Site-Based Program Specialist

Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY:

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 that 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’s primary responsibility is supporting and maintaining a caseload of site-based matches, which includes, but is not limited to: screening, interviewing, assessing and matching volunteers & children, conducting regularly scheduled match support to monitor the health and safety of each match relationship, and the training and recruitment of volunteers. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, be organized, be able to provide 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 hours are required with some weekend hours required. People from the communities we serve are especially encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions, Responsibilities, and Accountabilities:

• Work directly with and build strong partnerships with selected schools and after-school sites to promote safe and positive one-to-one mentoring relationships.
• Solicit referrals of eligible children to be matched with volunteer mentors.
• Assess volunteers and children for appropriate program participation by conducting initial and update interviews, orientations, and training.  Obtain collateral material needed for assessment purposes, including criminal background checks and references.
• Complete timely and comprehensive written assessments and recommendations for participation in the program based upon assessments of each individual.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate paperwork, documentation, and database records for all participants according to Big Brothers Big Sisters standards.
• Facilitate initial match introductions and provide professional support of the match through coaching, resources, and checking-in with all match parties regarding relationship development, child safety, and needs.
• Create and implement activities for mentoring relationships to use that will enhance positive relationship development, socio-emotional skills, and academic skills.
• Gather data from the school and the match participants to measure outcomes and program needs.
• Promote a positive work environment through a proactive, solution-oriented perspective. 
• Make a commitment to provide superior customer service to all program participants. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.   
• Ensure high-level proficiency in applying child safety and risk management knowledge, policies and procedures throughout all aspects of job function. Identify child safety issues for volunteers, children, and their families.
• Participate in required trainings/on-going professional development in the areas of:
  • Race and Equity
  • LGBTQ Competency and Support Strategies
  • Youth Development Best Practice
  • Trauma Informed Practices

• Apply the practices and principles attained in your BBBSMT trainings/on-going professional development/coaching to all mentors, mentees, and families.

Agency Support Responsibilities:

• Utilize educational opportunities and related resources to improve agency service

• Promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with other community organizations

• Participate in agency events to assist with annual fundraising goals

• Assume other responsibilities as they arise

Other

• Establish, monitor and meet goals for new match growth, match length, support contact compliance, and customer satisfaction

• Coordinate with other departments to identify possible partners and partnerships, staff and promote agency events, and provide support for other efforts as necessary

• Other duties as assigned by the Site-Based Manager and/or the Director of Programs

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT OUR ORGANIZATION:

• Youth-serving experience, especially working with youth of color and/or from marginalized communities, or a Bachelor’s degree/college coursework in Social Work or a related field
• Access to reliable automobile, valid driver’s license, auto insurance required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills reflecting solid customer service both in-person and via the telephone
• Strong organizational skills and ability to focus on details.
• Excellent time management skills and able to multi-task and set priorities. Ability to deal effectively with changing job requirements and shifting priorities.
• Understanding of child development and family dynamics
• Understanding of issues/barriers that impact children and families from underserved populations.
• Ability to collect meaningful data and draw solid conclusions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to work independently exercising good judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment required
• Understanding of confidentiality and ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information required
• Bilingual applicants encouraged to apply

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The environmental conditions described are representative but not all-inclusive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

•      Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm with some evening and weekend availability, as needed

• Routine office environment

•      Frequent independent, local travel

• Physical demands: While performing duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, physical demands and required skills. BBBS of Middle Tennessee may at its discretion add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Employment with BBBS of Middle Tennessee is “at will,” meaning that either the employee or BBBS of Middle Tennessee may end the employment relationship at any time and with or without cause.

Equal Employment Opportunity

BBBS of Middle Tennessee is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all qualified individuals. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants, as well as employees who are or become disabled, must be able to perform the essential duties & responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Send cover letter and resume to:
Caroline Dobson
1704 Charlotte Ave. Ste 130
Nashville, TN 37203
or careers@mentorakid.org with “Your Name- Program Specialist” in the subject line.

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

Website: http://www.mentorakid.org

Details

• Date Posted: January 29, 2020
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Other
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Start Date: 02/17/2020
• Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm with some evening and weekend availability, as needed