Program Specialist - Human Services Residential Programs

Vinfen•Windsor, CT

11h

About The Position

Overview Provide leadership on required program systems, policies, and procedures, assuring the completion of outcomes, including the administration of information, evaluation, development, management, and reporting within the organization. Assist in the hiring, development, and training of staff in the implementation of an array of systems. Ensure proper standards and regulations are adhered to as required by the agency and external funding sources. Exercise professional judgment and initiative regarding specific program and personnel needs. Mentor and advise staff in how to develop and network strategic relationships with peers, family members, professional, state, business, internal and community stakeholders. The Program Specialist will be a member of the new development team, and participate in all required aspects of expansion. Responsibilities The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below: Provide a level of expertise and training in program systems, as needed. Provide direction, training, and coaching; conduct program reviews, provide guidance on career development. Train staff in responding to internal and external data collection and reporting requests. Coach staff appropriately with the goal of optimizing effort and achieving operational and fiscal goal. Mentor and train staff in providing outreach and creation of environments in which family, friends, and established relationships of the person served can be fostered. Maintain and enhance staff’s knowledge of industry issues, trends, and techniques. Assist in hiring staff, as necessary. Apply counseling, disciplinary, and corrective action when warranted. Participate in the development and design of new program start-ups. Assist in developing systems and procedures for the effective and efficient operation of the division. Analyze systems and resolve issues in conjunction with the Program Directors, Site Managers, and internal staff. Serve as a liaison to DOS and VP regarding program/personnel related issues. Assist in ensuring that regulatory and quality standards and procedures are adhered to. Assess agency and community needs and propose solutions. Assist in ensuring maintenance and safety of program. Foster teamwork and leadership in work groups. Review and update documentation in individuals’ records, program log, and program records, as required. Perform in-service trainings and staff meetings, as needed. Perform orientation of new staff. Ensure compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies. Participate in corporate-wide initiatives and systems. Participate in professional conferences and workshops Teach classes at the Training Center. Represent Vinfen in professional, trade, regulatory, and funding source organizations; participate in committees, meetings, and other activities, as requested. Comply with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, worker’s compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control. Perform other related duties, as required. Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of human services relative to current assignment Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues Excellent organizational and writing skills Ability to balance many competing priorities Ability to negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts Ability to provide leadership and team management to staff Knowledge of operations management procedures and practices Knowledge of risk management Knowledge and use of different learning and communication styles Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills Knowledge of documentation requirements and regulations Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources Knowledge of empowerment, self-advocacy and peer support techniques Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment Knowledge of participatory planning techniques Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices Knowledge of available equipment, therapies, and service provider About Vinfen Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers . My Job. My Community. My Vinfen. Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Requirements

Knowledge of human services relative to current assignment
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
Excellent organizational and writing skills
Ability to balance many competing priorities
Ability to negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts
Ability to provide leadership and team management to staff
Knowledge of operations management procedures and practices
Knowledge of risk management
Knowledge and use of different learning and communication styles
Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills
Knowledge of documentation requirements and regulations
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources
Knowledge of empowerment, self-advocacy and peer support techniques
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment
Knowledge of participatory planning techniques
Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices
Knowledge of available equipment, therapies, and service provider
A minimum of five years’ experience in progressively responsible human services functions, of which three years have been in a supervisory capacity.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required
Bachelor’s degree required.
May be called on to drive for Vinfen using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check. If driving, must maintain a safe driving record, which is subject to annual checks. If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
MAC required (follow CT guidelines)
Safety Care required within 60 days of hire

Nice To Haves

Master’s preferred in a Human Services field or related.
In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Responsibilities

Provide a level of expertise and training in program systems, as needed.
Provide direction, training, and coaching; conduct program reviews, provide guidance on career development.
Train staff in responding to internal and external data collection and reporting requests.
Coach staff appropriately with the goal of optimizing effort and achieving operational and fiscal goal.
Mentor and train staff in providing outreach and creation of environments in which family, friends, and established relationships of the person served can be fostered.
Maintain and enhance staff’s knowledge of industry issues, trends, and techniques.
Assist in hiring staff, as necessary.
Apply counseling, disciplinary, and corrective action when warranted.
Participate in the development and design of new program start-ups.
Assist in developing systems and procedures for the effective and efficient operation of the division.
Analyze systems and resolve issues in conjunction with the Program Directors, Site Managers, and internal staff.
Serve as a liaison to DOS and VP regarding program/personnel related issues.
Assist in ensuring that regulatory and quality standards and procedures are adhered to.
Assess agency and community needs and propose solutions.
Assist in ensuring maintenance and safety of program.
Foster teamwork and leadership in work groups.
Review and update documentation in individuals’ records, program log, and program records, as required.
Perform in-service trainings and staff meetings, as needed. Perform orientation of new staff.
Ensure compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies.
Participate in corporate-wide initiatives and systems.
Participate in professional conferences and workshops
Teach classes at the Training Center.
Represent Vinfen in professional, trade, regulatory, and funding source organizations; participate in committees, meetings, and other activities, as requested.
Comply with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, worker’s compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
Perform other related duties, as required.