Program Specialist (Non-Profit) jobs in Middlesex, NJ

POSITION PURPOSE & DESCRIPTION

Be inspired. Be inspirational. Be a part of the solution!

Something special is happening in the Newark and Jersey City region, and mentoring is at its center. Our BBBS organization has been embedded in our community for nearly 15 years with direct access to some of our region's and nation's most credible leaders. From being honored by President Obama in the Oval Office, to being featured in national media, to being recognized by locally respected voices, our organization stands apart with its ability to attract high potential opportunities for positive, local change.

As our agency grows, there is a need for a dedicated Bi-lingual Program Specialist to support our programmatic and client needs in the areas of enrollment and match support. This individual will value the necessary "little" things that must be done on a daily basis that, in their aggregate, are part of "big" and meaningful impact.

Agency Overview

Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth, and to be a credible social justice organization embedded in our community.

Today, we are a direct service organization serving three of the most populous counties in the state of New Jersey– which are home to communities with wide economic and social disparities, and in which there exists an incredible depth of community and a long history of care and commitment invested in helping our youth manifest their full potential.

Job Description

The Program Specialist will be responsible for enrolling youth and volunteers in our program, finding the best mentor/mentee pair, and supporting those matches in accordance with Big Brothers Big Sisters’ standards. The primary purpose of the enrollment function is to ensure that volunteers and children are appropriately and timely enrolled and matched while executing a high degree of independent judgment when utilizing BBBS of America standards and practices. A high-level of customer service, focusing on volunteer options and child safety, is to be demonstrated throughout the volunteer and child enrollment and matching process.

Once a volunteer and child are enrolled and paired, the primary purpose of the match support function of the role is to provide a high quality of customer service and support the match parties (child, volunteer and parent/guardian) to ensure child safety, positive impacts for youth, constructive and satisfying relationships between children and volunteers, and a strong sense of affiliation with BBBS on the part of the three match parties.

The Program Specialist role may be specialized to work primarily in enrollment or case management supporting mentor/mentee and family matches. BBBSEHU will discuss with candidates during the interview process which specialization may be better suited to their interests and skill sets. All successful candidates will begin in the enrollment function and may transition to match support.

Candidates with a strong connection to the community that BBBSEHU serves and sincere belief in the mission are given preferential consideration. Evening and weekend hours, and travel are required to accomodate schedules of families and volunteers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. BBBS may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Academic: Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences, human services or related field required.

Professional: 1 to 2 years of experience in social services or K-12 education strongly preferred. Fluent Bilingual (English-Spanish) verbal & written communication a plus. Previous experience with child-adult and/or family relationship dynamics; professional familiarity with child development issues; and interpersonal communication a plus.

The candidate selected for this position must pass a multi-layered background check.

The successful candidate must be customer-service oriented, able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, anticipate and proactively troubleshoot and problem-solve issues related to their role. Additionally, they must have the ability to manage detailed work and projects, possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and interest in working with diverse constituencies. Must have the ability to attend meetings and/or events in our tri-county service area.

Skills: Exemplary interpersonal skills with a strong customer/client focus are essential, along with the ability to engage effectively with families, sophisticated volunteers, and partners one-on-one, and in group settings (small and large). Attentive and active listening skills, organization, flexible thinking, ability to function well in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and CRM/Case Management packages required (Salesforce preferred).

Personal Attributes: Must be flexible to accommodate job responsibilities (including ability to work evenings/weekend) and the needs and availability of our clients (volunteers, children, and families), stakeholders and partners; willing and able to travel with daily and dependable access to transportation.

Must demonstrate dedication, and an interpersonal savvy that helps establish effective relationships and an appropriate rapport with people and relationships; have attentive and active listening skills; are approachable, organized; and demonstrate sound judgment.

Results/outcome orientation with a proven track record of exceeding goals, strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to think strategically and anticipate future consequences, action-and outcomes oriented.

Sees our communities full of abundance and potential and holds a no-excuses attitude to ensuring bold qualitative and quantitative goals are developed and met. Possess a strong knowledge of the community and have the ability to establish strong relationships internally and externally and work with a diverse population.

Our best employees 1) set the bar high 2) are intentional and thoughtful about their choices 3) collaborate as a means to community solutions 4) are positive, can-do, and solution-oriented 5) embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, and 6) are accountable and get it done.

Travel Requirements: 30-50% annually with daily and dependable access to transportation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Minimal physical requirements normal office environment to include walking, standing, sitting at workstation, lifting and moving file boxes. Ability to effectively transition from a work-from-home set-up to in office and community-based.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• Ensure a high-level of proficiency in applying child safety and risk management knowledge, policies and procedures throughout all aspects of job function. Identify child safety issues for volunteers, children and their families.
• Maintain accurate and timely records using the agency assigned information and data management systems for each client and match according to BBBSA and agency standards and utilize technology to report, synthesize and analyze data.
• Manage pipeline of applicants and caseload in alignment with the service delivery goals of the agency and specific monthly goals.
• Comply with all policies as described in the Employee Handbook & Program Manual.
• Other duties as assigned

Enrollment

• Assess volunteer “fit” to BBBS. Conduct volunteer enrollments, including: individual or group orientations, interviews, and completion of any other enrollment processes. Assess the necessity of home visits and complete as indicated.
• Conduct, document and manage client enrollments of parents, children, and volunteers, including child safety education, orientations, interviews, training, and completion of any other enrollment processes. Assess and refer families for alternative or additional services as needed.
• Recommend matches and facilitate match pre-introductions and introductory meetings in accordance with BBBSA and agency standards, and in accommodation of volunteer and family schedules.

Match Support

• Create, support and sustain high volume, high quality relationship development with a set of matches consisting of a child, parent/guardian, and volunteer.
• Support the creation, delivery and promotion of age-appropriate events and workshops for children, volunteers, and parents. Ensure parents, children, and volunteers are aware of these events and other resources provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Be present at events to supervise.
• Identify matches that are at risk of closing, intervene effectively, and discuss further with the supervisor.

Cross-Departmental Collaborative Work & Other Duties

• Collaborate with other staff to ensure smooth transition among functions and follow the process through to the next point of contact.
• Attend and staff community outreach and recruitment, as assigned and support program and fundraising events and initiatives.

Location: Hybrid - 3 days per week in office in Plainfield, NJ; may require 5 days per week in office as well as off- site at partner and community-based locations

Reports To: Match Support Manager or Enrollment Manager, depending on function

Number of Directly Supervised Staff: 0

Number of Agency Staff: 23-30

JEDI COMMITMENT

At BBBSEHU, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is an integral part of our values and mission. We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, lives, and experiences of all of our stakeholders, including youth, families, donors, volunteers, and staff. We ensure the opportunity for all voices and perspectives to be heard and honored. In the workplace, we foster an environment where all people can be their best selves. We affirm that every person [regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, marital or veteran status] has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We strive to realize the full potential that is within all of us by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard and honored.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

BBBS provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or non- disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties & responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus opportunities

Application Question(s):

• Why are you interested in and qualified for this position?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• case management or K-12 lead teacher: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish, with good written/verbal communication skills (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Plainfield, NJ