PolicyLab report focuses on mental health needs of teen parents

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s PolicyLab has published a new issue brief detailing early findings from a project focused on a unique population of caregivers: parenting teens.

Written by PolicyLab researcher and Stoneleigh Emerging Leader Fellow Kali Hackett, Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Parenting Teens underscores that this population is at greater risk for experiencing perinatal mental health problems—some studies show adolescent moms experience postpartum depression at three to four times the rate of adult mothers .

However, in many ways, our systems of care are not designed to meet parenting teens’ mental health needs.

Through research and interviews with key stakeholders in Philadelphia, the issue brief explores what we know about teen pregnancy and parenting, outlines why teen parents may experience challenges in access to mental health care, and illustrates the pressing need for innovative services, policies and programs that close the gaps in care for parenting teens. The resource also offers concrete recommendations for various stakeholders to improve access and connection to quality mental health services for this population.

Read the full report here.

The Cosmopolitan Club of Philadelphia Giving Circle – a Donor Advised Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation – is pleased to announce that it is now accepting grant applications for its 2021 grant cycle. Applications are sought from nonprofit organizations that Increase the availability of affordable, healthy food to women and their families experiencing food insecurity.

A single grant of $40,000 will be awarded to one organization.

Applicant organizations must be located in the Greater Philadelphia area. They must have a 501(c)(3) public charity exempt status from the IRS.

Deadlines:
• Applications must be received by 3 p.m. on January 29, 2021
• Finalists announced on April 9, 2021
• Finalists’ presentations on April 27, 2021

The application and instructions for applying can be found at http://www.cosclub.org/ Click on the Giving Circle tab and select Apply for a Grant from the drop-down menu.

Any questions should be sent to givingcircle@cosclub.org

PA ranks high in rate of uninsured children: PPC report

No child should be without health insurance. However, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children’s recently released 2020 State of Children’s Health Care: Unlocking Access to a Healthy Childhood report shows Pennsylvania has the 8th highest number of uninsured kids in the nation, with nearly 128,000 uninsured children who ultimately do not have regular access to care for optimal development and learning.

Since last year’s report, Pennsylvania’s uninsured rate increased slightly from 4.4% to 4.6%. Although it remains lower than the national average of 5.7%, the state rate is heading in the wrong direction when it comes to children’s health insurance.

What’s worse? The 2020 report uses the most recent uninsured data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which was captured prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. That means more Pennsylvania kids headed into the public health emergency without basic health coverage.

Factors such as age, poverty level, race and ethnicity, and geographic region impact children’s access to health insurance. In the commonwealth, children younger than six years of age and children from low-income families are more likely to be uninsured, and children who identify as American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, or White have increasing uninsured rates compared to the prior year.

In addition to health care coverage, several social determinants of health are a focus of the report, including maternal health, access to safe, lead-free housing, nutrition, and access to oral health care.

This report sets forth a robust public policy agenda for maintaining and strengthening the ability of children in Pennsylvania to access health care. Working together with child health care advocates, medical professionals and policymakers, we can give children the key to achieving life-long learning and future success, because no child should be locked out of a healthy childhood.

To view the full report, go here.

Similar to our last 2 cohorts, members will serve both in-person outdoors in small groups and virtually. Interviews and the rest of our application process will follow a similar format and we will adhere to COVID safety policies.

How to apply

At the link below: https://www.cognitoforms.com/PowerCorpsPHL1/PowerCorpsPHLCohort16AmeriCorpsMemberApplication
The above link is also available on our website under the Join the Corps.

To prepare

• It is recommended that candidates begin now to gather or order their vital documents (original social security card, birth certificate, State/Philly City ID, and diploma/GED/transcripts).
• It is taking longer than usual during these times to receive ordered documents, so it is best to allow more time for this process.

WHAT is PowerCorpsPHL:
• A City of Philadelphia AmeriCorps initiative program operated by EducationWorks
• A 4-18 month long workforce development program that partners with Philadelphia Parks and Rec and the Philadelphia Water Department
• We tackle pressing environmental challenges, including improving stormwater managements, increasing tree coverage, and revitalizing public land
• Members start in the foundation phase serving on crews and working on work readiness skills
• Following foundations phase members apply into career pathway tracks that range from 6-18 months

WHO is PowerCorpsPHL:
• 18-28 years old who want to transform their lives through service
• Philadelphia residents with a diploma or GED

Read more at: http://powercorpsphl.org/join-the-corps/

The event will be held on January 28th from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM and is also co-sponsored by Penn’s Civic House, LGBT Center, the SNF Paideia Program, and New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/after-the-marches-end-are-we-for-real-this-time-part-2-tickets-130817118523

Please note that to participate by Zoom, you must register here; space is limited. The event will also be live on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/nettercenter/videos/

https://www.facebook.com/PHENND/videos

Program format:

When the Marches End: Are we for Real this Time? (Part Two )*

5:00 PM – Welcome

Valerie Dorsey Allen, Director, African American Resource Center, University of Pennsylvania

Hillary Kane, Director, Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND)

Isabel Sampson-Mapp, Associate Director and Director of Penn Volunteers in Public Service, Netter Center for Community Partnerships, University of Pennsylvania

5:03 PM – University Welcome

Dr. Wendell Pritchett, Provost, James S. Riepe Professorship, University of Pennsylvania

5:08 PM – Opening/Introduction of Moderator

Dr. Ira Harkavy, Associate Vice President and founding Director, Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships, University of Pennsylvania

5:13 PM – Moderator Introduces and Begins Conversation

Dr. Herman Beavers, Julie Beren Platt and Marc E. Platt President’s Distinguished Professor of English and Africana Studies, University of Pennsylvania

– Conversation

Dr. Henry Louis Taylor, Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Architecture and Planning, Director, University of Buffalo Center for Urban Studies

Dr. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Assistant Professor of African American Studies and Charles H. McIlwain University Preceptor, Princeton University

6:05 PM – Q/A

6:20 PM – Closing Remarks

Charles L. Howard, University Chaplain, Vice President for Social Equity and Community

Please note that we will be utilizing both ZOOM and Facebook Live for the event. When you RSVP, you will be sent the Zoom log-in information.

*(Please note that Part One is available for viewing at the following link, https://www.facebook.com/pg/nettercenter/videos/)

We continue to accept entries for this two option searchable app:

• The Philadelphia STEM Programs Directory. If you haven’t had a chance to add your STEM program, specific to out-of-school time programs geared to students Pre-K -12 you still are able to by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PhiladelphiaSTEMProgramDirectory. Be aware that if you have more than one STEM program under your organization, you will have to fill out a separate application for each one

• The Philadelphia STEM Professional Development (PD) Directory that includes STEM Professional Development offerings for both classroom teachers and informal educators that work with Pre-K-12 children and youth in the Greater Philadelphia area. If you are interested, or know someone who should be in the directory, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PhillySTEMPD.

There is no cost to be included in these searchable apps and the applications should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

For more information or questions, please contact Betsy Payne at spayne@philaedfund.org

Resources for Human Development is seeking to hire a Unit Director for it’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/Autism Division. The Unit Director is responsible for ensuring the maintenance of an environment conducive to the provision of supports for adults supported by the Unit while ensuring adherence to the Pa Chapter 6100 Regulations. Through leadership from the Unit Director, participants with significant behavioral challenges are able to reside in the community and participate in CPS services (Community Participation Support Services). The Director provides guidance for Behavioral Support Services while growing Lifesharing opportunities. The Unit Director is accountable to ensure that the program is managed and held to the highest performance outcomes for the health and safety of persons supported, personnel development and safety, policy development, fiscal management, and funder/community relations. A commitment to the RHD values should be demonstrated as job duties are performed within a trauma informed environment.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Maintenance of an environment that empowers individuals through the development of skills and coordination of resources and supportive services.
• Conduct an annual evaluation of the overall unit performance and adjust current systems or create new systems as indicated by outcomes.
• Establish a protocol for communication with Unit management team and all staff as well as
• Division leaders. Assess the effectiveness of the established protocol regularly and adjust as needed.
• Work in collaboration with corporate and other internal and external supports to create and evaluate the efficacy of the unit’s services. This is achieved through the collection, measurement and assessment of outcomes driven data.
• Active participation in all aspect of clinical team plan development, implementation and assessment.
• Maintain current knowledge of evidence based practices and implementation practices to adhere to and incorporate all corporate initiatives into the operations of the Unit program.
• Oversee day-to-day program operations and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Oversee the implementation of behavioral supports and follow-up with consultants.
• Collaborate with Regional IDD Division leadership which includes Quality and other Units to write and implement all required plans of correction.
• Maintain open communication with individuals, family members, funding sources, community resources and regulatory agencies.
• Build and maintain effective community relations with local community groups and organizations.
• Attend relevant conferences and meetings specific to PA IDD and pertinent topics to Unit and Division leadership including Quality Assurance.
• Ensure that unit capacity is maintained and respond to potential referrals, developing new sites as indicated.
• Collaborate with other Unit Directors of IDD systems throughout RHD for sharing of best practices and resources
• Participate in employee orientation and training as needed.
• Ensure that trainings are provided and support is accessible and acceptable for staff who may experience compassion fatigue.
• Provide direct supervision to Assistant Directors. Participate in employee supervision and professional development.
• Maintain open lines of communication with all Unit staff. Attend monthly meetings at the sites quarterly at minimum.
• Complete all documentation necessary as related to operations of the program.
• Support quality improvement plans as outlined by Division and PA IDD division leadership.
• Ensure that confidentiality policies and procedures are followed.
• Maintain a fiscally responsible program through ongoing communication and coordination with Assistant Directors, Unit management and Division leaders.
• Develop and monitor the efficacy and quality of systems related to fiscal accounting, tracking and reporting.
• Participate in fiscal audits and review budget with all staff at least semi-annually.
• Implement RHD values and Best Practices across the unit.
• Maintain an on-call administrative status as part of the management team.
• Complete at least 24 hours of in-service training as required by DPW regulations.
• Utilize all required technology to complete reporting requirements and submit necessary data within a timely fashion.
• Represent the Unit in a professional manner and model leadership and boundaries at all times.

Learn more and apply here: http://rhd.balancetrak.com/SLIDDUNTDIS11202002

Proposals are due January 15, 2021.

Learn more and view the RFP.

All questions can be directed to the GPEC Leadership Team and emailed to gpec.phl@gmail.com.

We are holding a free virtual information session on Wednesday, December 16 at 12 pm. Register here.

Through 11 weeks of classroom study and hands-on workshops, participants will prepare for the industry-leading CompTIA A+ Certification.  Five weeks of internships build resume and real world skills, providing students with an experience that will help improve their income potential for life and help them become self-sufficient.

Interested students can begin the application process by filling out the online application.

Read about previous student successes on our website or email Grace Sigalla at gsigalla@techimpact.org for more information.

To explore where philanthropy might make more of a difference, the Kettering Foundation and the Knight Foundation invited leading thinkers on the future of our democracy to write about the challenges and opportunities for American democracy and what role philanthropy can play in addressing those challenges.

You can find the 18 essays here.

Participants will be divided into small group Zoom breakout rooms with one of a team of facilitators. Each room will be tailored (as best as we can) to your teaching environment (i.e. K-12, undergraduate, graduate, community-based). Please indicate who you teach during the registration process.

Prior to the event, please review the tool, “Trauma-Informed Principles for Online Teaching and Learning Spaces.”

This event follows a similarly-themed and well-attended Fall PHENND Meeting, “Trauma-Informed Approaches in Virtual Settings.”  You can learn more about that event and listen to the recording here.

Register for this January 13th participatory workshop here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/129910932095

In this Fun Friday Session, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, joins Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen to explore Article I of the Constitution, which defines the powers of Congress.

Date and Time: December 3, 2020, 1:00 PM

Session is for high school, college level students, teachers and learners of all ages. Teachers, please share Zoom information with students!

Register.

This webinar will delve into education and union power in a new age of labor activism—including online organizing, anti-austerity movements, and pushing for racial justice in the classroom. Hear from Rebecca Kolins Givan, co-editor of Strike for the Common Good, as well as Jesse Hagopian, an educator and racial justice activist, who will share his story of direct action and organizing in Seattle. EPI Research Associate Sylvia Allegretto will discuss what workers can learn from teachers organizing and EPI Director of EARN Naomi Walker will moderate the discussion.

Date and Time: December 8, 2020, 4:00-5:00 PM

Featured speakers:

Rebecca Kolins Givan, Associate Professor of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, Rutgers University
Jesse Hagopian, Teacher and Co-adviser of the Black student Union, Garfield High School
Sylvia Allegretto, Economist, University of California, Berkeley, and Research Associate, Economic Policy Institute

Moderator:
Naomi Walker, Director of EARN, Economic Policy Institute

Register here.

Purchase Strike for the Common Good: Fighting for the Future of Public Education here. Use code UMSTRIKE to receive a 30% off discount through December.

The Stoneleigh Emerging Leader Fellowship is a two-year, full-time, hands-on position for early career professionals. Fellows work collaboratively with a host organization and the Stoneleigh Foundation to execute a project that advances the missions of these organizations and enhances Fellows’ professional skills and leadership development. Fellows are also supported by a cohort of peer Emerging Leaders who participate in Foundation programming.

The Project: Advancing Teacher Diversity in Philadelphia Public Schools

A teacher corps that reflects its students’ racial/ethnic identity and background can help close achievement and opportunity gaps. Yet, in Pennsylvania, 15% of all students are Black, while only 4% of the state’s teachers are Black. In Philadelphia, this disparity is even more striking—49% of all students are Black, while only 24% of public-school teachers identify as such. Access to Black educators is proven to help students of color remain in school, graduate on time, and matriculate to college.

To address this critical shortage of Black educators in Philadelphia, the Fellow will work with the Center for Black Educator Development to increase equity in the recruiting, training, hiring, and retention of high-quality educators that reflect the background of the students they serve.

Learn more and apply by December 31, 2020.

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ), in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, announced a Call for Collaboration for The Family Stability Community Challenge to local and national nonprofit organizations.

This is the first in a series of Community Challenges that will be released periodically over the next year, targeting innovative partnerships to deliver high-quality services with measurable results. The Family Stability Community Challenge is in direct response to the need to quickly implement initiatives to increase financial stability as the city recovers from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Community Challenge will specifically focus on partnerships that offer free tax preparation, access to benefits and wage supports, financial and legal counseling, and other mutually reinforcing services. One-year grants in the range of $1,000,000-$2,500,000 will be made available. The Call for Collaborations seeks leading organizations serving the City of Philadelphia to implement strategies to scale and deliver evidence-based approaches to maximize resources and benefits for Philadelphia residents.

Partnerships should be led by trusted nonprofit organizations with strong track records of engaging and supporting a high volume of participants with a diverse array of services.

Key Dates:

• December 11, 2020: Collaboration Proposals Due
• January 2021: Services Begin
• January 2021—January 2022: Grant Period

Learn more and apply.

OIC of America (OICA) is a nonprofit organization and the national office of a network of 31 workforce development organizations spread across the United States. Our mission is to provide underserved communities with the tools and support needed to overcome barriers to economic opportunity. We envision a world in which all people are contributing members of their families and communities. Through their efforts and ours, our participants have the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, and aid to creating a more just and equitable society. OICA provides job and life skills training and matches our graduates with the employment needs of local businesses. Our organization and broader network have trained over 2 million people nationwide over the past 50+ years.

In partnership with 11 affiliates, OICA operates the nationwide SOAR program which assists formerly incarcerated adults to make a successful transition back into their communities. The SOAR program has been in operation since 2016 and has assisted over 2,000 individuals to receive skills training and career placement assistance.

Digital Technology Manager. This position will be responsible for the design, build, and maintenance phases of OICA’s suite of SOAR network support tools. These will include multiple data collection and/or case management apps through the QuickBase platform; OICA’s learning management system, OICA’s resource sharing platform, and OICA’s website. This position requires high technological fluency as well as project management experience. The Digital Technology Manager will work with developers but also be expected to make a portion of platform modifications on their own. The position’s core competency breakdown will be approximately 50% project management ability, 25% technological fluency, and 25% customer service ability.

Learn more and apply.

That’s why we’re excited to bring together leaders from some of Pennsylvania’s top colleges for renewable energy for “100% Renewable Campuses: Showcase and Discussion.”

Here are all the details:
WHAT: 100% Renewable Campuses: Showcase & Discussion
WHERE: Zoom (RSVP to get the login info)
WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd, 6-7:30pm
WHO: Representatives from some of PA’s top colleges & universities for renewable energy, including:

• Mary Whitney, Sustainability Director for Chatham University
• Ken Shultes, Associate VP for Sustainability & Facilities Planning at Dickinson College

Our recent report, “America’s Top Colleges for Renewable Energy” found that some of the best colleges for renewable energy generation are right here in Pennsylvania.

RSVP to join us.

Date and Time: Thursday, December 11, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Learn the history and see data that supports how YouthBuild Philly’s mentoring program has positively impacted students and staff.
• Discover how mentoring can help staff to stay connected with students during challenging times, like the current health crisis.
• Learn how to implement formal and/or informal mentoring programs within their organization.
• Have an opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion with other youth development practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring that staff who provide IBHS are clinically supervised and receive all necessary training in accordance with OMHSAS IBHS regulations.
• Monitor all IBHS program systems and procedures including but not limited to treatment protocols and intervention, psychiatry services, consumer satisfaction, crisis intervention and all program policies related to client care. When necessary, reevaluate the efficiency and manageability of systems to insure effectiveness.
• Develop program policies and procedures in adherence to OMHSAS regulations, CAASP principles, CBH guidelines, and system standards that meet the changing needs of both client population and employees.
• Troubleshoot and intervene with parents, CBH, and staff when clinical issue arise
• Oversee that all necessary clinical documentation is submitted and of good quality including in accordance with OMHSAS regulations and CBH performance standards.
• Participate and provide current program data and work with Senior Leadership on an ongoing basis to update and evaluate all data collection for program improvement and revenue cycle management.
• Collaborate with HR on matters of recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and other indicated job action when necessary. Supervise interview, recruitment, HR hiring process for all program staff.
• Oversee the referrals and admission process for the IBHS program.
• Motivate staff to work toward a standard of excellence both clinically and administratively.
• Be informed re: new trends in the field of children’s mental health, therapeutic environment, and workplace management. Stay informed re: CBH and state regulations.
• Oversee that client files are organized, accurate and ready for audit at all times. Work in conjunction with the TQM department to maintain effective agency and program standards.
• Responsible for crisis intervention and management of client emergencies. Oversee implementation and monitoring of Significant Incident and Mandated Reporting policies for all clients. Ensure effective reporting to governing bodies within compliance of state and city laws and internal and external reporting systems.
• Collaborate with outside providers, provider alliance, and school district to remain up to date with current city trends and foster therapeutic initiative in client behavioral health treatment.
• Work with Finance and senior management to develop, monitor, and refine budget projections for each fiscal year. Participate in budgetary decisions and oversee management of daily financial needs of the program.
• Participate in RFP and grant writing as necessary for program. Participate in RFP process for other PHMC programs as requested and necessary.
• Develop, oversee and supervise interns for IBHS and other PHMC programs as requested and necessary.
• Determine process for and oversee restructuring of IBHS and any connected programs in the effort to strengthen the continuum of client care.
• Develop, implement, and oversee additional programs that are funded under the IBHS department. This includes hiring of staff, collaborating with Admissions to monitor referrals for additional program, restructure internal team system to accommodate additional program needs, collaborate with HR to manage all aspects of hiring, and develop an administrative and clinical program structure that meets the needs to the clients and CBH.

Staff Leadership

• Fosters a strengths based, trauma-informed, accountable, committed and motivated environment.
• Establishes and holds direct reports responsible to create a climate that attracts, retains and motivates high performance.
• Ensures the caliber of diverse staff with skills appropriate to meet the needs of those served.
• Provides and holds staff responsible to complete staff performance evaluations as expected, provides constructive supervision for all direct reports including ongoing performance feedback.
• Models PHMC’s core competencies holding staff accountable to do the same.
• Mentors and develops direct reports to ensure a core team focused on meeting the priorities of the program.

Team Leadership

• Conducts and ensures manager level staff has regular meetings with team to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good and communication is open. Develops additional methods for ongoing effective communication.
• Cooperates and communicates as a multi-discipline staff team member through formal meetings, informal consultations and committee participation.
• Models traits of a responsible team member, executing job responsibilities, open communication, good follow through; supports team members to do the same.
• Demonstrates use and support of the trauma informed model in all aspects of employment, including interactions with clients/students, family members, other employees, community members, and stakeholders.
• Responds promptly to the concerns and interests of the clients, parents, guardians, funding entities and other PHMC staff.

Partnerships And Collaborative Relationships

• Establishes and maintains relationships with provider organizations, regulatory and licensing representatives, and referral sources, establishing effective and productive working relationships while promoting PHMC.
• Represents the organization before various stakeholder groups to maintain visibility.
• Manages regulatory and accreditation contracts.
• Serves on, participates in and attends various committee meetings.

Contributing To The Team

• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Cooperates and communicates as a multi-discipline staff team member through formal meetings, informal consultations and committee participation.
• Models traits of a responsible team member, executing job responsibilities, open communication, good follow through; supports team members to do the same.
• Responds promptly to the concerns and interests of the clients, parents, guardians, funding entities and other PHMC staff.

Trauma Informed Behavior

• Demonstrates commitment to being trauma informed and maintaining a therapeutic environment and community that promotes safety and nonviolence as the basis for all we do with clients and staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge and utilization of trauma informed practices, including emotional intelligence, effective communication, understanding of impact of trauma on development, strengths based and person-centered practice, resilience focus and commitment to growth and change.

Administrative Activities

• Ensures compliance with all PHMC’s policies and procedures, including confidentiality and acting as a mandated reporter in accordance with the law, policies, and procedures.
• Implements all documentation requirements, reports are complete, thorough, timely, and follow prescribed format. Ensures staffs do the same.
• Other duties as assigned.

Learn more and apply here

Strada Education Network affiliate, CAEL, will dive deeper into its newly released report, “The PLA Boost: Results from a 72-Institution Targeted Study of Prior Learning Assessment and Adult Student Outcomes.” Through detailed data analysis of more than 230,000 adult postsecondary students, the report confirms that PLA reduces barriers to postsecondary education and improves credential completion, representing an opportunity for meaningful progress in closing equity gaps.

Register for the event.