Relationship Specialist

ABOUT BBBSEMO – www.bbbsemo.com – Find on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @bbbsemo

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is a growing organization and always focused on taking the best care of its many constituents. It is the 6th largest affiliate in the nation and for over 6 years been the leader in quality service. It focuses its services on youth ages 5-25.

MISSION AND VALUES OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF EASTERN MISSOURI

Mission – We build trusting and enduring relationships that encourage and support young people

AGENCY KEY RESULTS: $4,843,000 Revenue, 75% 12 Month Match Retention, 1,200 New Applications, 1,875 in active mentoring relationships including K-12 and alumni; 20 active ABCToday Schools

POSITION PURPOSE:  The key role of a Relationship Specialist is to build trusting and enduring relationship with and within the matches they support.   On a day to day basis, this looks like:

• Advising volunteers, parents/caregivers and youth on how to build a mentoring relationship. This can be through in person visits, phone calls, home visits and some electronic communication.
• Connecting volunteers, parents/caregivers and youth with resources and experiences. For example, connecting a family with a resource for housing; connecting volunteers with a training opportunity; or connecting the match with a tickets to an upcoming event.
• Overseeing the consistent implementation of all program expectations and policies within the match relationship, while paying special attention to the safety of the youth and maintaining a high level of professional documentation.
• Celebrating the accomplishments of the match, youth and family by creating a strong rapport with all participants and finding the big and small wins along the way.

Key Job Competencies

• Relationship Building – Invests in internal and external enduring relationships. Takes time to build trust and explore interests. Demonstrates openness and honesty; listens well to others and truly values people.  Can diffuse high-tension situations comfortably. Can motivate many kinds of people; shares wins & successes.
• Problem Solver- Can quickly find common ground and solves problems effectively for the good of all with minimal noise; encourages collaboration. Asks good questions and probes all sources for answers; can see underlying or hidden problems and patterns and doesn’t stop at the first answer.
• Assessment – Is a good judge of behaviors; can clearly articulate the strengths and limitations of people; acts on the information gathered in a timely manner.
• Time Management – Uses his/her time and the time of others effectively and efficiently; sets priorities; executes tasks while balancing important vs. urgent needs.

Cultural Competencies

• Accountable – We rise above our individual circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary to achieve desired results. We live “above the line”, not “below the line”. We don’t make excuses for our shortcomings like “I didn’t know”, “that’s not my job”, “No one told me”, “I didn’t understand”, etc. We practice the four step accountability process of (1) SEE IT. (2) OWN IT. (3) SOLVE IT. (4) DO IT. We manage up.
• Adaptable – We are always open to change so our organization can respond quickly to a problem or opportunity. We understand that standing still or protecting the status quo is not a viable option. We are willing to jump in and make things happen. We focus on impact, use data, quantitative and qualitative, to make decisions, as close to the issue as possible. We understand that with each change there are new opportunities to improve our services AND advance our careers.
• Coachable – We are capable of listening, willing to take constructive feedback and make the necessary changes to be more efficient and effective.
• Confident – We approach our work with confidence giving our many audiences, internal and external, assurance that our brand and outcomes are worth the investment of their time, talent and treasure. We demonstrate our professionalism through our thoughtful work, professional appearance and clear and consistent communication. We regularly, formally and informally, communicate our successes and challenges, not only to our teams and supervisors but with others inside and outside the agency who may be of assistance. We know that EVERYONE is available to assist. We “communicate” with others in ways that can be “heard” and we understand the value of closing the loop in conversations. We also know how to apologize when necessary.
• Resilient – We are always determined to deliver the very best product/program/service AND reach our goals. We are hard workers. We love our work and understand that we must “study our craft” (i.e. read book and articles, attend learning/training sessions, seek out mentors) if we are going to maintain the highest program standards and grow professionally within a high performing agency. When we are knocked down, we focus on the positive, get back up and rebuild.
• Supportive – We recognize that life throws curve balls and some days are tougher than others. We are here to support each other. We show love and respect to all. We believe in teamwork. We work hard together, find time to enjoy each other and celebrate accomplishments, especially those where we have triumphed over great challenges and uncertainty.
• Grateful – We are thankful to ALL who give to our organization – Board of Directors, staff, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, individuals, corporations, foundations, government, in-kind donors (i.e. tickets to sporting events), holiday adopters, Anew renters, etc. We appreciate everyone’s generous engagement in our mission and we find meaningful and consistent ways to show our appreciation and share new opportunities.

EDUCATION & RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience in child development and/or case management preferred.
• Flexible work hours to meet the needs of youth, families, and volunteers. Home visits are required when necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to accomplish projects with little to no supervision
• Strong planning and organization skills
• Fantastic customer service
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and proof reading skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work with a variety of staff and volunteers
• Excellent interpersonal skills both in person and by phone

Typical Profile of a Big Brothers Big Sisters Team Member:

• Someone who knows how to make things happen.
• A thinker who can participate in a team environment to create and execute on new projects and goals.
• A self­-starter who isn’t afraid to work hard. Really hard.
• Someone who understands what it means to “take ownership” and run with it.
• A planner who can map out the steps to success and follow through.
• Someone who is adaptable and quick on their feet.
• Someone who is curious – always on the lookout for the next opportunity, to create and/or improve.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary will be based upon professional and academic experience (salary range – $33,000-$37,000)
• Immediate and 100% coverage on health and dental insurance.
• 10 paid holidays.
• 2 personal days per year following the first ninety days of employment.
• 10 days of paid vacation after one year of service.
• Flexible work schedule – including the opportunity for ½ day Fridays every other week after the successful completion of 3 months employment.
• Accrue 1 day per month of sick leave (can also be used for family illnesses) – can carry up to 30 days of sick leave.
• 401(k) – 3% match per year following first year of employment.
• .54 cents reimbursement on business miles and 100% of out of office parking for business meetings, etc.
• Life insurance, short term and long term disability insurance following the first ninety days of employment.
• 50% contribution toward daily parking in covered garage (employee covers approximately $26.00 per month).
• Annual raises based on performance, culture and agency’s ability.
• Innovative and empowering work environment.
• Opportunities for advancement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Computer Skills Required

• MS Office Suite-Word/Excel
• Internet

PERSONAL PRESENTATION

• Maintain a professional appearance (neat and well groomed).
• Respond professionally to visitors and callers.
• Ability to present and inspire our diverse service area.

COMPANY REPRESENTATION

• Maintain confidentiality and show discretion.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Represent organization in an ethical and professional manner.
• Maintain a complete knowledge of organizational structure, personnel names and titles.
• Remain calm under pressure

TO APPLY

Send your cover letter and resume to hr@bbbsemo.org. No in-person or phone applications will be accepted. Please do not call or inquire in person.

Equal Employment Opportunity

BBBSEMO provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties & responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation.  The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.