Careers

About the Role

Each employee at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee helps extend the agency’s mission in particular ways, as outlined in the position description. The essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following: 

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks a Program Specialist who will thrive in a growing organization that is dedicated to positively impacting more youth through high quality, 1-to-1 mentoring. In this role, you will provide support and strengthen mentoring relationships between youth and positive mentors matched in our school-based programs. Your coaching and guidance will help empower and inspire youth to reach their full, inherent potential, especially youth of color who are disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers. Primary responsibilities will include providing support to new and existing BBBS matches to ensure child safety, positive outcomes for youth, healthy and satisfying relationships between children and volunteers, and a strong sense of affiliation with BBBS. Other responsibilities will include the interviewing and assessment of volunteers and youth, facilitating the introduction of new mentoring relationships, and conducting orientation for new volunteers interested in the site-based program.

Our ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, be organized, be able to provide a positive customer experience, be able to multi-task, and have a passion for improving the lives of young people and our underrepresented youth. This team member will be passionate about and able to engage mentors and community partners from diverse communities, especially within communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Evening and some weekend hours are required. People from the communities we serve are especially encouraged to apply.

Day to day:

• Manage a caseload of volunteers (Bigs) and youth (Littles) who have been paired in a mentoring relationship. Through regular support calls, continually assess the match relationship focusing on: child safety, match relationship development, positive youth development and volunteer and family satisfaction.
• Conduct in-person match introductions at program sites between the Little and Big in order to help facilitate early relationship development.
• Supervise weekly match meetings between Bigs and Littles in the High School Bigs program. 
• Work with school staff to identify and recruit youth who would benefit from a Big
• Identify, address and resolve existing and/or potential match challenges through regular coaching conversations and in-person meetings.
• Provide on-going coaching, support and training to help develop and sustain lasting match relationships that have a positive impact on the youth served.
• Assess volunteers and children for appropriate program participation by conducting initial and update interviews, orientations, and training. Obtain collateral material needed for assessment purposes, including criminal background checks and references.
• Complete timely and comprehensive written assessments and recommendations for participation in the program based upon assessments of each individual.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and detailed documentation and database records according to Big Brothers Big Sisters standards.
• Work schedule includes regular evening and some weekend hours to best meet the needs of our families and volunteers.
• Provide program participants with solution focused strategies, resources and training that will help to further support match participants.
• Participate in professional training as provided by the agency and the National office to achieve maximum development of professional skills when required.
• Perform other duties dependent on departmental needs throughout the year.

About You

This Job May Be For You…..

• Youth-serving experience, especially working with youth of color and/or from marginalized communities
• Passion for supporting youth through strengths based strategies
• Understanding of issues/barriers that impact children and families from underserved populations
• Belief in the power of mentoring relationships
• Celebrates diversity
• Ability to work remotely and comfortable utilizing latest technologies
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to work independently, as well as with a team
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment and effectively manage shifting priorities and responsibilities
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills reflecting outstanding customer service, both in- person and by telephone
• Ability to think critically, effectively provide responsive coaching, and draw solid conclusions based on information provided
• Comfortable engaging in challenging conversations

Additionally, we’d love…

• Effective group presentation skills
• Driven to help youth reach their full potential
• Consistent desire to seek out new and more effective methods to support programming
• Understanding of/experience with youth mentoring
• Familiarity with Positive Youth Development strategies
• Spanish fluency

Qualifications

Relevant youth-serving experience or a Bachelor’s degree/college coursework in Social Work or a related field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel. Must have a reliable car, valid driver’s license and meet state required automobile insurance minimum.