Senior Community Program Specialist

This position is part of the Positive Schools Center, an initiative of The Center for Restorative Change at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. The Senior Community Program Specialist (Community School Coordinator) partners with a Baltimore City Public School to plan, organize, and coordinate resources, networks, and partnerships to improve the well-being of Baltimore’s residents through a Community School model.

About the Role

The Senior Community Program Specialist leads a Community School model tailored to the interests and strengths of students and families, fostering a more positive and engaged school community. The role is located full-time at one Baltimore City Elementary, Middle, or High School and collaborates with school administration and the Positive Schools Center to align programs, services, and opportunities.

The Positive Schools Center (PSC) provides coaching, staff development, community school programming, and policy recommendations to Maryland schools. The PSC’s work is grounded in racial justice and equity, embedding restorative approaches, trauma-responsive strategies, social-emotional learning, and community voice into school routines, policies, and culture.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide task supervision to graduate social work students in conducting social work assessments that examine risks and strengths of children and their families in elementary, middle, and high schools.
• Support graduate students in developing service plans using strength-based approaches and best practices for navigating the educational system.
• Implement needs-driven, high-quality partnership programs in adherence with the community school model, including expanded learning, enrichment opportunities, mental/health services, parent/family engagement, adult education, and interventions for chronically absent students.
• Advise the principal on integrating partners and community members into school governance structures (e.g., school leadership, attendance teams) and monitor progress to ensure high-quality programming.
• Provide culturally responsive training, guidance, and support to teachers, administrators, staff, and community partners on restorative practices and addressing systemic oppression, including mental health, trauma, community violence, racialized history of Baltimore City, unemployment, and substance use.
• Convene and staff the site-based Community School Leadership Team, a coordinating body co-led by the principal, to identify needs, set priorities, and coordinate strategies.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, meetings, or community events aligned with strategic goals; coordinate logistics, scheduling, and participant communications, including social media.
• Oversee daily operations of the community school strategy, organize program activities, and set priorities.
• Maintain and facilitate program data in compliance with funding agency requirements; collect, complete, and submit program information for reporting, marketing, and communications.
• Assist in evaluating program effectiveness, developing improved methods, and recommending appropriate actions.
• Participate in network meetings and trainings related to the Community School strategy city-wide and initiatives led by the Positive Schools Center.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree is required; MSW is preferred.
• One (1) year of experience in social service program coordination, development, oversight, or administration, preferably in an urban school setting.
• Licensed Master of Social Work in the State of Maryland is preferred.

Skills

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of best practices in public schools and out-of-school time programming, as well as relevant federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
• Ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize relevant data for decision-making regarding children and families.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to manage situations with tact, diplomacy, understanding, and fairness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with teams, individuals, and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of the experiences of historically marginalized racial groups in the U.S.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package prioritizing wellness, work/life balance, and professional development.
• Retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) effective on date of hire.
• Generous paid leave package: over 4 weeks of vacation accrued annually, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, and unlimited accrual of sick time.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional learning and development programs.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable).

Pay

$70,000 - $77,000, commensurate with education and experience.