Program Specialist, Out-of-School Time Project

Posted by on July 30, 2012

Public Health Management Corporation
260 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-985-2500

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROGRAM SPECIALIST, OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME PROJECT
OST – MANAGEMENT SERVICES

*POSTING DATE: July 30, 2012

*JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Program Specialist, under the direction of the Monitor Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the success of assigned Out-of-School Time (OST) programs in meeting programmatic and administrative goals.  The Program Specialist will ensure that provider agencies conform to contractual, governmental, and agency mandates and standards regarding operation of OST programs, by evaluating and monitoring provider agencies’ service programs and providing technical assistance, as applicable.  The Program Specialist will conduct on-site evaluation of programs and activities; determine conformance with stated objectives and standards; identify problem areas in the delivery of contracted services; analyze staffing patterns, work process, and administrative operations and procedures.  This position is responsible for planning, examining, and reviewing program proposals and, with the support of the Program Specialist Supervisor, developing methodologies for collection of relevant data.

This position requires a demonstrated commitment to expanding developmental opportunities and improving outcomes for children and youth and a comprehensive knowledge of children and youth policy issues, practices, programs, and procedures.

*SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

§ Establish relationships with agencies in order to provide guidance and support
§ Schedule and conduct at least one summer and two school year (fall/winter/spring) site visits to assess program capacity and services; conduct unannounced site visits, as necessary
§ Document site visits within the prescribed timeframe
§ Ensure that providers adhere to the Core Standards and Project Based Learning approaches to programming
§ Provide intense technical assistance for 5-7 sites throughout the fiscal year
§ Assist agencies in meeting DPW licensing standards and successfully applying for licensure
§ Assist agencies in applying for the Keystone STARS program
§ Assist agencies in identifying or developing appropriate performance measures based on individual agency objectives, and objectives established by the City
§ Monitor agencies’ performance concerning these performance measures, including successes and challenges in meeting goals
§ Assist agencies in developing plans to address challenges
§ Assist agencies in accessing Technical Assistance services
§ Provide intensive Technical Assistance/Coaching to OST providers
§ Manage and document Coaching activities in PCAPS
§ Assist agencies in accessing professional development
§ Raise commonly shared programmatic challenges commonly shared to the OST team
§ Prepare new programs to operate effective programs; Orient new program staff to Scope of Work
§ Participate in the planning and execution of programs and activities to raise public awareness of and support for programs
§ Research and distribute information to agencies regarding best practices, innovative service models, and other information regarding the provision of out of school time services
§ Partner with Fiscal Monitors to ensure that contract compliance, fiscal issues, and programmatic areas are addressed adequately by providers
§ Review provider proposals
§ Make recommendations regarding proposals submitted
§ Participate in team meetings and general meetings of all agencies
§ Complete special projects relevant to OST service delivery as directed by supervisor
§ Perform any other agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.

§ Knowledge of youth development best practices, tenets and research
§ Knowledge of administrative principles and practices as they relate to the operation of Out-of-School Time programs
§ Ability to relate to diverse program environments and people of diverse cultures
§ Ability to work collaboratively with team members, providers and stakeholders
§ Excellent oral and written communication skills
§ Strong analytical skills
§ Strong organizational skills
§ Ability to multi-task
§ Ability to work independently
§ Willingness to adapt to changing work demands
§ Ability to meet deadlines
§ Strong interpersonal skills
§ Technologically proficient, specifically in Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Outlook

*EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

§ Bachelor’s degree, preferably in social work, education, public policy or administration, or related field
§ Two years of related work experience

*CONTACT INFORMATION:

Forward Resume to:    Debby McGurk
Address:          OST – Management Services
260 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA  19102
**Fax#:            215-825-8217
**E-mail:            ostemail@phmc.org