Reference #: 4487771 THE POSITION Do you want to help make a difference with children and families in day to day life events? Luzerne County Children & Youth Services is looking for people like you! Luzerne County has an immediate need for Program Specialist 1 in its Children, Youth, and Families agency. Located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Luzerne County Government offers many exciting and challenging opportunities to learn and grow in a career while making a difference in the lives of Luzerne County families. Apply today and start your exciting career in public service!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK In this position, you maintain accurate records of all referrals, maintain and develop databases, maintain data trends related to referrals, and maintain up to date schedules. You also monitor provider collaboration, timeliness and appropriateness of referrals, corrective plans, effectiveness of prevention services, data and trends as it relates to placement numbers, and monitoring contracted providers. In addition, you are required to possess knowledge and understanding of all contracts for child welfare services, knowledge of the Family First Prevention Services Act, an understanding of budget and funding streams, and the ability to critically evaluate contract scopes.

Other duties include assisting in evaluating request for proposals and assisting in conducting audits, evaluations, and program reviews. You are required to organize and monitor stakeholder meetings, facilitate discussions to gather input from stakeholders, collaborate with other quality assurance positions, collaborate with stakeholders, and participate in or monitor quarterly meetings with all service providers. Additional duties include ensuring compliance with contractual terms, regulatory standards, and best practices in child welfare; responding promptly to complaints and concerns related to contracted services; investigating complaints thoroughly, document findings, create corrective action plan as necessary analyzing data trends to identify areas for improvement and inform decision-making processes with contracted providers; tracking and assessing the success rates of intervention strategies and support programs; and possessing the ability to research programs and write Request for Proposal (RFP) scopes.

Work Schedule and Additional Information: Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with 30-minute lunch. Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Please check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.   REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

Two years of professional level experience in the field of children, youth and families; and a bachelor's degree;or Any equivalent combination of experience and training. Other Requirements:

You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency. You must be able to perform essential job functions. Legal Requirement:

A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information. How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted b the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam). Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. Your score is valid for this specific posting only. You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved. you may be disqualified. You may only apply/test once for this posting. Your results will be provided via email.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.