Program Specialist, Enrollment and Matching

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee

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Job Summary

JOB TITLE:  Program Specialist     

REPORTS TO: Manager of Community Based

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: No

FLSA STATUS: Exempt – Salary

LOCATION: Nashville, TN

BIGGER AND BETTER TOGETHER

About Us

For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee has served young people in the Middle TN region. Our work supports our belief that every child has the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (Bigs) and youth (Littles). Through our commitment to quality, innovation, and the passion we have for our work, we develop and sustain positive, life-changing relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of our youth and the adults who mentor them.

Our Mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. As noted by our Vision, we are driven by a future in which all youth achieve their full potential.

WE ARE AN AGENCY THAT CELEBRATES DIFFERENCES

We show each other dignity through our partnerships, decisions, and language. We intentionally engage, represent, and partner with our diverse communities. We demonstrate our values by learning together with staff, board, volunteers, youth, families, and investors to think and act with sensitivity and intentionality. Driven by the voice of our stakeholders, our agency develops responsive and respectful programming and builds strategic and thoughtful alliances. We want people of all backgrounds to see themselves represented and included in our work, so we actively seek to diversify our team and bring more voices to the table.

WE PRIORITIZE THE WELL-BEING AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF OUR TEAM

We know that teams perform at their highest when they feel supported and that they belong. Each of our team members brings unique perspectives and skills, and we are committed to building a culture where voices are heard, differences are celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to do meaningful work. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN, you will be inspired by talented, passionate colleagues who will motivate you to do and be your best. We have built an environment focused on meaningful and supportive relationships. We see our team as more than just employees – we know and respect them as people.

We are honored to have been selected as one of the Nonprofit Time’s Best Nonprofits To Work For in 2024. We are bigger and better together! 

About the Role

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks a Program Specialist who will thrive in a growing organization that is dedicated to positively impacting more youth through high-quality, 1-to-1 mentoring. This position will connect children with positive adult mentors who can help empower and inspire youth to reach their full, inherent potential, especially youth of color who are disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers. This staff member is primarily responsible for screening, interviewing, assessing, and matching volunteers, parents & children, but will also be cross-trained to take on other roles and responsibilities dependent on departmental needs throughout the year.

Our ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, be organized, be able to provide a positive customer experience, be able to multi-task and have a passion for improving the lives of young people and our underrepresented youth. This team member will be passionate about and able to engage mentors and community partners from diverse communities, especially within communities of color. Evening and some weekend hours are required. People from the communities we serve are especially encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

Day to day: 

• Assess all volunteers, parents, and children for appropriate program participation by conducting initial and updated interviews of parents, children, and volunteers. Obtain collateral material needed for assessment purposes including criminal background checks, references, and school and counseling information.
• Provide timely and comprehensive assessments and recommendations for participation in the program based upon assessments of each individual.
• Make matching decisions that have the potential to result in strong mentor/mentee relationships. Create match proposals and introductions based on assessment information obtained in the intake and assessment processes.
• Screen eligibility and conduct intake calls for incoming, and prospective families.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate, and detailed documentation and database records according to Big Brothers Big Sisters standards.
• The work schedule includes regular evenings and one Saturday a month to best meet the needs of our families and volunteers.
• Provide program participants with solution-focused strategies, resources, and training that will help to further support match participants.
• Participate in professional training as provided by the agency and the National office to achieve maximum development of professional skills when required.
• Learn and perform other program functions dependent on departmental needs including, but not limited to: conducting parent/volunteer orientations, conducting community-based match presentations, and supporting a small caseload of community-based matches.

Qualifications

About You

This Job May Be For You…..

• Youth-serving experience, especially working with youth of color and/or from marginalized communities
• Passion for supporting youth through strengths-based strategies
• Understanding of issues/barriers that impact children and families from underserved populations
• Belief in the power of mentoring relationships
• Celebrates diversity
• Ability to work remotely and comfortable utilizing the latest technologies.
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to work independently, as well as with a team
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and effectively manage shifting priorities and responsibilities
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills reflecting outstanding customer service, both in-person and by telephone
• Ability to think critically, effectively provide responsive coaching, and draw solid conclusions based on information provided
• Comfortable engaging in challenging conversations

Additionally, we’d love…

• Effective group presentation skills
• Driven to help youth reach their full potential
• Consistent desire to seek out new and more effective methods to support programming
• Understanding of/experience with youth mentoring
• Familiarity with Positive Youth Development strategies
• Spanish fluency

Qualifications

Relevant youth-serving experience or a Bachelor’s degree/college coursework in Social Work or a related field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel. Must have a reliable car, a valid driver’s license, and meet state-required automobile insurance minimums.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

If this sounds like the position and organization for you, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@mentorakid.org with “Your Name – Program Specialist Enrollment” in the subject line.

No phone calls, please. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

BBBSMT values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages all genders, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. BBBSMT is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Details

• Date Posted: May 24, 2024
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
• Service Area: Children / Youth