SkillSpring Program Specialist, High School Program

Job description

About SkillSpring:

SkillSpring, a workforce development program of The New Jewish Home, has supported New York City youth and young adults from under-resourced schools and communities in pursuing careers in health care since 2006.

By training the next generation of high-quality, culturally competent health care professionals, SkillSpring generates excitement and enthusiasm for careers serving older adults.

SkillSpring is seeking a full time Program Specialist, High School Program to join our team!

Job Summary:  The Program Specialist will play a key role at the SkillSpring (f/k/a GCD) Program at The New Jewish Home, at both the Manhattan and Bronx divisions.

SkillSpring, started in 2006, is a workforce development program which empowers, supports, and trains underserved youth in an applied healthcare setting.

We are looking for qualified individuals who will be responsible for the organization and delivery of quality program, catering to teens, in an afterschool setting/summer enrichment.

The High School Program Specialist will play a key role on the staff of the SkillSpring department at The New Jewish Home.

This staff member is responsible for all aspects of high school programming including maintenance of records; assist with program development, track student data, support certification, and internships, and all other program components as needed.

The High School Program Specialist will report to the SkillSpring Bronx or Manhattan Campus High School Program Manager.

Reports To: Campus Program Manager, High School Program

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of participants in the program, by providing support and supervision of all activities.


• Plan, prepare and create lesson plans for High School Programming including professional development, clinical skills training, health career exploration


• Lead efforts to maximize participation of parent programming by scheduling, monitoring, tracking and reporting on all parent/family programming including but not limited to attendance and surveys.


• Ensure that all participants sign in and sign out, on a daily basis.


• Assess student’s program participation and attendance for continued program enrollment


• Have a thorough knowledge of emergency procedures and take appropriate actions for emergency situations on-site & during field trips.


• Schedule, monitor, track and report on all college preparation programming including but not limited to one-on-one sessions and group workshops


• Oversee, manage, monitor, track and report on the older adult mentor pairs, events, attendance, time and all other intergenerational data


• Build and maintain relationships with key nursing unit staff to implement floor activities and HS presence


• Oversee, manage, monitor, track and report on the older adult mentor pairs, events, attendance, time and all other intergenerational data


• Build and maintain relationships with key nursing unit staff to implement floor activities and HS presence


• Work closely with TNJH departments and research on best practices to develop and implement intergenerational curriculum


• Work closely with TNJH departments and research on best practices to develop and implement intergenerational curriculum


• Create an environment that is diverse, culturally sensitive and relevant to the needs of teens.


• Actively participate in staff training sessions and special events

Specialized Skills and Competencies:

·         Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

·         Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

·         Excellent verbal and written skills required.

·         Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of manager, clients, customers, and the general public.

·         Excellent interpersonal skills.

·         Excellent organizational and computer skills.

·         Attention to detail and deadlines.

·         Flexibility and adaptability a must.

·         Must be able to lead innovative and meaningful programming that connects to adolescents

Age Related Skills and Competencies: 

• Able to satisfactorily relate to the older adult population.


• Ability to satisfactorily relate to youth oriented age population.

Job Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Education, Social Work, Human Services

·         Minimum of two years of experience working with youth and teens.

·         Experience teaching and facilitating activities on issues related to teens.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·         Must be able to manage multiple teens with respect, maturity, compassion and encouragement.

·         Must be available to cover weekend/night shifts.

·         Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel), excellent organizational and interpersonal skills                                                                                                         

Physical Demands:

·         Required to stand and talk or hear, walk and sit.

·         Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

         Travel to multiple divisions when necessary.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising resident/patient/client care.

Required Skill Profession

Counselors, Social Workers, And Other Community And Social Service Specialists