Activities-Based Program Specialist

The Foundation of HOPE Activities-Based Program Specialist

Reports to: The Activity-Based Program Director

Status: Fulltime- Exempt

Location: In-Office Allegheny County Jail 950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219

Benefits: Competitive salary, paid vacation, generous PTO schedule, 401K retirement plan, various training/certificate/professional development opportunities, mileage & parking reimbursement

Position Summary:
Working with the Activity-Based Program Director, the Activity-Based Program Specialist will offer meaningful engagements during scheduled out-of-cell time, help individuals develop prosocial ways to relieve stress, and become actively involved in the community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Implement the schedule of activities across the Allegheny County Jail housing units that offer at least one activity on each housing unit per day, that is appropriate for the individuals in that housing unit and consistent with the ACJ security protocol.
• Assist external facilitators and/or facilitate activities for residents of ACJ's housing units according to the predetermined schedule.
• Collaborate with the ACJ staff to ensure that activities are offered in accordance with established policies.
• Work with the Activity-Based Program Director and ACJ to advertise and encourage participation in scheduled activities.
• Collect regular feedback from participants and staff to gauge the success of interventions, to make improvements, and to determine future activities.
• Maintain organization of the ACJ library and deliver approved materials to incarcerated individuals.
• Maintain records of equipment distributed to housing units.
• Account for recreational equipment and notify the Activity-Based Program Director when additional equipment is needed.
• Connect participants to the Foundation of HOPE Reentry Program and PIRC.
• Regular attendance at meetings within the jail and HOPE meetings outside of the jail and assist with and attend other special events of training that come up.
• Other duties as assigned by the Activity-Based Program Director.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills/Experience:

Knowledge of:

• The Foundation of HOPE mission
• Rules and Regulations at the Allegheny County Jail
• Ethical Practices

Abilities:

• Adhere to quality standards and comply with best practices.
• Comply with Foundation of HOPE standards and policies.
• Remain culturally competent and sensitive to all individuals and their practices.
• Complete all paperwork/reports in a timely and professional manner.
• Commit to professional development.

Skills and Experience:

• Compassion, empathy, and patience.
• Welcoming demeanor that respects the dignity and life experiences of others.
• Genuine recognition of the dignity of all people regardless of their history and/or mistakes.
• Bachelor's degree in human or social services or related field (Master's preferred).
• At least 3 years' experience in case management.
• Ability to communicate with individuals from a diverse cultural background.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong public speaking and facilitation skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to obtain all Allegheny County Jail, PA Department of Corrections, and Act 33 Clearances.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to climb several flights of stairs.
• Must be able to stand for up to an hour.
• Must be able to lift 40lbs to the height of 3-4 feet.
• Must be able to load cart and move audio equipment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to Commute:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15219: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person