Careers/Program Specialist

Program Specialist

Reports To: Programs Team Leader

POSITION PURPOSE

The primary function of this position is to find the best match for volunteers and children and then support those matches in accordance with Big Brothers Big Sisters’ standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct and document enrollment of parents, children, and volunteers, including orientations, interviews, trainings, and completion of any other enrollment processes.
  • Review all enrollment information and assessments and make timely recommendations for participation in the program based on this information. Assess and apply factors contributing to successful match. Effectively align volunteer interests and qualifications with service options of agency.
  • Determine matches and facilitate match meetings in accordance with volunteer and family schedules.
  • Quickly build a relationship with a set of children, parents, and volunteers.
  • Reach out to parents, children, and volunteers in accordance with Big Brothers Big Sisters’ standards to support the match relationship and provide coaching to the match.
  • Support the creation of age-appropriate events and workshops for children, volunteers, and parents. Ensure parents, children, and volunteers are aware of these events and other resources provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Be present at events to supervise.
  • Identify matches that are at risk of closing, intervene effectively, and discuss further with the supervisor.
  • Ensure a high-level of 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.
  • Collaborate with other staff to ensure smooth transition among functions and follows process through to next point of contact.
  • Maintain accurate paperwork for each match according to BBBSA and agency standards.
  • Enter information into computer as information is gathered.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Note that roles are often specialized to work primarily on either enrollment or supporting matches. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta will discuss with candidates during the interview process which specialization is better suited to their interests and skillset.

EDUCATION & RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in social work, child development, human services, education or related field plus commensurate experience is required.  Experience working in a non-profit preferred.

Experience working with both child and adult populations required; specific assessment, intake, documentation, or interview experience preferred. Bilingual Spanish-English skills desired.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office; including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills reflecting solid customer service both in-person and telephone.
  • Able to demonstrate sound judgment in routine, day-to-day decisions; think critically to make decisions and take action, even in non-routine situations.
  • Able to seek out and work effectively with others who have diverse perspectives, talents, backgrounds, and/or styles; contribute to a team climate in which differences are valued and supported.
  • Able to build strong working relationships with agency staff and matches; identify unexpressed customer needs and potential solutions to meet those needs; and independently anticipate and meet customer match support needs.
  • Able to gather appropriate data and diagnose the cause of a problem before taking action, and to develop and evaluate alternative courses of action.
  • Ability to effectively assess and execute the following relational support skills: guiding, supporting, confronting, advising and/or negotiating.
  • Ability to create thoughtful and thorough documentation of interactions with children, parents, and volunteers.
  • Ability to relate well in multicultural environments.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and use time effectively in a fast paced environment; able to positively deal with changes that affect job requirements or work assignments; adapt to shifting priorities in response to the needs of matches.
  • Able to align own work objectives with the organization’s strategic plan or objectives; take organizational priorities into consideration when making choices.
  • Able to identify and apply “best practices” in own work; improve efficiency by planning and organizing work effectively, eliminating barriers and streamlining work processes.
  • Able to align own work objectives with the organization’s strategic plan or objectives; take organizational priorities into consideration when making choices.
  • Bilingual positions require incumbents to write and speak Spanish fluently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Routine office environment. This position is located in our Atlanta office, though it may require some regional travel.

Must have car, valid driver’s license, and meet state required automobile insurance minimums.

Must be available 2 Saturdays a month and be able to work until 7:30 for 3-4 days per week. 1-day-per-week work from home is negotiable for high-performing candidates.Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity: BBBSMA does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

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