JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Program Specialist
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Support STATUS: Part Time
REPORTS TO: Program Director UPDATED: September 2024
HOURS: Part-Time, not to exceed 30 hours per week during evenings, weekends and holidays. Flexible scheduling is required to ensure after-hour crisis line and shelter coverage is provided 24/7 all year round. Some weekdays/evenings may be necessary to cover gaps in shifts, attend staff meetings, and/or debrief at shift changes. Occasional travel.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Relief Worker monitors client activities and shelter operations during shifts. Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to shelter residents.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Monitors client activities and shelter operations during shift
• Answers crisis calls and follows the established procedures for crisis intervention, intakes, safety planning and referrals.
• Adheres to a flexible schedule to meet program needs and assist with 24/7program operations
• Completes Client Admission Intakes, facilitates client orientation, assigns room and ensures all necessary admittance forms are completed within 24 hours of shelter entry.
• Attends to client needs that may arise during shift
• Assigns and supervises client chore assignments
• Enforces Shelter Guidelines found in Client Handbook
• Assists with preparing and serving meals during evening and weekend shifts
• Dispenses medication per established procedures
• Facilitates and ensures proper client exit per discharge procedures
• Completes mandatory documentation such as Shift Reports (daily log), Crisis Call Log, Monthly Time Activity Reports, Requisition Forms and work order forms
• Documents and informs Program Manager of all grievances or incidents that occur during shift
• Monitors the entrance/exit of the building and grounds.
• Assists with ensuring maintenance and repair of the facility is reported and completed.
• Performs duties, as needed, to assist with cleanliness and orderliness of shelter facility.
• Submits requests for supplies as needed
AGENCY COMPLIANCE
• Refers to and complies with the CCI Policy and Procedural Manuals in every part of their job.
• Complies and adheres to assigned work schedule.
• Adheres to the agency's confidentiality policies, maintaining a high-level standard of confidentiality
• Attends individual supervision, staff meetings, staff trainings and other meetings required by agency, funding sources and/or professional standards.
• Enter all daily client services/activities into the agency client database.
• Maintains all required documents in a current and orderly manner.
• Submits and ensures all required agency and grant programs statistical and narrative reports are done accurately and promptly per the prescribed due dates.
• Maintains a valid driver license, proof of required automobile insurance, and Child Protection requirements per agency policy.
• Always be alert to the physical and mental condition of clients and children and report any suspicious situations to the Associate Director.
• Ability to work within agency mission, philosophy and policies/procedures
• Reflects Catholic Charities' commitment to treating all person with dignity and respect.
• Performs other duties assigned and deemed necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the agency.
EXPERIENCE / KNOWLEDGE:
High School diploma or GED and have at least five (5) years of work experience. Must have good communication skills to work with individuals in crisis situations. Knowledge of general office operation procedures, answering telephones and use of office equipment.
Licenses/Certifications:
SKILLS / ABILITIES:
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Must possess skills to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, supportive, respectful and empowering in working with victims of interpersonal violence
• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to effectively and appropriately respond to crisis situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with agency programs and organizations outside the agency.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule to meet program needs
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet stringent deadlines.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Manual dexterity and motor skills are required to use the computer.
• Must demonstrate maturity and the ability to deal effectively with stressful situations.
• Must be able to meet critical deadlines.
• Must be able to organize, process, and report information.
• Must be emotionally stable, alert, and able to work alone.
• Must be physically and emotionally capable of performing the essential functions of the job.
• Must continue to achieve satisfactory rating on the annual performance evaluation.
• Must be able to work under strict time constraints.
Catholic Charities of Buffalo is the most comprehensive human service provider in Western New York, reaching all eight counties with professionally staffed locations. Catholic Charities serves Western New Yorkers without regard to age, race or religious affiliation. Today’s Catholic Charities leads the way for an integrated human service delivery system. In 2007, the agency voluntarily sought and received its first four-year accreditation from the Council on Accreditation, attesting to its adherence to the highest national professional standards and delivery of the best quality services. Catholic Charities offers programs that strive to empower individuals, children and families. Among them are comprehensive counseling services for all ages, basic emergency assistance and referrals, child and adult mental health services, chemical dependency treatment, educational and vocational services, services to the aging, parish outreach and advocacy, marriage counseling, foster care and adoption services, child and adult day care, and a variety of programs that address prevention and treatment of a number of family issues.