Children and Youth Program Specialist

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 :

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

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