Program Specialist Parent Linking Program PLP

Position Title:   Program Specialist – Parent Linking Program

Location:          New Brunswick

Reports to:       PLP Program Coordinator/APP Manager

FLSA:                Full Time/Exempt

Prevent Child Abuse - New Jersey (PCA-NJ) is the statewide leader in the prevention of child abuse and neglect and the promotion of healthy childhoods for all of New Jersey’s children. The organization was incorporated in 1979 as the New Jersey chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, the 9th Chapter to be established among a national network. Today, we exist as one of the largest chapters across the country and have become a recognized leader for prevention work in New Jersey.

PCA-NJ's expertise lies in developing primary and secondary prevention programs including public awareness campaigns, parenting education programs, workshops and professional training, home visitation services, initiatives that promote parental involvement in a child's education, and projects that support highly vulnerable families. Our prevention programs meet the specific needs of families to ensure that they are capable of nurturing, developing, and sustaining healthy children.

Job Summary:

The Program Specialist will provide training, technical assistance and site development for one or more of PCA-NJ’s child abuse prevention programs and efforts. Prevention programs will be effectively replicated and training for professionals, paraprofessionals, and citizens will be provided. Anticipated outcomes include positively changing parent and caretaker attitudes and behaviors resulting in a reduction in child abuse and neglect and an improved understanding and involvement by persons in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Responsibilities:

Provide program assistance, quality assurance and guidance to approximately 8 Parent Linking Program sites statewide:

• Provide onsite training, networking meetings and coaching to all programs.
• Provide technical assistance to programs to meet contract requirements.

Provide training and education to individuals, programs, and organizations:

• Become trained in program model or models.
• Use standardized materials to prepare for and conduct trainings.
• Provide education and trainings on program issues and related topics.
• Plan and coordinate trainings with support staff.
• Pursue certification to become trainer in program model when applicable.

Provide technical assistance to programs:

• Help develop implementation schedules for program sites.
• Support program sites in carrying out implementation schedules.
• Communicate with site to ensure program is replicated as per model and supporting grant design through site visits, site activities, and written and oral communication.
• Maintain documentation on all site related contacts, including site visits and technical assistance reports.
• Hold regular site network/program meetings and represent sites as appropriate.
• Communicate with “home offices” to represent programs sites as appropriate to share information by attending national conferences and seminars and through written and oral communication.             
• Distribute and maintain program materials as appropriate for site development.

Monitor program activities and service levels:

• Track and collect levels of services and program outcome data.
• Analyze levels of service and outcomes under supervision to understand program strengths and challenges and shape provision of technical assistance accordingly.
• Forward information to supervisor for reporting purposes.

Support sites in stabilizing or expanding their program service to families in collaboration with program developers:

• Utilize designated evaluation tools to evaluate services to families.
• Use evaluation results to help garner additional funding resources for sites.

Actively participate in monthly program team meetings.

Fulfill other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

Education and Work Experience: A Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of work experience is desired. Experience with children, families or at-risk parenting populations is desired. Practical and managerial field experience (related to the specific programs the candidates will be working with) is preferred.

Skills and knowledge required:

-      Excellence in written and oral communication.

-      Good skills in public speaking, training, and group dynamics.

-      Ability to build relationships with persons at all levels of human service.

-      Awareness of cultural diversity and its impact on planning and provision of services.

-      Knowledge of community organization and collaboration building.

-      Strong ability to problem-solve.

-      Computer literacy.

-      Well-organized, motivated, and flexible.

Candidate must possess a strong desire to learn and a commitment to professional development in all of the above areas.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF THIS POSITION: The Program Specialist will be assigned to work in the program’s New Brunswick office location; however, hybrid and remote work is allowed. Travel throughout the state of New Jersey will be necessary. Hours may need to be flexible to allow for evening and weekend work, in training, site visits or related activities.

Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and workplace culture. We provide equal opportunity and protection from discrimination for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law; and we strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply.