Posted: April 13, 2026
Expires: June 12, 2026

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio

709 Madison Avenue, Suite 215, Toledo, OH 43604

Program Specialist

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Program Manager
Salary Range: $37,440 – $45,000 (DOE)
Monthly Stipend: $400
Cell Reimbursement: $50/month
Benefits: YMCA Membership
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Evenings/Weekends as needed)

Position Summary

The Program Specialist plays a critical role in delivering high-quality mentoring, prevention, and youth development programming across Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio. This position integrates direct match support services with school-based prevention and community outreach initiatives.

The Program Specialist is responsible for ensuring safe, effective, and impactful mentoring relationships while also leading evidence-based prevention programming focused on youth mental health, substance abuse prevention, and positive youth development. This role builds strong relationships with youth, families, volunteers, schools, and community partners to strengthen protective factors and improve outcomes for youth across Lucas and Wood Counties.

Key Responsibilities

Mentoring & Match Support

Provide ongoing supervision and support to Big/Little matches through regular monthly contact
Assess match relationships, youth progress, and volunteer engagement
Offer coaching, resources, and intervention strategies to volunteers, youth, and families
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all interactions in agency systems
Identify and respond to youth safety concerns and ensure compliance with agency standards
Facilitate match closures, transitions, or reassignments as needed
Support volunteer and youth retention through engagement and recognition efforts

Prevention Programming & Youth Development

Deliver evidence-based prevention curricula (e.g., substance abuse prevention, mental health awareness, Botvin LifeSkills Training)
Promote resistance to risky behaviors through individual, school, and community-level strategies
Provide education on mental wellness, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed care
Facilitate student groups, peer leadership initiatives, and youth-led programming
Develop and lead workshops for youth, families, and community stakeholders

School & Community Engagement

Serve as liaison between schools, families, and community service providers
Build strong relationships with school administrators, staff, and student support teams
Coordinate referrals and connect youth/families to appropriate community resources
Lead parent engagement initiatives and prevention coalitions
Represent the organization at community events, workshops, and outreach efforts

Program Implementation & Evaluation

Assist in program planning, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts
Track outcomes, maintain compliance, and support quality assurance standards
Collect and analyze data to measure program effectiveness and impact
Support grant deliverables and reporting requirements

Core Competencies

Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
Sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability
High level of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
Cultural competence and the ability to work with diverse populations
Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and youth development principles
Understanding of HIPAA and confidentiality regulations (CFR 42)

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, human services, psychology, or related field required
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in youth services, mentoring, prevention, or case management
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
Waivers may be granted for candidates who have completed internships in similar fields (e.g., youth services, prevention programming, mentoring, or community outreach) and can demonstrate relevant competencies and applied experience

Certifications & Training Requirements

Must obtain within 12 months of hire:

Registered Applicant (RA) or Ohio Prevention Certification (or equivalent)

Required trainings within first year:

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid
Suicide Prevention
Trauma-Informed Care
First Aid, CPR & AED
Classroom Management Strategies
Botvin LifeSkills Training
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)

Upon successful completion of all required certifications and training, the Program Specialist will be promoted to Sr. Program Specialist with an automatic 10% salary increase.

Additional Requirements

Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
Successful background check and child abuse registry clearance
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
Must not have any founded child abuse or neglect findings

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally

Position Impact

This role is essential to advancing BBBSNWO’s mission by combining mentoring excellence with prevention and early-intervention strategies, ensuring that youth not only build strong relationships but also develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed in life.

Submit Resume to BBBSNWO@bbbsnwo.org