POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Program Specialist (Early Childhood) oversees a full spectrum of supportive programs and services for children and families experiencing homelessness. This job includes managing all components of the Early Learner’s program by demonstrating excellent care and a trauma-informed approach, providing stabilizing support and enrichment programming for children birth to age five, successfully coordinating childcare resources for families, and utilizing strong collaboration skills to advocate and connect clients to internal and external resources.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Interact with children and families according to a trauma-informed care framework. 

·         Create, support, and evaluate learning opportunities for parents and caregivers.

·         Proactively engage children and their parents to plan, implement, monitor and adapt individualized services that promote stability, provide developmental support, and advance children’s wellbeing.

·         Increase family access to books and literacy programs.

·         Utilize meaningful assessments and questioning to identify children’s developmental needs.

·         Provide staff trainings to strengthen services and family support.

·         Input all required documentation in a timely manner, which may include enrollments, client follow up, outcome evaluation, progress notes, and goals.

·         Collaborate with the Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) for educational support for families enrolling in Pre-K and Kindergarten.

·         Coordinate childcare resources for families.

·         Organize and facilitate utilization of and access to Bright Spaces.

·         Continually create and strengthen strategic partnerships with community resources.

·         Connect families with community resources and assist families in accessing needed services.

·         Communicate volunteer needs to Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager; assist in training/leading volunteers working with children.

·         Utilize children’s programming volunteers to implement quality youth enrichment programming.

·         Maintain a strong sense of and respect for confidentiality involving both clients and fellow employees.

·         Collaborate closely with Youth Program staff and the Program Team to promote excellent care for all children and their adults.

·         Participate in the day-to-day operations of the Youth Program in its entirety.

·         Adhere to agency policy, procedures and the professional code of ethics.

·         Other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:

·         Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (e.g. Early Childhood Education, Family and Childhood Studies, Social Work)

·         Two years’ experience working with children and vulnerable families.

·         Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

·         Detail oriented.

·         Possession of a valid driver’s license.

·         Proficient in Internet use and Microsoft Office products.

·         Knowledge of trauma informed care (or a willingness to learn and adapt to this best practice).

·         Ability to handle multiple demands from various entities.

·         Maintain confidentiality when dealing with resident, client, donor, and organizational information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

·         Work Environment:  Office setting.

·         Must be able to sit / stand for 8 hours.

·         Walking, bending, light lifting up to 25 lbs.

·         Must be able to travel to community partner agencies, schools, and childcare centers.

·         Ability to drive agency vehicles including 15-passenger van.

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance  (eligible on the 1^st day of employment) (employer pays employee portion) 
• Life insurance (employer paid)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance (employer paid)
• 14 paid holiday days per year
• 18 PTO days accrued annually (pro-rated by hire date in first year)
• Counseling services