Children and Youth Program Specialist

The Mary Campbell Center•Wilmington, DE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mary Campbell Center is a residential facility for 68 residents, emphasizing a high quality of care in a homelike environment that promotes respect, dignity, and independence. The Children and Youth (C&Y) Program Specialist supports the C&Y Program Manager and Coordinator in developing and executing programs for children of various ages and abilities. These programs aim to foster meaningful relationships, encourage social interaction, and promote independence, while also providing opportunities for participants to explore new interests, engage in recreational activities, and develop life skills. The Specialist is responsible for promoting the C&Y Program positively within the community, upholding the Center's mission and guiding principles. This role requires reliable, effective, and respectful work with participants, residents, staff, families, volunteers, consultants, and the Center's environment.

Requirements

Be a good person of high character who consistently works with a positive attitude and demonstrates compassion and understanding for program participants with varying degrees of disability.
Possess a Bachelor's Degree in a related field; with at least 12 credit hours toward a degree in child development, special education, or a related field.
Have at least three years of experience working with children with special needs in a group setting.
Ability to motivate participation, generate enthusiasm, create appropriate programs, carry out programs, and reflect on necessary changes.
Capability to effectively supervise and train staff and volunteers.
Ability to lift and transfer children up to adult weight and utilize safe lifting procedures, and to assist with personal care including feeding and toileting.
Possess leadership, communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
Ability to interact positively with children and families.
Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing technology tools to effectively manage program reporting and achieve department goals.
Obtain lifeguard, CPR, and first aid certifications within the first six months of employment.
Obtain a valid driver's CDL (Commercial Driver's License) within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

Assist in planning, implementing, and overseeing Children and Youth program activities, both in-person and virtually.
Lead program activities and provide direction and supervision to departmental staff, volunteers, and participants.
Assist in developing activities and procuring necessary supplies to offer comprehensive opportunities for participants of varying ages.
Follow established procedures for managing allocated funds.
Assist with training and supervising staff according to established policies.
Assist participants with necessary personal care to ensure quality care and good hygiene.
Facilitate consistent and open communication with participants and families.
Assist with program documentation, mailings, and reports.
Assist in coordinating vehicles, pool use, outside venues, and trips.
Participate in meetings with parents and children to determine program admission eligibility.
Utilize established behavior management techniques in conjunction with Center policies and procedures.
Follow and enforce departmental policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with established Center policies.
Maintain open communication with the Children & Youth Program Manager regarding participant and program status.
Assume the responsibilities of the Children & Youth Program Manager in their absence.
Participate in appropriate in-service training when offered.
Purchase needed supplies/equipment; maintain inventory and current accounting of expenses. Make recommendations for annual budget needs and supplies.
Ensure Children and Youth trip protocols are followed and completed in accordance with established Policy and Procedures.
Ensure positive public relations with community volunteers and organizations through appropriate written and verbal techniques.
Transport program participants safely to various community outings using established vehicle protocol and procedures, obeying all traffic laws.
Report any safety hazards to the Children and Youth Manager and/or Assistant Executive Director or appropriate department head.
Collaborate with the C&Y Coordinator to fulfill department needs.
Complete all mandatory in-services and attend staff meetings as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.