Youth & Family Program Development Manager

Lifesong Inc

Youth & Family Program Development Manager

Gridley, IL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    401(k)

    401(k) matching

    Competitive salary

    Dental insurance

    Health insurance

    Opportunity for advancement

    Paid time off

    Training & development

    Vision insurance

    CORE FOCUS OF LIFESONG FOR ORPHANS:

    Mission – Bringing the joy and purpose of Jesus to orphaned and vulnerable children

    Vision – Orphaned and vulnerable children becoming disciples of Jesus, in healthy relationships, engaged in a local church, experiencing family and meaningful work

    Method – Engaging, equipping, and encouraging Christ’s Body – some to adopt, some to care, and some to give

    4-PART PLEDGE & MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT) OVERVIEW:

    The 4-Part Pledge (4-PP) is divided into four fundamental responsibilities that we believe God has entrusted to Christian families. The 4-PP is as follows: “Our Children will…

    1. Be taught the Gospel and how to live as followers of Jesus Christ.

    2. Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter.

    3. Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future.

    4. Be loved and supported as they transition into adult living.”

    The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) concept was developed so that local MDT leaders and US MDT Officers could serve the ministry with subject matter expertise in each of the 4 pledge areas. The purpose of the MDT is to engage, equip, and encourage Lifesong ministries to fulfill the 4-Part Pledge. Supported by the US MDT Officers, local Pledge Leaders can provide better local trainings, leadership advisement, and direct orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) care to ensure 4-PP fulfillment and continuous improvement. This position would be an MDT member serving primarily in the 4th pledge area.

    POSITION PURPOSE:

    The Youth and Family Program Development Manager advances the mission of Lifesong through, equipping and coaching ministry partners with best practices in OVC transition program development and family strengthening principles and practices, guiding program design and continuous improvement, and tracking and reporting on ministry partner outcomes.

    PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

    Equip and coach ministry partners with best practices in OVC transition program development and family strengthening principles and practices

    Implement and develop strategies to train employees, partners, and stakeholders regarding best practices in trauma-informed care for vulnerable youth and adoptive families

    Integrate current Lifesong ministry values, priorities, and practices into all trainings and solutions

    Contribute subject matter expertise to organizational strategy related to in-country vulnerable youth, vulnerable and post adoptive families, and transition to independence programs

    Provide expert consultation to ministry partners on individual case planning, life skills development, and transition to independence

    Coach ministry partners on best practices in OVC transition program development, vulnerable family strengthening, and case management principles Provide guidance and consultation on complex youth and family cases, including vulnerable youth transitioning into adulthood and families navigating post adoption challenges

    Guide program design and continuous improvement

    Assess existing programs and ministry partner practices for alignment with trauma-informed and family-strengthening principles

    Recommend and pilot evidence-informed enhancements to programs, curricula, and case management practices

    Develop tools, frameworks, and implementation guides to strengthen consistency and outcomes across ministry partners

    Collaborate with The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to implement yearly assessment/s and reporting across ministry sites

    Track and report on ministry partner outcomes

    Collect year end outcome measures from each ministry partner and track youth success metrics

    Work with each ministry partner to understand and report on OVC program graduates to determine success measures and potential changes to OVC program design

    Analyze trends in youth and family outcomes to guide continuous improvement and future program development

    Miscellaneous Duties: Performs other duties, as assigned

    REQUIRED SKILLS:

    Passionate commitment to Lifesong’s Core Focus

    Team-oriented with strong interpersonal communications skills using virtual platforms

    The ability to be sensitive to and aware of intercultural dynamics within diverse teams while maintaining fidelity to trauma-informed, youth-focused, and family-strengthening principles

    Broad social work background with specific work in building international youth and family programs across culture

    Skilled in adapting training materials, program content, and resources to be culturally relevant and contextually appropriate for varied settings

    Ability to prioritize tasks and utilize problem-solving skills

    Flexibility and agility to create and discuss new solutions in a growing environment

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

    Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in social work, child welfare, child development, family studies, or global development)

    4+ years’ experience in child development or child welfare fields

    Experience in an international non-profit setting is preferred

    Experience as a trainer or professional development coach is preferred

    CONDUCT:

    This position requires an active commitment to the core focus, values, and statement of faith of Lifesong. In the course of performing job duties, Lifesong employees will follow Employee Handbook policies, and act in a manner that honors Christ, demonstrating a personal Christian faith and witness in all interpersonal interactions. Lifesong is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and program participants and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Conduct that demonstrates the values listed below are required of all Lifesong employees.

    Love God and His People, Serve with Humility, Steward Faithfully

    WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

    Tasks are normally conducted in a regular office environment requiring the use of computer and mouse and other standard office equipment

    Employees may be required to travel and have a valid driver’s license and passport

    There are no specific job hazards, PPE, ergonomic concerns (beyond what was listed above), or transport of hazardous material

    Employees may need to lift and move up to 35 lbs. on occasion

    Employees are required to observe safety principles while performing the duties of the position

    DISCLAIMER:

    This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in the classification. Work hours may be irregular including performing duties on evenings or weekends.

    Flexible work from home options available.