Posted: 05-Jan-26
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Type: Full Time
Salary: $110,853 - $138,556
Purpose of Classification:
Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President for Community Services oversees Step Forward outreach programs: Energy Assistance Services, Professional Development Services, and Neighborhood Opportunity Services.
Essential Functions:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Leads and sets the vision, direction, alignment, and commitment of the Community Services Department to the agency’s strategic priorities and regulatory requirements. Fosters a cohesive and supportive work environment. Consistently meets goals and strives to achieve them using the performance management process. Executes the Step Forward strategic plan and instills a sense of urgency in team members to deliver results. Communicates ideas and expectations persuasively to both internal and external customers and stakeholders. Motivates and engages team members and ensures continuous improvement across functional lines. Takes accountability to create and implement solutions that balance short-term goals while preserving a strong strategic position. Has a positive attitude and drives oneself and others to meet objectives and deadlines. Attracts, engages, develops, and retains excellent talent. Understands the mission and vision of the organization and significantly contributes to the development of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.
Supervises, directs, evaluates, and holds assigned staff accountable: develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; reviews and approves employees’ time; listens to employee concerns and advises, completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work activities to meet objectives; ensures that team members have the proper resources needed to complete assignments; monitors the status of work in progress and inspects completed work; assists with complex situations and provides technical expertise.
Responsible for an extensive restructuring of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) department and continuous improvement of service delivery.
Oversee Step Forward's community services programs: Professional Development Services and Neighborhood Opportunity Centers.
Lead the development of Community Services’ long- and short-term strategies.
Establish clear client-centric standards for the delivery of quality services and programs.
Foster a culture of continuous performance improvement, collaboration, and teamwork.
Work collaboratively with the senior management team to integrate cross-program activities and functions.
Develop and build public and private relations to support and sustain current and future programs and services across the organization.
Oversee compliance and spending obligations established by public and private funding sources.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and standards as well as other standards including but not limited to the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Commit to performance enhancement, risk management, and exceptional service delivery to continuously meet CARF standards.
Foster a positive organizational culture that values differing personal and professional experiences, and promotes employee engagement and well-being.
Actively develop and manage relationships at the grassroots level and ensures that Step Forward's brand and services are known in the community and at governmental levels.
Actively cultivate strategic alliances with community organizations, local corporations, colleges, and universities to build mutually beneficial partnerships.
Serve as an advocate for the agency through public relations, public speaking, serving on boards, and committees, and participating in community activities.
Serve as a liaison between programs, agencies, and other key stakeholders.
Attend meetings, conferences, and workshops related to the agency’s program or professional development of administrative/management.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree or higher preferred from an accredited college or university in human services, health care, education, psychology, social work, or related field; ten years or more in a senior leadership position in a multicultural social service organization, overseeing a large staff and operations of energy assistance programs and 5-7 years’ experience with family social service programs; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge skills, and abilities for this job.
Additional Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful results of pre and continued employment assessments including fingerprinting, drug testing, medical examinations and background check(s).
Step Forward is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Agency will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.