point of contact for youth-related inquiries from the field.
  • Maintain a clean, organized Youth Department and youth storage space.
  • Answer phones, manage mail, and prepare general correspondence and meeting minutes.
  • Keep the Youth Department Calendar up to date with Divisional, Territorial, and International events.
  • Prepare billing and track Corps participation in Divisional events.
  • Track and report program statistics and attendance data for divisional reporting and budgeting.
  • Maintain troop records, corps cadet records, and candidate files.
  • Grade paperwork and review applications for youth programs and awards.
  • Distribute earned emblems and coordinate recognition with THQ and local corps.
  
  
  
  
• Media, Outreach & Resources
• Manage Youth Department social media presence (sharing events, responding to messages, highlighting divisional activity).
• Collect, develop, and distribute youth ministry resources (print and digital).
• Assist in the creation of web-based youth programming resources.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to speak and write the English language at a high and professional level.
2. Knowledge of Salvation Army mission, philosophy, culture, protocol, and organizational structure preferred.
3. High degree of confidentiality.
4. Computer literate in Windows environment (Microsoft Office) including Outlook, Publisher, and Excel.
5. Friendly and personable, maintaining excellent rapport when dealing with fellow staff, those on the field, and with outside vendors.
6. Must work well with others and be self-motivated.
7. Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, while not losing detail and keeping deadlines.
8. Excellent attention to detail and ability to track and present very accurate information.
9. Ability to maintain a good rapport and communication with other staff members, service unit and center personnel, vendors and the public.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong alignment with The Salvation Army's mission and values.
• Ability to speak and write English fluently and professionally.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks with deadlines.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher).
• Familiarity with Salvation Army structure, terminology, and youth programs is preferred.
• Friendly and personable demeanor with the ability to communicate professionally with staff, Corps personnel, and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; Associate degree or 3+ years of experience in youth ministry may be considered.
• At least 2-3 years of experience working with young people in a leadership or administrative capacity.
• Preferred qualification: Active Salvationist member in good standing.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Must meet The Salvation Army driver approval process.
• Must pass background check and complete required training (e.g., Child Safety Training).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull, and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and a computer.
• Travel and overnight stays required for events and site visits.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship