Children and Youth Program Specialist

Socket.dev; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Mary Campbell Center seeks a C&Y Program Specialist to support the C&Y Program Manager and Coordinator in delivering engaging activities for children of varying ages and abilities in a safe, respectful environment.

You will assist in planning, implementing and supervising programs, coordinating staff and volunteers, managing supplies, and reporting on outcomes while promoting positive community relations and ensuring quality care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field with at least 12 credit hours in child development, special education, or a related field.
• Minimum three years of experience working with children with special needs in a group setting.
• Ability to motivate participation, create and evaluate programs.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers.
• Ability to lift and transfer children and provide personal care as needed.
• Leadership, communication, and organizational skills; proficient with program reporting tools.
• Willingness to obtain lifeguard, CPR and first aid within six months; CDL within six months.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, implementing and overseeing Children and Youth activities in person and virtually.
• Lead activities and supervise staff, volunteers and participants.
• Develop new activities and secure supplies for diverse ages.
• Manage funds according to established procedures.
• Train and supervise staff per policy.
• Support participants with personal care and hygiene.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff supervision

Program planning

Customer service

Organizational skills

Technology for reporting

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Job description

The Mary Campbell Center is first, last, and always, home to 68 residents. Together, staff ensures services are delivered with a high degree of quality, in a homelike environment where residents live with respect, personal dignity, and independence to the fullness of their abilities. The C & Y Program Specialist assists the C&Y Program Manager and C&Y Coordinator in coordinating and implementing of programs consisting of activities designed to promote meaningful relationships while encouraging social interactions and independence for children of varying ages and developmental abilities. The C&Y Specialist will assist in providing opportunities for participants to explore new interests, recreational activities and life skills. The C & Y Program Specialist is also charged with promoting the MCC Children & Youth Program in a positive manner to the community, while adhering to the MCC Guiding Principles and Mission. The C & Y Program Specialist must work reliably, effectively, efficiently, and with respect for children participants, residents, staff, families, volunteers, professional consultants, and the physical environment of the Center.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

The C&Y Program Specialist at the Mary Campbell Center must 1) be a good person of high character who consistently works with a positive attitude and demonstrates compassion and understanding for program participants with varying degrees of disability; 2) possess an Bachelor's Degree in related field; with at least 12 credit hours toward a degree in child development, special education or a related field; 3) have at least three years experience working with children with special needs in a group setting; 4) have the ability to motivate participation, generate enthusiasm, create appropriate programs, carry out programs, and reflect on changes that need to be made; 5) be capable of effectively supervising and training staff and volunteers; 6) have the ability to lift and transfer children up to adult weight and utilize safe lifting procedures and to assist with personal care including feeding and toileting; 7) possess leadership, communication, customer service, and organizational skills; 8) have the ability to interact on a positive basis with children and families; 9) demonstrate proficiency in utilizing technology tools to effectively manage program reporting and achieve department goals; 10) obtain lifeguard, CPR and first aid certifications within the first six months of employment; and 11) obtain a valid driver's CDL (Commercial Driver's License) within 6 months of employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist in planning, implementing and providing oversight to Children and Youth program participants both in person and virtually.
2. Lead program activities and provide direction and supervision to departmental staff, volunteers and participants.
3. Assist in developing activities and obtaining needed supplies to provide comprehensive opportunities for varying ages of participants.
4. Follow established procedures for management of allocated funds
5. Assist with training and supervising staff through established policies.
6. Assist participants with necessary personal care to assure quality care and good hygiene at all times.
7. Facilitate consistent and open communication with participants and families
8. Assist with necessary program documentation, mailings and reports.
9. Assist in the coordination of vehicles, pool use, outside venues, and trips.
10. Participate in meetings with parents and children to determine eligibility of admission into programs.
11. Utilize established behavior management techniques, where necessary, which are used in conjunction with Center policies and procedures.
12. Follow and enforce departmental policies and procedures and ensure compliance with established Center policies.
13. Maintain open communication with Children & Youth Program Manager regarding status of participants and programs.
14. Assume the responsibilities of the Children & Youth Program Manager in their absence.
15. Participate in appropriate in-service training when offered.
16. Purchase needed supplies/equipment; keep inventory and current accounting of expenses. Make recommendations for annual budget needs and supplies.
17. Ensure Children and Youth trip protocols are followed and completed in accordance with established Policy and Procedures.
18. Ensure positive public relations with community volunteers and organizations by choosing appropriate written and verbal techniques.
19. Transport program participants safely to various community outings using established vehicle protocol and procedures. Obeys and adheres to all traffic laws to ensure the safety of the staff and residents.
20. Bring any safety hazards to the attention of the Children and Youth Manager and/or Assistant Executive Director or appropriate department head.
21. Collaborating with C&Y Coordinator to carry out department needs.
22. Completes all mandatory in-services and attends staff meetings as required.
23. Performs other duties as assigned.

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