Program Specialist

SUMMARY: 
Responsible for ensuring that the service needs of assigned youth are metthrough the delivery of treatment services, comprehensive case managementservices, and treatment program management in accordance with agency policiesand procedures, state regulations and best practice guidelines.

ESSENTIALDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Professionally represents the Mission, Values and Visionof New Haven Youth & Family Services.

2. Responsible for the provision of a safe and clean living environment inaccordance with New Haven’s standards, recognized best-practices and licensingregulations (Title XXII). 

·        Works closely and collaboratively with staff,maintaining a regular presence inthe home and leading effective housemeetings to resolve house/program issues, problem solve, celebrate successes,discuss maintenance of facility standards, Title XXII compliance, HIPPAAcompliance, agency performance expectations, and appropriate service deliveryfor youth.

·        Serves as the group home leader and manager andas such, is responsible for the care and supervision of the youth in the homeand the professional development and supervision of the staff.  Specifically, the Program Specialist isresponsible for all work that occurs in their respective home, including:ongoing documentation of staffdevelopment, support and supervision and performance review,administrative paperwork, documentation and required communication logs,  facility cleanliness and maintenance andoverall house compliance with agency standards, policies and procedures.

·        Provides a lead role in the data entry the oversight and reporting of directcare staff hours into the Time and Attendance system, ensuring accuracy andtimecard detail by entering scheduled shifts as staff are assigned and bytracking, assigning and/or correcting GL transfers to corresponding costcenters.  Follows and manages incompletetimecard exceptions data/comments.

·        Problem-solves, responds to after hour call-offs and provides temporarycoverage for agency relative to vacant short-term emergency staffing, shiftcoverage and planned absence needs, servicing  and communicating resolutionto staff and related managers in support of time-off requests and requestedneeds, within agency guidelines and licensing requirements.  

·        Supports and manages emergency plans as needed and/or as directed.  Provides leadershipand support in times of youth crisis; addressing safety concerns quicklyand pro-actively, responding tostaff needs and workplace injuries promptly and compassionately, and supportingimmediate direct care needs of home by providing working front line as neededfor emergencies and other unusual events.

·        Conducts, fostersand maintains positiveand a harmonious working climate, reflecting effective, appropriaterelationships with youth, staff, outside agencies and the community, andensuring a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and agency standardsof conduct and confidentiality.

·        Proactively addresses issues and concerns utilizing supervisor support and propercommunication protocols.

·        May assist with transporting of youth to medical appointments, courtappointments, or other approved events, as needed.

 3. Assists in the development and delivery of effective treatment and casemanagement services for youth & families

·     Participates in the development ofneeds and services at start-of-care; collaborateswith Treatment Manager in the development of ISP; communicates initial plan to staff responsible for implementation;and continually reviews foreffectiveness and revises asnecessary.

• Collaborates with the team in the development of effective intervention plans; directs and supervises (involves training, coaching, and managing service delivery) the quality of service implementation with assigned house staff and all those involved in service provision.
• Serves as an additional support to the Treatment Manager internally and externally; County Placement Workers, external service providers and youth family and friends with a high level of attention to customer service.  Documents contacts per agency policies and procedures.
• Assists in providing group therapy, milieu and behavioral therapy, and individual and family therapy in some cases, for assigned youth and families.
• May perform other duties as needed and as assigned.

New Haven Youth and Family Services is an EOE F/M/Disabled/Vet.

Skills/ Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: BA in a behavioral science required. Masters Degree (MA/MFT/MSW) preferred.  Must have supervisory experience (3 years). Must speak English.Spanish a plus. We may require that selected candidates obtain and maintain aFacility Administrator certification to oversee their responsibilities. Theability to do physical interventions is a requirement. In addition toemployment verification and other pre-employment processes, we require cleardriving records, fingerprinting, and drug testing.