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 enroll volunteers and youth, connect them, and support positive mentoring relationships between them. 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. This staff member is primarily responsible for screening, interviewing, assessing, and matching volunteers, parents & children, but will also be cross-trained to provide 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.  

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.  

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.

Day-to-day: 

Temporary Duties During Team Transition: 

Oversee interim family enrollment responsibilities, including: 

• Guide prospective families through the intake and onboarding process, including eligibility screening, orientation scheduling, and enrollment interviews
• Ensure families complete required parent safety training, Your Child’s Personal Safety, prior to enrollment in the Community Based Program
• Maintain accurate enrollment records and complete six month and annual updates for families waiting to be matched, ensuring compliance with Big Brothers Big Sisters standards

Ongoing responsibilities include:

• Assess and onboard volunteers, youth, and families for program participation through interviews, background screening, and eligibility review, providing thoughtful recommendations for enrollment and match readiness
• Create and support strong mentoring relationships by making informed match decisions, coordinating match introductions, and guiding participants through the early stages of relationship development
• Manage and support a caseload of Bigs, Littles, and families by monitoring match progress, ensuring child safety, and providing coaching, resources, and problem-solving support to strengthen relationships
• Maintain accurate documentation and program records in accordance with Big Brothers Big Sisters standards and ensure timely completion of required updates and reporting
• Contribute to overall program success by participating in professional development, supporting agency events, and assisting with additional program functions as needed

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 functions, both advancement-specific and broader agency events

Work Environment & Requirements

• Hybrid work model with a minimum of 3 days per week on-site.
• Regular travel within our 8-county service area (valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required), mileage is reimbursed.
• 2 evenings per week and 1 Saturday per month is required to meet the needs of volunteers and youth
  
  

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…

• 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.