Program Specialist / Case Worker

Would you like to go home every day knowing you made a difference in the life of a child? BBBS believes that all youth should have the opportunity to reach their potential and achieve success in life- we believe the same thing when it comes to our team members.

By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteer mentors and community allies, BBBS defends and amplifies the potential of youth through impactful relationships, educational support, career exploration, and increased confidence and social-emotional skills.

BBBS is currently looking to fill a Program Specialist position after the winter holidays. Resumes will be collected and reviewed now, with interviews being scheduled for after January 6th.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a creative, high energy person with the ability to take initiative and leadership with the support of the matches on their caseload. They will have experience working with children, as well as coaching adults/family members. They will understand the importance of meeting program metrics and working within a team environment to ensure each member of the team is successful.

Important to note: We have an office cat. If you have any strong allergies or aversions to cats, our work environment may not be a good fit.

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary function of this position is matching and supporting the volunteers and children matched in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley (BBBSMV) one-to-one youth mentoring program, as well as the parents/guardians of children enrolled in the program. Program Specialists ensure child safety, promote positive impacts for youth, foster constructive and satisfying relationships between children and volunteers, and cultivate a strong sense of affiliation with Big Brothers Big Sisters for all program participants.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with key stakeholders in schools within the assigned territory in order to maintain a quality program.

Assist with BBBS initiatives at assigned schools.

• Work with school and community partners to identify children for participation in the Community-Based and School-Based Plus programs.
• Collaborate with the rest of the Program Team to match children with appropriate mentors.
• Conduct Match Introduction Meetings for new School-based/School-based Plus matches
• Conduct regularly scheduled Match Support contacts (either in person or through phone or electronic contact) with the volunteers, children and parents/guardians, meeting standards in the five key elements of quality: child safety and well-being, match relationship development, coaching and support, match goals/outcomes, and adherence to the Service Delivery Model.

Maintain at least an 80% on-time contact rate and less than 10% matches overdue rate for a caseload of 50-70 matches

• Use assessment skills to identify any potential problems and barriers within matches as early as possible, coaching parties and intervening as needed toward successful resolution.
• Process match closures by conducting exit interviews, by phone or in person, with all parties of the match to assess reasons for match closure and re-match potential.
• Document comprehensive written summaries of all match support contacts in real-time, web-based match management system, in order to comply with national standards.
• Maintain accurate files and documentation on all volunteers and children/families.
• Administer and utilize appropriate surveys to determine health and progression of the match relationship and child’s growth in the program.

Maintain survey completion rates of at least: 3 month Strength of Relationship (95%), Annual Strength of Relationship (65%), Annual Child or Youth Outcomes Survey (65%)

• Operate as a strong internal collaborator: maintain awareness of all agency opportunities for Littles, Bigs and other stakeholders.
• Participate in BBBSMV activities and events including, but not limited to:

Match Anniversaries – Attend match anniversary celebrations to connect with caseload matches.

Major Annual Match/Family Events – 4 per year (Spring into Adventure, Fall Event, Putt-a-Round Match Night, and Annual Picnic) - Planned & executed by Enhancements team, all staff asked to attend/assist.

Match Activities (outside of 4 main match/family events) – Average of 36 throughout the year – Attend/assist with at least 1 or 2 per quarter, as needed.

Major Annual Fundraising Events – 4 per year (Putt-a-Round, Plant Sale, Golf Outing, Over the Edge) – Planned & executed by Events/Dev team, all staff asked to attend/assist as much as possible for each event.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (or within 6 months of obtaining) in social services or related field, preferred. Consideration will be given for Associate’s degree with a minimum of 2 years of relevant youth/social services work experience, or no degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant youth/social services work experience.

Required Experience

• 1 years of Social Work/Case Work, counseling, or relatable experience, required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of youth development and family dynamics
• Experience with handling confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to assess compatibility between volunteers and youth to assist in making appropriate matches
• Collaborative work-style with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both in a team and independently, to exercise good judgment, make sound decisions & problem solve
• Strong writing skills and the ability to communicate professionally with internal and external constituents
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Goal oriented, with a strong commitment to quality and results
• Ability and willingness to flex work hours occasionally, for early evening, or occasional Saturday, activities, events, trainings or meetings with program participants.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a reliable means of transportation

Benefits:

We care deeply about our employees and know holistic support is essential for our staff to carry out the BBBS mission. Our generous employment package includes BBBS-sponsored health, dental & vision insurance, employer-paid life insurance, employer paid short-term disability, SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer match, very healthy paid time off accruals, 8 paid Holidays, paid Winter break and flexible work schedules.

Our hiring process includes phone screens and in-person interviews, reference and background checks for final candidates. All staff are required to submit to both name and fingerprint based Federal, State and Local background screenings.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Americans with Disabilities Act: Employee must be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,000