Program Specialist I - Data Analyst

The Program Specialist is responsible to provide technical and data analytical services that support direct service staff operations. The Program Specialist provides data analytics to ensure appropriate service provision to families receiving agency services and works closely with HHS and external partners to provide effective data driven resources. Required training will be provided upon hire. Program Specialists must be certified by the State approved curriculum as Direct Service Worker and Direct Service Supervisor and obtain 20 hours of training each year to maintain certification. OCY mandates are extensive and delivered directly by OCY staff.

• Analysis of service trends, preparation of statistical reports and promotion of collaborative interventions. Accurate and complete reporting of service trends and preparation of reports. Demonstrates continuing understanding of interagency services, client needs and integrates with child welfare philosophy.
• Service authorization and monitoring. Prompt and appropriate processing of paperwork. Prompt and thorough response to questions and/or problems regarding billing and authorization periods; as well as tracking of receipt of mandated reports and services from providers and monitoring compliance with contractual stipulations.
• Case consultation, information. Compliance with established in-house and referral directives, programs, client eligibility, policy and procedure and legal mandates and is able to effectively communicate same. Utilization of new ideas and strategies for service provision and acquisition of resources to meet placement needs. Provision of accurate and comprehensive information to social services staff regarding available resources.
• Agency liaison to contracted services provider agencies, vendors, schools or others as assigned. Promotes positive working relationship evidences through feedback, attendance at meetings, on- site visits conducted and contributions to problem solving and conflict resolution. Provides analysis of service delivery patterns by vendor agencies to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Service/case review and auditing. Assures review of applicable services at stated intervals - schedules accurate and complete. Attendance and participation at reviews and contributions to efficient and effective service delivery.
• Effective community and external partner engagement to maximize child safety and family service provisions.
• Program and policy development. Participation and involvement in program and policy development to assure optimal delivery of child welfare services.
• Agency representative to special committees and consortiums. Positive representation of agency and strengthening of relationships with a professional community.
• Grants and special funds program implementation, management and tracks outcomes. Coordination of grant funds maintained through accurate and complete data compilation. Applications processed are accurate and complete. Outcomes are monitored. Maintains relationship with funding source and grant awardees regarding compliance.
• Contribution to overall agency function by maintaining a supportive teamwork role with agency staff. Maintains supportive team role with coworkers. Accepts professional responsibilities of positions. Willingness to accept new, additional or unfamiliar responsibilities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of Child Welfare systems, related laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate Child Welfare policy as well as OCY policy and procedure, provide case consultation and referral as related to service coordination for children and families. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to collaborate with other HHS departments, vendors and professionals and communicate OCY practice.
• Ability to communicate service and contractual requirements related to cross systems partners to staff and other professionals.
• Knowledge and ability to secure services and appropriate funding for children and families.
• Ability to analyze data to evaluate effectiveness related to ongoing and new programs or programs that may require grant application or special funding.
• Ability to monitor outcomes, budget and use of programs communicated to vendors as well as agency administration.
• Ability to resolve service and funding issues with staff, vendors and other HHS partners.
• Ability to develop written agency policy as directed.
• Ability to conduct service review and audit as necessary.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, or related field, with a minimum of two years' experience in child welfare. Experience in applying for grant funds, consultation with community agencies providing services to children and families, and program management, preferred.
• This position is subject to mandates requiring Child Abuse, Criminal History, and FBI Clearances for employment.
• Pennsylvania residency is a requirement for this position.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit, stand, walk, stoop or kneel and climb stairs;
• Talk, hear and see to access and communicate;
• Use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or control and reach with hands or arms;
• Must transport client children and families as needed;
• Complete visits within County, out of County and out of State home and placement visits in accordance with regulatory requirements;
• Have scheduling flexibility to work before or after regular work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends;
• Apply decision making techniques and make sound judgment related to child safety and well-being;
• Complete required documentation of Program Specialist duties;
• Lift approximately 30 pounds 5% of the time including infants, children, car seats, case records and a child's belongings.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Must have automobile in good working condition with Pennsylvania driver's license and adequate insurance coverage.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate