Program Support Specialist

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Program Support Specialist is responsible for working with the Youth Program Coordinators to facilitate program activities and events designed to meet positive program outcomes for our youth, including gaining knowledge and skills and reaching goals, among others. Our Youth Programs serve students age 10-17, and some of the program activities and events occur in school locations, and after school settings. The Program Support Specialist will also be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely data entry to support all program activities for every youth.

While they report to and work closely with their department’s Program Manager, they are an essential part of a team of individuals who are working to build positive relationships with youth. The Program Support Specialist will work alongside the Program Coordinators to facilitate engaging lessons and activities for both small and large groups of students, and will have direct contact with students on occasion during program activities and events. The ideal candidate will be able to build positive relationships with students while still holding them to a high standard of conduct.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Youth Services team across all Youth Programs in planning and facilitating activities and lessons with groups of youth.
• Provide onsite program support with direct client interaction as needed. Daily duties could include tasks such as tracking student attendance, preparing and serving a healthy snack, helping students with tutoring or homework completion, assisting the Manager and Coordinator with daily lessons, and interacting with students through games and crafts during recreation time.
• Work collaboratively and independently with the understanding of when it is necessary to communicate and coordinate work efforts with other staff and Program Manager.
• Maintain timely, accurate client files; record data in Goodwill tracking systems.
• Assist with compiling, submitting and maintaining client reporting for all Goodwill program services. Helps ensure that grant client data reporting is timely, accurate and operating within the constraints of the grant financial budget guidelines.
• Perform administrative duties such as follow-up calls, mailers, filing, labeling, phone calls, and ordering supplies and assuring inventory control of program supplies and client incentives.
• Work closely with all Program Services staff to continually seek ways to share resources and services for the overall benefit of the population we serve.
• Be knowledgeable of best practices in working with youth and participate in on-going training as necessary.
• Always set a friendly and professional example for participants, families, partners, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor at all times and use excellent interpersonal and group facilitation skills to ensure that all program participants feel safe, valued, and able to succeed.
• Facilitate culturally-competent communication and program services with a diverse set of individuals, ensuring equitable treatment of all participants, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
• Maintain understanding of trauma-informed best practices to interact empathetically with youth and families with a wide range of life experiences, trauma, and mental health concerns.
• Report to Program Manager on program goals and participant progress, as well as any unusual and/or crisis situations as they arise. Provide safe and effective leadership for program participants in a crisis and help to de-escalate any unsafe situations.
• Maintain positive working relationships with community partners, service providers, and collaborating agencies. Stay informed of community resources to make appropriate referrals to program participants.
• Safely transport youth to and from activities in a company-approved vehicle.
• Participate in Goodwill meetings, webinars, and conferences, as necessary.
• Ensure the safety of participants, staff, and others by following all organizational and programmatic policies and procedures.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.