Children's Program Specialist

Summary: The Children’s Program Specialist assists the Program Manager with the organization and coordination of child education programs and activities to support the outcomes of the Children and Family programs. Provide services for children to maintain stable academic performance in school, screen for conditions that require early intervention and promote the emotional development and wellbeing of IHS’s homeless or at risk children served by designated IHS programs.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrate excellent customer service consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission, and Values of the organization.
• Collaborate and work with the Program Manager and other Children’s Program staff to ensure the program remains contract compliant.
• Provide assistance with the development, maintenance and evaluation of an enriching and culturally sensitive curriculum of activities, and lesson plans designed to stimulate the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development and interest of children and all family participants.
• Interact with children using approved child guidance techniques and development tools that will support the goals of the program and model effective social and parenting behaviors that encourage parents and children to develop healthy family relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality and consistently maintain accurate attendance, safety and program records through SAMI or other systems as required and provide data to support outcome measures.
• Assists with the daily USDA snacks program and ensures compliance with USDA standards.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of program participants through continuous observation of children in order to detect early signs of distress, abnormal behavior, illness and /or child abuse and neglect and notify Program Manager as appropriate.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of approved child guidance techniques and development tools that support physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.
• Effective prioritization and problem solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, and database applications.
• Possess personal qualities of integrity and commitment to mission.
• Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.
• Able to work under pressure and in stressful situations.

Required Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development, Education or a related field from an accredited university.

• At least one year of experience working with children of various ages in a multi-cultural and low socio-economic setting.
• Basic understanding of the issues affecting homelessness and its impact on families.

IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, maintains a Drug and Alcohol-free Workplace, and is an employer of National Service.