PROGRAM SPECIALIST

JOB DESCRIPTION: PROGRAM SPECIALIST  

Reports to: Program Manager  

Department: Programs Implementation and Learning Systems   

Position Type: Full Time Exempt   

Supervision: No  

About the Role:    
The Program Specialist will assist and support program operations as necessary to achieve departmental objectives along with responding to students and teachers’ needs in an ongoing, consistent, dedicated manner. 

Location:  Metro Opportunity School at Handley  - Fort Worth, Texas 

About Big Thought:  

Big Thought equips youth in marginalized communities to imagine and create their best lives and world. The secret that makes our work uniquely effective is the powerful combination of our social and emotional focus, experiential learning, community-centered partnerships, inclusion/equity lens and future focus.  

Throughout our 30+ year history of innovation, Big Thought has become a national model in arts education, out of school time systems, summer learning and juvenile justice intervention. Now, we’re one of six community partnerships in the U.S helping scale national best practices in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We take direct-to-youth programs and resources to communities with the greatest needs and share our evidence-based best practices with other nonprofits and organizations through a suite of consultation services including professional development, curriculum design and technical assistance.  

#Big Thought Way:  

Big Thought brings relentless optimism, innovation, and imagination to everything we do.  Our kids come first, and we use a collaborative, all hands-on deck approach to ensure that they are served well.    
 

About the Ideal Candidate:   
The ideal candidate models professional behavior and best practices to achieve desired outcomes in numerous situations. This person is an astute observer and alert to shifts in environmental tone and student behavior to recommend and champion positive intervention. As a Coach and Mentor, they are sociable and encouraging but understand boundaries needed to support student growth and success.  

What the Role Entails:  

• Engage students, teachers, administrators, parents and BT leadership to help build positive, collaborative relationships 

• Promote a safe space for emotional and physical support to student participants per established guidelines and training  

• Work directly with youth to redirect behaviors or mindsets that prevent students from fully participating in the learning community  

• Work in partnership with designated BT site leadership to provide clear age-appropriate instruction to participants for active engagement   

• Alert and assist designated BT site leadership of any potential challenges with student behavior, safety issues, and non-compliance to processes and procedures  

• Provide students with the essential resources and support to help them successfully transition back to their main campus.  

• Perform follow-up check-ins with students at their main campus to monitor their progress and provide additional support as needed.  

• Develop effective strategies to support students making positive decisions, nurturing their long-term growth and decision-making skills. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Associate degree or similar post high school coursework in Education, Social Work, or related field  

• Two years of experience in student direct services via in-school (IST) or out of school (OST) programming environments 

• Ability to multi-task  

• Skilled in organizing work to meet deadlines. 

• Familiarity with Outlook and Learning Management Systems   

Physical Expectations (not an exhaustive list):  

Big Thought jobs are hands on and can be physically demanding.  To perform the duties of these roles successfully, you may regularly be required to: sit, stand, or stare at computer screen for long periods of time; participate in external activities; use various office equipment, some manual; work in environment with loud sounds, multiple distractions, and interruptions; be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures on occasion; maintain emotional control during stressful situations.  

BIG THOUGHT ASPIRES TO BE A WORKPLACE OF INCLUSION & EQUITY.  WE  VISUALIZE A WORKPLACE THAT PROVIDES AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE  EXPERIENCE.  WE BELIEVE A BASELINE REQUIREMENT TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION IS EVERYONE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT – REGARDLESS THE ISSUE AT HAND.   

Big Thought is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.   

Employees of Big Thought are expected to participate in mission driven activities, meetings, committees, etc. BT is based on a team environment and openness to always “lend a hand” as appropriate to another employee.  

All employees are required to adhere to BT policies and procedures.  All employees may expect to perform duties as assigned. In addition, all employees may be assigned “other” duties in the spirit of teamwork.  

NOTE:  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  The CEO and/or designee has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.