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. This position will connect children with positive adult mentors who can help empower and inspire youth to reach their full, inherent potential, especially youth of color who are disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers. This staff member is primarily responsible for screening, interviewing, assessing, and matching volunteers, parents & children, but will also be cross-trained to take on other roles and responsibilities dependent on departmental needs throughout the year.

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. Evening and some weekend hours are required. People from the communities we serve are especially encouraged to apply.

Core Accountabilities

• Conduct thorough screening, interviews, and assessments of volunteers, youth, and families to determine program fit

• Make informed matching decisions that lead to strong, lasting mentoring relationships

• Manage intake and enrollment processes, ensuring timely movement through the pipeline

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in Matchforce to support program quality and safety

• Build strong, culturally responsive relationships with participants and provide ongoing support, resources, and communication

• Contribute to program operations and agency priorities, including cross-functional support, events, and ongoing training

Day to day:

Beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, we expect team members to demonstrate a commitment to excellence and consistently reflect our agency’s values in how they show up, collaborate, and make decisions.

• Assess all volunteers, parents and children for appropriate program participation by conducting initial and update interviews of parents, children and volunteers. Obtain collateral material needed for the assessment purposes including criminal background checks, references, school and counseling information.

• Provide timely and comprehensive assessments and recommendations for participation in the program based upon assessments of each individual.

• Make matching decisions that have the potential to result in strong mentor/mentee relationships. Create match proposals and introductions based on assessment information obtained in the intake and assessment processes.

• Screen eligibility and conduct intake calls for incoming, prospective families.

• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and detailed documentation and database records according to Big Brothers Big Sisters standards.

• Work schedule includes regular evenings and one Saturday a month 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.

• Assist with agency priorities centered on resource development (relationships, resources, tools)

• Support and attend agency functions, both advancement-specific and broader agency events

• Learn and perform other program functions dependent on departmental needs including, but not limited to: conduct parent/volunteer orientations, conduct community-based match presentations, support a small caseload of community-based matches.

Organizational Alignment

• Demonstrate agency values (Relationships, Ownership, Evolution) in your actions, decisions, and interactions

• Assist with agency priorities centered on resource development (relationships, resources, tools)

• Support and attend agency events and initiatives to support the broader BBBSMT mission

Measures of Success

• Participants are fully screened and enrolled efficiently, with strong adherence to safety and eligibility standards

• Matching decisions result in high-quality, lasting relationships and positive participant experiences

• Enrollment pipeline moves steadily, with minimal delays and clear communication at each stage

• Documentation is complete, accurate, and completed within established timelines

• Participants report feeling supported, informed, and prepared for the match experience

• Team and program needs are met through flexibility, cross-training, and consistent contribution to shared goals

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 minimums.