Program Manager-Friends First

The Manager-Friends First provides administrative, managerial, and clinical leadership for Friends First, a volunteer mentoring program for at risk kids.

The schedule for this position includes, Monday-Friday with 1-2 evenings a week and occasional Saturdays.

Mercy Home for Boys and Girls is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or related discipline required and 5 years of experience; Master’s degree preferred.
• Managerial experience in social service or child welfare agency with proven proficiency in management, training, and program development.
• Knowledge of and experience with case management. Clinical experience preferred.
• Knowledge of COA and DCFS guidelines and procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of volunteer programming methods, procedures, and principles.
• Knowledge of mentor programs and experience working with children, families, and adult volunteers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work both independently and as an active team leader.
• Highly proficient with MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets.
• Ability to research, compile, analyze, and interpret various types of information from multiple sources..
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule and provide administrative support and managerial leadership outside normal work hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Is open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license, the ability to drive a van, maintain a clear driving record, and retain driving approval through the Department of Children and Family Services.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the Agency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure compliance with program objectives, Agency mission, DCFS policies, and COA guidelines.
• Communicate vision of common purpose and set clear plans and priorities for assigned employees.
• Develop, organize and execute programming that follows best practices with mentoring and ensures that mentors and mentees are following through on commitment.
• Provide weekly supervision, appropriate feedback, training, and professional development opportunities to Friends First staff.
• Lead in the design, revision, and implementation of program policies and procedures; work in partnership with the departmental management team as it relates to COA accreditation and DCFS guidelines.
• Oversee the day to day needs of the Friends First Site School & Work Based mentoring program, including: curriculum and program design and implementation; planning and hosting activities and events for matches; safely transporting youth to and from site based mentoring sessions.
• Supervise mentors through orientation, training, regular supervision and evaluation to ensure that all expectations are clearly defined and properly executed.
• Lead effort to develop strong working relationships with internal departments/programs and external community resources for youth and mentor recruitment, referrals and training possibilities.
• Provide supervision, performance management and professional development for all direct reports.
• Provide formal new and annual staff evaluations. Ensure timely, thorough supervision and evaluation of Match Support Representatives (MSRs).
• Perform mentee and volunteer record review in program database and maintain hard copies for paper file to ensure completeness, accuracy, and clarity of documentation submitted by program staff.
• Facilitate information and training sessions and conduct volunteer interviews.
• Consult with program psychologist and matching coordinator regarding volunteer and youth screening procedures, testing and results.
• Perform the functions necessary to manage a caseload, including referral, intake, match meeting, supervision, and paperwork.
• Ensure regular program of volunteer support and assist with volunteer recognition.
• Provide input into the strategic planning process of the Agency and work with program staff to devise operational plans to fulfill the strategic plans relevant to Friends First.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the community-based, site-based and school/work-based programs, focusing on short and long term outcome measures.
• Create a viable budget plan, control costs, and operate within established budget utilizing applicable financial principles, policies, and objectives. Monitor and approve all program expenses, including MSR billing.
• Report regularly to supervisor to discuss program updates and direction.
• Seek opportunities through partnerships and events to increase program awareness on a local and national level.
• Oversee department and Agency-wide events, including Friends First activities, mentor trainings, the Women’s Luncheon, and Women’s Retreat.