Program Specialist

Position Summary:

The Program Specialist serves as a junior-level member of the management team, provides recreational services, assists program leadership in developing community contacts to support fundraising, and coordinates the annual training of program staff. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serves as an active part of the junior level management team and oversees adherence to program and agency policies and procedures;
• Maintains compliance with all licensing, permitting and funding bodies;
• Assists and makes recommendations to the Clinical Director and Program Director regarding program design, development, and implementation of residential treatment and transition programs;
• Oversees intake and evaluation of clients needing residential treatment services;
• Coordinate client treatment with the other WestCare programs and staff through participation in the multidisciplinary team meetings;
• Oversees transportation of clients to required appointments in the absence of the Program Supervisor;
• Plans and organizes recreational programs designed to meet the social, emotional and therapeutic needs of clients;
• Conducts patient activities/recreational therapy services treatment patients with severe dysfunction(s);
• Holds assessment interviews to obtain background information and interests, and on the basis of diagnostic information develops activities/recreational treatment plans;
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with community contacts and external agencies and bodies;
• Supervises assigned program interns and/or volunteers;
• Coordinates the annual training of program staff in conjunction with the Clinical Director and Program Director;
• Participates in Quality Improvement activities on an ongoing basis;
• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certifications/Licensures:

• Certification and/or licensure from the National Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors, the National Board of Certified Counselors, or a similar organization preferred; Preference will be given certified candidates;
• Valid drivers license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position is preferred;
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience and Competencies:

• At least two (2) years of experience in a comparable position is required;
• Considerable knowledge of theory, principles and techniques used in activities/recreational programming and administration required;
• Ability to use office equipment, such as printers, phones, and fax machines required;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Office required;
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and develop appropriate responses or techniques required;
• Ability to communicate effectively in order to facilitate programming and relay information to others as part of an interdisciplinary team required;
• Ability to develop reports, create presentations, and communicate findings to both internal and external audiences required;
• Professional appearance and demeanor required;
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills required;
• Experience in working with high-risk youth and their families preferred;
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature related to the field preferred;
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an indoor office setting or residential treatment facility;
• Outdoor activities and travel between multiple locations may be required;
• Regular and prompt attendance required throughout employment.