Program Specialist

JOB TITLE            Program Specialist

REPORTS TO         Young Moms Program Manager

FLSA STATUS         Non-exempt, hourly

LOCATION             Des Moines, IA

SALARY                 $18.75 - $23.56 hourly ($39,000 - $49,000 annually) dependent upon experience

TERMS                  40 hours per week, flexible schedule, In-person, regularly scheduled evenings required

Organization Summary

MISSION: To empower participants to be strong, self-confident, and resilient.

VISION: For youth of our community to grow to their full potential and realize the life of possibilities they deserve.

VALUES: Equity, Resiliency, Accessibility, Community, Advocacy

WHAT WE DO:

The Young Women’s Resource Center (YWRC) is a non-profit organization that supports, educates, and champions for participants ages 8-24. YWRC participants include anyone who identifies or has been socialized as female. Through small groups and individual support, the YWRC provides programming for all participants, no matter what they may be going through. The YWRC’s unique structure features three branches of programming -  Counseling, Girls Inc., and Young Moms - to better serve the members of our community throughout various stages of life along with other services that meet participants’ essential needs and remove barriers to their participation. Our programs and services enable participants’ self-determination so they can set and achieve goals that are personally meaningful to them and that support their long-term independence.

The YWRC is an agency that serves and celebrates participants with a diverse range of identities including race, culture, ethnicity, class, religion, physical ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The YWRC strives to build, maintain, and support a staff that reflects that diversity. The YWRC strongly encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, gender-nonconforming people, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English. 

Position Summary

The Program Specialist provides direct programming and support for YWRC participants. Key duties include coordinating, implementing, and facilitating groups, presentations, and workshops onsite, within the schools, and in the community and assisting participants through individual support and special events. 

Responsibilities

FACILITATION  

• Prepare for and facilitate Young Moms groups within schools, at the YWRC, or at other community locations. Includes participant recruitment and space set-up and take-down.
• Prepare for and facilitate Girls Inc. groups at the YWRC, in schools, or at other community locations.
• Prepare for and facilitate reproductive health or other topic specific initiatives including small groups, presentations, and workshops.
• Prepare for and facilitate special events for participants.
• Implement curriculum and meet targets as indicated by grant requirements and the agency strategic plan.
• Provide one-on-one support to clients (called ISP) on topics including but not limited to: financial literacy, finding safe and affordable housing, access to educational opportunities, employment, reproductive health, pregnancy stages and newborn care, and general support with parenting skills.
• Assist with back-up facilitation support across all YWRC group programming.

 REPORTING  

• Collect all necessary paperwork from clients.
• Complete program tracking forms, client intake and assessment forms and other agency-required documentation and reports as assigned.
• Enter client information into the YWRC database.
• Track and submit program expenditures.
• Follow Agency Mandated Reporting Guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and contract requirements. 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Stay current on trends and best practices related to youth/young adults.
• Maintain awareness of community resources and make referrals as necessary.
• Attend agency meetings and additional staff trainings as required including team, staff, and committee meetings.
• Work with and supervise interns and volunteers as appropriate to fulfill job duties and department functions.
• Support YWRC fundraising events.
• Support YWRC marketing and communication efforts
• Any other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

REQUIRED 

• Philosophical agreement with YWRC’s mission, vision, values, and work.
• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, or 3 years or more of experience in the human services field working with families with young children, and/or youth development.
• 2 years’ experience working with a diverse population of youth/young adults.
• 1 year of experience in group facilitation.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office, laptops, and cell phone/tablet devices.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and access to personal vehicle.
• Passage of all required criminal history background checks. 

PREFERRED 

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience working in health & human services.
• 2 or more years of caregiving experience with infants, birth to six year or young caregivers.
• Bi/Multi-lingual (Spanish, Swahili, Arabic, French)
• CPR certification or ability to attain within 3 months of hire.
• Mandatory Reporter certification or ability to attain within 60 days of hire.
• Sexual Health Educator certification or training
• Childbirth Educator, Doula, Lactation certifications
• Familiarity with Trauma Informed Care/Trauma Responsive Practices
• Ability to sit and move around the work area. 
• Finger dexterity. 
• Repetitive motion of wrists, hands, and/or fingers. 
• Lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 25 lbs. 
• Close vision to read computer screen and documents. 
• Speech and hearing to communicate with co-workers, clients, donors, volunteers, board members, and vendors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.  

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.  

• YWRC is a tobacco-free building.
• Work is in an office environment.
• The noise level is usually moderate.
• Infrequent overnight travel is possible.   

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR ALL STAFF 

• Participant/Customer Focused – builds strong client/customer relationships and delivers client/customer-centric solutions.
• Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others accountable for meeting commitments.
• Values Differences – Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the agency.
• Instills Trust – Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Collaborates- Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively- Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Situational Adaptability- Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. 

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Short/Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off starting upon hire
• 10 Agency Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays
• 8 Hours of Volunteer Time Off annually
• Paid Seasonal Shutdown between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program, $300 annual wellness reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development

YWRC is dedicated to equal employment and advancement opportunities. It is YWRC’s policy to hire and promote qualified individuals on the basis of their qualifications, interest and aptitude, without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected group under applicable state, federal or local law.