Program Specialist At Handley Metro
About The Role
Assist and support the program operations as necessary to fulfill departmental goals at designated programming site. Embed support to respond to student and teacher needs in ongoing, consistent, dedicated ways.
About Big Thought
Big Thought equips youth in marginalized communities to imagine and create their best lives and world. The secret that makes our work uniquely effective is the powerful combination of our social and emotional focus, experiential learning, community-centered partnerships, inclusion/equity lens, and future focus.
Throughout our 30+ year history of innovation, Big Thought has become a national model in arts education, out-of-school time systems, summer learning, and juvenile justice intervention. Now, were one of six community partnerships in the U.S helping scale national best practices in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We take direct-to-youth programs and resources to communities with the greatest needs and share our evidence-based best practices with other nonprofits and organizations through a suite of consultation services including professional development, curriculum design and technical assistance.
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#Big Thought Way:
Big Thought brings relentless optimism, innovation, and imagination to everything we do. Our kids come first, and we use a collaborative, all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure that they are served well.
About the Ideal Candidate
The ideal Program Specialist is mature and models professional behavior and best practices to achieve desired outcomes in numerous situations. This person is an astute observer and alert to shifts in environmental tone and student behavior to recommend and champion positive intervention. As a Coach and Mentor, they are sociable and encouraging but understand boundaries needed to support student growth and success. The Program Specialist facilitates student learning in partnership with teachers and staff.
What the Role entails:
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As a Coach Mentor, provide support to program leadership and team members in various programming functions
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Engage students, teachers, administrators, and BT leadership to help build collaborative relationships
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Oversee student intake and exit process that includes, but not limited to, administering pre/post assessments and data and systems management
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Astute observer to shifts in environmental tone to provide significant feedback for positive outcomes
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High level of comfort in learning and executing practice of Handle With Care
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Promote a safe space for emotional and physical support to students participating in the program per established guidelines and training
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Engage in positive interaction with all participants, treating them with dignity and respect
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Work directly with youth to redirect behaviors or mindsets that prevent students from fully participating in the learning community
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Follow assigned instructions and curriculum set by Big Thought staff
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Consult and collaborate with instructional staff on aesthetic education practices as requested
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Work in partnership with designated BT site leadership to provide clear age-appropriate instruction to participants for active engagement
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Alert and assist designated BT site leadership of any potential challenges with student behavior, safety issues, non-compliance to processes and procedures
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Communicate positively and effectively with students, parents, and supervisors
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Perform other duties as needed for the success of programming outcomes
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree or similar post-high school coursework in Education, Social Work, or related field
- Two years experience in in-school (IST) or out-of-school (OST) programming environment in student direct services
- Established organizational skills
- Ability to multi-task
- Excellent written and verbal skills
- Administrative tasks as appropriate to the role
- Mastery of a variety of business office equipment and standard computer software
Physical Expectations (not an exhaustive list):
Big Thought jobs are hands-on and can be physically demanding. To perform the duties of these roles successfully, you may regularly be required to: sit, stand, or stare at a computer screen for long periods of time; participate in external activities; use various office equipment, some manual; work in an environment with loud sounds, multiple distractions, and interruptions; be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures on occasion; maintain emotional control during stressful situations.
BIG THOUGHT ASPIRES TO BE A WORKPLACE OF INCLUSION & EQUITY. WE VISUALIZE A WORKPLACE THAT PROVIDES AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE. WE BELIEVE A BASELINE REQUIREMENT TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION IS EVERYONE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT – REGARDLESS OF THE ISSUE AT HAND.
Employees of Big Thought are expected to participate in mission-driven activities, meetings, committees, etc. BT is based on a team environment and openness to always “lend a hand” as appropriate to another employee.
All employees are required to adhere to BT policies and procedures. All employees may expect to perform duties as assigned. In addition, all employees may be assigned “other” duties in the spirit of teamwork.
Big Thought is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
NOTE: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The CEO and/or designee has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Employees must abide by all laws, Big Thought policies and guidelines.
