Position Summary
The Community Action Program Specialist, Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Community Services (OCS), under the supervision of the Community Action Manager, provides coordination for the services and activities under the Community Services Block Grant, which are designed to improve individual and family stability and economic security for persons who are low-income residents of Allegheny County. The Community Action Program Specialist also supports monitoring work outside of CSBG-funded services. The work carried out in this role is suited for someone with a passion for human services and an interest in being part of a greater system working to support people moving towards economic mobility.
Duties
- Researches and develops knowledge of the scope of work and responsibilities of community organizations that receive funding to address causes of poverty and conditions of poverty among individuals and families.
- Coordinates and facilitates onboarding for service providers’ staff and co-facilitates community of practice meetings and training for service providers.
- Implements policy, process, and procedures for contract monitoring of service providers who receive Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) and other funding allocated by DHS.
- Provides technical assistance and consultation regarding corrective action and quality improvement strategies related to monitoring.
- Advocates and assesses user needs of the client management system and dashboard for effectiveness and quality data collection with the application specialist; provides oversight and technical assistance with the use of the client management system used by CSBG contractors.
- Supports activities associated with CSBG Organizational Standards (i.e., community needs assessment, customer satisfaction survey, strategic plan items, data collection and analysis, and report development).
- Prepares and presents necessary reports for projects that include compliance and performance data from service providers.
- Completes assignments associated with program updates, reports, and presentations to the Community Services Advisory Council.
- Participates in the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) events, including the annual CAAP conference, to stay connected to the work, regulations, requirements, and trends of Community Action.
- Assists the Program Manager in the coordination and delivery of poverty simulations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge
- Work and purpose of community-action agencies and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite.
Abilities
- Demonstrate experience working with service providers.
- Be organized, self-motivated, self-directed, and work independently toward the accomplishment of short-term objectives and long-range goals.
- Build partnerships with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
- Communicate information clearly and concisely in writing and orally.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in the human services field.
- Two (2) years of experience in management/coordination of programs and projects.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
- Candidates with direct practice experience are preferred.
It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status.
Residency
Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference
Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.