Program Specialist - Resource Unit

Children, Youth And Families Program Specialist 1

An employee in this class reviews, administers, analyzes, evaluates, monitors and coordinates children, youth and families program objectives, policies, and operations of organizational segments of a county children, youth and families agency. Employees provide administrative services to agency staff concerning program planning, interpreting overall program objectives and advising on problems related to the coordination of the children, youth and families agency.

Important aspects of the work are reviewing and analyzing existing data concerning children, youth and families programs, preparing reports, evaluating program effectiveness, and recommending changes in operational methods. Assignments are specialized in nature and limited to selected areas of operation and methods employed. Supervision may be exercised over professional, sub-professional and clerical staff. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative supervisor and is reviewed through conferences and reports.

Conduct regular case and quality service reviews of agency active cases, adoptive, foster and kinship files to ensure compliance with state licensing, federal Children and Family Services Review, DPW Bulletins and regulations.

Ensure all files are in compliance. If a file is non-compliant, make recommendations to staff. Follow-up to ensure compliance

Conduct case reviews using a Quality Assessment/ Review tool developed by the agency geared toward each type of unit within the agency.

Collect data, compile and analyze statistics, identify trends and evaluate outcomes to assist in the development of the annual Needs Based Plan and Budget.

Attend 10-day Permanency/Concurrent Planning meetings which occur on a weekly basis in the Children and Youth main office and the satellite location in Hazleton.

Interview family members regarding their past social history as well as collect data necessary for the 4E audit such as completing Medical Assistance applications, securing copies of Social Security cards, birth certificates, family income, etc.

Assist families in coordinating referrals to community resources as ordered by the court.

Coordinate and facilitate the Integrated Family Resource Team meetings comprised of MH/MR, Drug and Alcohol, CAASP, managed Care Entity, JPO, Family Group Decision Making, FFT, and other ad hoc members.

Track caseworker visitations as mandated.

Interpret new laws and regulation bulletins, develop and implement new policies and procedures to ensure agency procedures comply with laws and regulations.

Act as a representative of the policy development committee.

Responsible for educating and training staff on compliance with agency, state and federal policies, regulations and procedures.

Collect and compile statistical information regarding families served.

Work in collaboration with the Director and Deputy Director to ensure open communication, fiscal responsibility, consistency of operations.and best practice performance by staff across the agency.

Work collaboratively around the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.

Assist in planning, development, and implementation of comprehensive agency annual Needs Based Budget ensuring County, state, and federal requirements are addressed.

Work closely in a collaborative, supportive, and positive manner with staff, community and other governmental entities.

Focus on developing progressive and proactive plans/strategies aimed at maximizing resources and having a positive impact on children, youth and families.

Attend meetings with courts, the public, and county officials as required.

Prepare reports and correspondence as required by the Director or Deputy Director.

Evaluate state regulations for their impact on functioning of agency programs with recommended actions needed to implement and comply.

Understand agency program functions and integrate them with agency mission and operations. Understand and apply outcome measures and related data pertaining to contracted services. Work collaboratively with Supervisors in assurance of case compliance with licensure regulations.

Serve as agency point person for Children, Youth and Families Regional Office for the annual Licensure review of agency.

Work collaboratively with contracting department and other county agencies to identify means of overseeing quality delivery of service by contracted providers.

Evaluate agency policies and procedures. Evaluate and maintain agency training manual.

Oversee orientation relating to agency goals, objectives and operational procedures.

Plan for and supervise the monitoring and follow-up of suggested improvement plans which result from QA case reviews, QSR reviews and licensing reviews.

Evaluate and make recommendations for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness within the QA department. Complete CWIS, Swan Referrals, as needed.

Must have at least two years licensing foster care homes and/or…