Program Coordinator - YFS

Help us Build a Thriving New England! 

Ascentria Care Alliance has been transforming underserved communities for over 150 years, providing a wide range of services to children, families, and seniors across five states. Recognized as one of the largest human services nonprofits in New England and one of the top 100 women-led businesses in Massachusetts, we envision vibrant communities where all individuals have access to resources to support one another to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. 

Summary:

The Program Coordinator provides support in coordinating day-to-day operations focusing on organizational aspects such as quality control, regulatory reporting and program development.  She/he provides general programmatic and personnel management, including clinical oversight if supervising staff in the service division.  The Program Coordinator provides leadership and program supervision in order to assure the highest quality of services delivery and positive client\family\foster care and programmatic outcome is in accordance with regulatory requirements, best practice and program strategic plans.

The Program Coordinator serves as a role model for the team by displaying a positive and cooperative attitude, and supporting the mission of the program and agency at all times and through the direct work done with families and the community.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to; coordinating intake, overall support and coordination of the levels of care youth are accessing (ensuring lowest level of care/least restrictive environment is accessed and preserved), supporting staff to meet their job requirements, coordination and support of relevant family members and kin.

Clinical

• Assure that the program delivers services that meet performance measures such as identifying appropriate families and services for children and maintaining contractual obligations of foster care
• Demonstrate a Trauma Informed, human centered and strength-based philosophy, by treating all clients, families and collaterals in a non-judgmental and respectful manner while building upon their strengths and experiences
• Develop and maintain expertise in addressing the dynamics involved in placing children in various levels of care and ensuring least restrictive environment
• Consistently demonstrate discretion and independent judgment with regard to assessing and making decisions around the best interest for children and families
• Assure that required documentation is complete and professional, that it is done in a timely manner and meets contractual guidelines
• Support and supervise staff on a weekly basis around service planning, licensing foster homes, contractual documentation, client issues and provide administrative back up as needed for the program.
• Facilitate any needed training for staff,
• Participate in relevant and required trainings as needed
• Maintain program structure\team environment, assure staff satisfaction and positive team atmosphere while supporting individual growth within the structure.
• Provide crisis intervention and on call responsibilities in a calm and professional manner while insuring the safety of the individual involved
• Inform Program Manager of any incidents or concerns while utilizing Professional judgement
• Lead team while insuring the highest quality of services for both clients families, foster families, kin and community members
• Provide creative problem solving alternatives in difficult and crisis oriented situations
• Maintain open and clear communication with all staff and clients\families
• Function consistently with all agency policies including confidentiality and client rights and responsibilities
• Assist with PQI efforts and implementation of outcome measures which assess programmatic impact on client’s lives
• Depending on program needs, MA and NH level coordinators may support a smaller caseload to include direct therapeutic services to foster parents and clients in the community as needed including individual counseling;  group work and family therapy and training of foster parents as needed   
• Depending on program needs, coordinates community efforts to promote the programs and facilitate community meetings, making presentations in congregations and community forums to support foster care awareness and recruitment.
• Provide flexible scheduling that includes rotating on-call responsibilities for night and weekends as well as 24 hour crisis response
• Support the development of strategic plans to include goals about recruitment, retention and program growth as needed.

Administrative

• Assure that program meets all licensing, certifications, contract and regulatory standards, including certification and licensing requirements are met; including corrective action as needed for foster families.
• Active involvement in the everyday operations of the program
• Participate in hiring, supervising and disciplining employees as assigned as well as responsible for the completion of performance evaluations for those that he or she supervises
• Utilize supervision effectively to address any concerns and provide proactive interventions to improve team
• Develop and participate in team building with the Program Manager and Director
• Maintain a positive program presence in the community by participation in promotional events at churches and community forums
• Maintain cooperative relationship with stakeholders and the affiliates, providing documentation and communication in a timely manner
• Maintain a positive program presence with all collaterals including MORI, LIRS, DCF, DEEC, and DCYF placement providers, schools, mental health clinics, health clinics and any other collateral important to the success of clients.
• Ability to work within the Mission of the organization,
• Other duties assigned.

Qualifications:

1. MA: Master’s Degree in Social Work or a related field PREFERRED; minimum of Bachelors in Social Work or related field with 5 years of experience in child/family settings.
   1. Ability to obtain required. ASWB licensure according to education and experience level (LICSW LCSW, LSW or LSWA)

• Demonstrated ability to be a leader.
• Knowledge of DCF{MA}, DEEC {MA}, ORR 
• Open attitude and ability to manage crisis situations
• Ability to supervise staff
• Experience leading groups
• Ability to represent the program to the community, to contracting agencies and to collaterals
• Excellent verbal and communication skills including ability to write staff performance evaluations and to supervise staff in writing strength-based and measurable treatment plans
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to be certified in First Aid and CPR
• Valid driver’s license with positive driving record and ability to travel to meetings as needed with own car
• Computer skills including word, excel and e-mail competency

Trainings Required:

• Knowledge of and adherence to ORR\DCF\DCYF and EEC requirements, and best practices.
• Complete ongoing post hire service training as required by state
• Foster Parent Pre-Service Training as needed - Electronic data systems
• Maintain mandatory training certifications and e-Learning certificates as needed.

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit and move about the office.
• Ability to use the telephone and computer.

Mental Demands 

• Calm under pressure. Able to handle stressful situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to adapt to constantly changing environment in a positive way.

Here’s why you should join us: 

We prioritize our employees' wellbeing with a comprehensive benefits package, for those who qualify, and a supportive workplace culture where all are encouraged and empowered to drive change, make a difference, and enjoy life outside of work. 

Ascentria offers the following employee benefits: 

• High quality/affordable health, dental, and vision insurance to support your overall wellness
• Flexible Spending Account to help manage eligible expenses
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer match 
• A full-service Employee Assistance Program with many free and accessible services and supports
• Generous tuition reimbursement to invest in your professional growth and development
• Paid time off which increases as your tenure grows and holidays for work-life balance
• A workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, where all voices are heard and respected 
   

When you join Ascentria, you’re not just taking on a job—you’re stepping into a role that empowers you to grow personally and professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission. 

Transform lives and communities with Ascentria Care Alliance.  Apply today to be a part of our mission-driven Team!