Program Specialist - School Based

Luzerne County•Wilkes-Barre, PA

3d•$39•Onsite

About The Position

An employee in this class reviews, administers, analyzes, evaluates, monitors and coordinates children, youth and families program objectives, policies, and operations of organizational segments of a county children, youth and families agency. Employees provide administrative services to agency staff concerning program planning, interpreting overall program objectives and advising on problems related to the coordination of the children, youth and families agency. Important aspects of the work are reviewing and analyzing existing data concerning children, youth and families programs, preparing reports, evaluating program effectiveness, and recommending changes in operational methods. Assignments are specialized in nature and limited to selected areas of operation and methods employed. Supervision may be exercised over professional, sub-professional and clerical staff. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative supervisor and is reviewed through conferences and reports. The School-Based Services Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day supervision, coordination, and development of a school-based unit providing preventative and supportive services to children, youth, and families within the community. The Program specialist provides leadership to staff working in school settings and ensures that services are delivered in a trauma-informed, strengths-based, culturally responsive, and family-centered manner. The Program Specialist will work collaboratively with schools, families, community organizations, and behavioral health providers, to identify children and families in need of support and develop effective preventative interventions designed to strengthen families, promote child safety and well-being, reduce the need for more intensive services, and prevent unnecessary placement or involvement with the child welfare system.

Requirements

Two years of professional level experience in the field of children, youth and families; and a bachelor's degree; Or Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of children, youth and families program planning and development as it relates to the implementation of direct services and operational procedures.
Knowledge of modern basic management principles and practices.
Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and resources as it relates to children, youth and families.
Knowledge of the basic principles and methods involved in working with socially maladjusted or physically or mentally disadvantaged children and youth.
Knowledge of the structure, organization, and methods of public and private children, youth and families' agencies and institutions.
Knowledge of the principles and methods applied to collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data.
Ability to analyze and evaluate program plans and operations and make recommendations leading toward policy and method determination.
Ability to aid in the development and coordination of children, youth and families program plans.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with departmental staff and other agencies.
Ability to make clear and pertinent statements, orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, guidance, and support to school-based staff providing preventative and family-support services.
Conduct regular individual and team supervision meetings to monitor caseloads, service quality, documentation, and staff performance.
Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to staff.
Monitor staff workload, productivity, and service outcomes.
Address performance concerns in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Promote a positive, collaborative, and professional team environment.
Oversee the implementation and delivery of preventative services within assigned school settings.
Develop and strengthen partnerships with school administrators, counselors, teachers, social workers, and other school personnel.
Assist in identifying children and families who may benefit from early intervention, family support, behavioral health, or other community-based services.
Ensure that services focus on early identification and intervention before concerns escalate to the point of requiring more intensive child welfare involvement.
Support staff in developing individualized service plans that address identified family and child needs.
Promote evidence-informed, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches to service delivery.
Facilitate connections to community resources, including behavioral health, housing, food assistance, healthcare, parenting education, educational supports, and other appropriate services.