Program Support Supervisor, Foster Care Services

Background
Since 1975, Pendleton Place (PP) has been a place of safety and comfort for children and youth experiencing trauma. PP is committed to innovative approaches that will keep children and youth safe, families whole, and communities strong. We help children, youth, and families through a focus on residential adolescent and young adult care, supportive community services for at-risk families, an array of youth homelessness services, and comprehensive clinical, prevention, and navigation services for children and families involved or at risk of involvement with the child welfare system.
Pendleton Place’s longest-running service, the Smith House (SH) residential foster care program, offers a safe, loving home to youth aged 12-21 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. In addition to basic needs like food and clothing, our SH residents are provided with independent living preparation, counseling services, structured educational support, life skills training, financial literacy classes, civic engagement, and other hands-on opportunities aimed at preparing youth for successful, independent living after foster care. An off-campus transitional living "SH Alumni Cottage” (SHAC) is available for former foster youth placed at SH, and creates aftercare and “step down” living 
environments for girls 18 .
Position Summary 
The Program Support Supervisor, Foster Care Services (PSSFCS) supervises part-time SH direct care staff (Youth Mentors) and works closely with the Program Manager, Foster Care Services (PMFCS), and Director of Foster Care Services. The PSSFCS assists in the coordination of services for Smith House and assists part-time Youth Mentors by providing supervision and structured support, in a trauma-informed manner, to the residents. This role is integral to supporting the growth, development, and training of part-time Youth Mentors, and to meeting the daily life needs of the youth at SH. The PSSFCS is required to provide on-the-floor coverage hours in support of part-time Youth Mentors, but will typically be committed to a standard shift or schedule as needed to meet the needs of the organization and as set by the Director of Foster Care Services. The PSSFCS is responsible for attending regular trainings and monthly program meetings to support the Agency’s goal of working in a team-oriented environment. The PSSFCS assists with training and onboarding of part-time Youth Mentors, and may act as a liaison to external stakeholders such as physicians, DSS case workers, therapists, and more as part of the coordination of care for residents. The PSSFCS ensures the children’s needs are fully met and supports part-time Youth Mentors as needed to achieve this, while also supporting the needs of the PMFCS as requested. The PSSFCS may be called upon to assist in carrying out projects, groups, and individual sessions with clients to meet independent living needs including financial literacy, health and hygiene, reproductive health, academic success, healthy relationships, civic engagement, and other pertinent topics. This position will serve as an emergency back-up for SH operations. The PSSFCS will support the agency’s mission, adhere to its values, maintain the confidential nature of the agency’s services and perform the duties of the position in a professional manner. While this position typically works a routine weekday schedule, it will periodically be expected to work second or third shifts and weekends as needed to support the residential schedule.
Essential Functions of Position
Note that these tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position of the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
• Supervision
o Provide ongoing, effective supervision to a team of part-time Youth Mentors; use strengths-based and person-centered supervision techniques in alignment with the Pendleton Place management philosophy
o Assist with the planning and facilitation of staff meetings to identify and develop strategies that meet the needs of program clients and staff; identify staff performance improvement opportunities and assist staff in achieving those improvements
o Participate in the development of improvement/performance goals, conduct annual performance reviews, and design training activities that assist staff in reaching their goals
o In coordination with the Director(s), carry out the Pendleton Place progressive corrective action procedures
• Assist Coordination with the identification and management of SH maintenance needs 
• Assist with coordinating volunteer opportunities for residents and staff in the community with the Pendleton Place Philanthropy Department
• Support part-time Youth Mentor schedules though coordinating substitutions or filling in for absences in rotation with other members of the residential coordination team, to fulfill ratios required by DSS Licensing 
• Assist with resident intakes and discharges; serve as a lead contact with SCDSS caseworkers to complete program paperwork and obtain records
• While on the floor, perform the following:
o Monitor educational, medical and hygiene needs, and teach independent living skills to prepare youth for transitioning out of foster care
o Ensure supervision of youth at all times, as appropriate for their identified program levels
o Provide and/or support and ensure Youth Mentors:
• Participate in developing and scheduling youth activities, meal plans, chores, etc.; ensure all youth adhere to the daily schedule of routine care and activities.
• Understand and appropriately implement the use of Agency behavioral tools (e.g. CPI, Reasonable and Prudent Parenting, Operations Handbook, Resident Handbook)
• Remain proficient in use of Agency software, Extended Reach maintaining accurate and complete documentation, files and forms
• Actively participate in regularly scheduled case staffing
• Monitor Residential Calendar daily for scheduled activities and plan accordingly
• Coordinate transportation of youth to all scheduled activities, including hair, nails, etc.
• Routinely inform Coordination and Operations Manager of needed supplies, repairs, etc.
• Provide Coordination with timely documentation of observed behaviors to enable appropriate case management decisions
• Demonstrate an understanding of working with traumatized youth and trauma-based behaviors and be prepared to engage in short term conferencing as needed.
• Distribute medication and document information in medication log
• Train and demonstrate the ability to utilize de-escalation techniques and emergency safety interventions.
• Demonstrate effective time management skills
o Coordinate hair, nail, and other personal grooming appointments for residents
o Assist with school enrollment and serve as an educational advocate for residents
o Oversee employment readiness and independent living activities and coordinate with IL partners
o Perform other duties as required/requested