Program Leader - JFF Housing Program Leader

The Dane County Department of Human Services (DCDHS), Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Division in Madison, Wisconsin, is recruiting for two full-time (1.0 FTE) Program Leader (Housing) positions. The current vacancies are located within the Joining Forces for Families (JFF) unit.

The Eligibility List created may be used to fill future Program Leader vacancies over the next six (6) months.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION AND EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of a Human Services Supervisor, the Program Leader provides supervision and support to one of the following divisions/units:

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES (CYF) DIVISION - YOUTH JUSTICE (YJ): For youth ages 10 - 17, plan, develop and conduct a variety of group and individualized programs and activities. Assist with preparation and facilitation of group curriculum and discussion. Prepare monthly group calendar (if applicable), including arranging speakers/coordinating partnerships/ scheduling field trips. Develop modules that address key redirective discussion topics for group. Supervise group time, provide resources and assistance. Provide supervision, guidance, intervention and support to youth in Youth Justice. Support and advocate with and for youth for the duration of their time in Youth Justice programming. In collaboration with Social Worker, inform all participants of participation expectations and deferred or court-ordered obligation. Provide behavioral support. Communicate weekly by email with social workers, more frequently if needed. Offer regular check-in's to youth, daily or otherwise as assessed. Perform other tasks as assigned.

PREVENTION & EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES (PEI) DIVISION:

JFF Housing Program Leader: Supports and partners with other Joining Forces for Families (JFF) staff to provide enhanced housing services to specific clients. Provides case-management services to participants referred by partner JFF workers to support current and future stability of families. This position maintains a capped caseload of clients in consult with JFF supervisor in order to provide more robust services to targeted families. Provide in-person and remote services to referred clients, as well as, various administration duties, including case consultation with JFF partners. Office hours are determined in consultation with the JFF supervisor. Advocates with landlords, service providers and others to support family stability. Provides problem solving assistance and connections to locally available resources. Assist clients in applying for and navigating access to a variety of services and supports. Maintain appropriate documentation of work with individual families. Support JFF data collection efforts as required by the JFF supervisor.

JFF General Support Program Leader: The General Support Program Leader assigned to Joining Forces for Families provides coverage to one or more JFF offices. This support position is partnered with other JFF staff to implement and lead a coverage plan that maintains accessibility of our services to families.

Community Restorative Court (CRC) Program Leader: Facilitates program activities with victims, respondents, and peacemakers including conducting restorative justice circles, assisting with coordination of community outreach, events and trainings. Manages files using the CRC database.

Education, Training and Experience:

A combination of education or training equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or similar human services related field, and at least two (2) years working with the clients listed below based on the division/unit:

• For Children, Youth and Families Division: At least two (2) years working with disadvantaged or behaviorally challenged youth. Knowledge of trauma related practices and classroom training preferred.
• For Prevention and Early Intervention Division: Housing Program Leader- At least two (2) years working on housing support including resource linkage. CRC Program Leader- At least two (2) years working in the criminal justice system using restorative justice practices.

Special Requirements:

Requires a valid driver's license, access to reliable personal transportation and a good driving record. Some evening/weekend work may be required.

For Bilingual Positions:

• Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
• Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.
• If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position's bilingual designation.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record.  However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.)  Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Typical office environment. Ability to sit or stand to operate a personal computer with or without assistance. Ability to travel from office to other locations. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices. Extensive computer terminal use, reading and writing. Transporting youth as needed and being out in the community if appropriate.

FOR CYF POSITIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to think independently with regard to youth interactions and involvement. Skilled in working with at-risk youth or youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Skilled in working with or have a strong demonstrated knowledge of family systems. Possession of interagency and/or school communication abilities. Ability to work with youth of all developmental abilities, emotional, cognitive, and social levels desired. Conflict resolution skills and ability to manage difficult interactions essential. Ability to think and respond independently when working in the community. Ability to work effectively with persons from a variety of socioeconomic, ethnic, or racial groups.

FOR PEI POSITIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of WI housing law and procedure; knowledge of community resources related to housing support for the JFF Housing Program Leader; Knowledge of and training in restorative justice procedures and process for the CRC Program Leader; ability to advocate on behalf of individuals, families, and communities; demonstrated experience and expertise working in a team-oriented environment involving case collaboration; ability to relate to people in a culturally relevant and sensitive manner; knowledge of socio-economic issues and the ways these issues affect individuals; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to maintain case records, as well as, prepare and maintain necessary reports; ability to relate to people in an unbiased, understanding manner; ability to work in a high-volume environment; ability to navigate complex service systems.