Program Support Specialist

Are you passionate about working for an organization that serves to empower and uplift students through the education system by removing barriers and helping students realize their fullest potential? Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We achieve our mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who demonstrate a passion for what they do.

If this is you, are you All In For Kids?

Communities In Schools is hiring a Program Support Specialist that will support our campuses in seven different school districts in the surrounding suburbs of Austin, TX. The Program Support Specialist is responsible for the continuity of CIS program leadership and services during vacancies or working alongside CIS staff to provide additional support. This position may support more than one campus at a time and frequent travel between assigned campuses in multiple Central Texas school districts will be a requirement due to the nature of this work. The Campus Program Support Specialist must be adaptable and have the ability to readily shift focus areas and priorities when directed.

Who we are:

Rooted in community for over 40 years, Communities In Schools of Central Texas is a sophisticated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas. Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national organization that ensures every student, regardless of race, gender, ability, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond.

We are in strong financial health with six months of reserves and a long history of clean audits.

This is an exciting time to join Communities In Schools. In Fall 2024, we will move into our new 30,000 sq ft headquarters, funded through contributions and New Market Tax Credits.

Who you are:

First and foremost, we are looking for amazing people who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our mission, and are highly motivated to change children's lives through education. We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You will be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, and the people around you to the next level.

What we offer:

CIS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The starting salary range for this position is $3,750/mo. Salaries are determined by qualifications and relevant experience. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and midpoint depending on experience and in alignment with internal equity.

Some of our benefits:

• Generous time off includes 4+ weeks of holiday, 3 weeks of summer break and 2 weeks of vacation time
• Three (3) Personal Days
• Twelve (12) Sick Leave Days
• CIS pays for 100% of the employee premium for the base medical insurance plan and we provide subsidy to support coverage for spouse/domestic partner and children
• Dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options
• Professional development
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• We offer an inclusive environment where staff are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work every day

What you’ll bring:

• Experience working with youth and vulnerable populations
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive and productive relationships to effectively collaborate with CIS staff, school personnel and community partners
• Demonstrated cultural competence when engaging diverse audiences including students and families, team members, school personnel, volunteers, and community partners
• Highly self-motivated and able to work both autonomously and collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to identify and manage priorities in a dynamic environment
• Reliable transportation is required
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on strength-based leadership
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• English/Spanish speaking ability
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, human services, or related field

What you’ll do:

• Provide outreach and short-term support to students and families to honor continuity of services, layering in additional extensive support if necessary for identified students
• Support CIS students and families through staff transition, ensuring that they stay connected to CIS as needed
• Receive and maintain record of new referrals
• Obtain guardian consent forms though phone calls, emails, outdoor home visits when appropriate
• Assess student needs and complete necessary agency documentation
• Provide case management check-ins to assess progress and effectiveness of services
• Collaborate with school/district staff and other community support services on how to best support higher needs students
• Coordinate referrals to outside providers when appropriate
• Manage and support existing campus partnerships
• Provide crisis intervention support to students enrolled in CIS as needed
• Attend critical campus meetings, which may include School Support Team meetings, campus staff meetings, or others
• Communicate regularly with school administration, submitting all required reports
• Provide regular updates to Program Director with oversight for the designed campus(es)
• Document all services in accordance with CIS and professional standards
• Participate in the CIS team approach to service delivery and problem solving
• Promote and maintain agency culture, standards, and systems
• Perform other activities and duties as directed by the Program Director or Program Officer

Reporting structure: The Program Support Specialist is supervised by the Regional Director of Programs r unless otherwise designated by the Program Officer.

Location: Frequent travel between assigned campuses in multiple Central Texas school districts will be a requirement for this position.

Learn more about our Values

Applications for this position will remain open until filled.

Communities In Schools of Central Texas is an equal-opportunity employer.