SPEP Specialist / Education Program Specialist

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POSITION SPECIFICS

The Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support (EPIS) team in the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center (PRC) at the College of Health and Human Development. is seeking an Education Program Specialist. The successful candidate will be part of a team responsible for the statewide rollout of the Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP), an initiative to apply evidence from meta-analysis to strengthen and improve programs and services for juvenile offenders in Pennsylvania. This position partners with local juvenile probation offices and juvenile justice service providers to engage them in the process of having their practices assessed using the SPEP. This will include supporting the adoption and sustainment of SPEP for the North and South Central counties in PA.

Responsibilities:

• Cultivate, develop, and maintain client relationships and partner with local juvenile probation offices and juvenile justice service providers to engage them in the process of having their practices assessed using the SPEP;

• Schedule SPEP meetings with county probation offices and service providers for each phase of the SPEP (i.e., orientation and readiness; service identification; service classification; quality of service assessment; data collection on service duration and dosage, and youth risk levels; performance improvement; reassessment);

• Guide, review and compile quantitative findings related to services which have been delivered to juveniles, collect detailed descriptive and administrative information from youth programs and services used by county juvenile probation departments;

• Rate those programs and services on their predicted effectiveness at reducing recidivism, based on qualitative and quantitative data gathered and comparison of that information to research findings;

• Facilitate and develop a collaborative, evidence-informed, performance improvement plan with juvenile probation offices and juvenile justice service providers; coordinate meetings, conference calls, and provide supportive and supplementary materials to inform the plan development;

• Travel to sites where SPEP assessments are conducted, serve as region liaison, maintain records, and report on findings.

• Participate in internal workgroups to develop training, policy, and implementation support material for internal and external use; develop and deliver presentations on the SPEP for PA conferences, such as the James E. Anderson Pennsylvania Conference on Juvenile Justice, the PA Council of Children, Youth, and Family Services Conference. Collaborate with SPEP Project Manager and team members in the design and delivery of new trainings for "booster" trainings;

Travel to partner sites, as well as travel to quarterly EPIS staff meetings is required.

SPEP Specialists will be trained in all aspects of the SPEP assessment process and will field train with PA SPEP trainers across the state.

Successful completion of all training requirements leads to certification by Vanderbilt University as a SPEP Specialist. Specialist certification is followed by training and coaching to become a certified SPEP Trainer.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social sciences, education, criminal or juvenile justice, public health, or other related fields is preferred

• Three years experience in juvenile justice probation or service provider organization; five years preferred

• Solution-focused, problem-solving skills, can-do attitude

• Strong diplomacy, relationship building, and collaboration skills

• Well organized; able to identify and execute on priorities among competing demands; strong project management background/skills

• Excellent meeting organization and facilitation skills (meetings, learning communities, phone calls, interviews, developing agendas)

• Ability to work well in teams and maintain high-levels of motivation and self-direction in independent work

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; must be comfortable presenting in front of small and large audiences about complex content

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and web-conference software

• Active on PA Council of Chief Juvenile Probation Officers or Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy Committees

This position has the potential to be performed fully remote within the desired region with occasional travel to the University Park campus for project meetings.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Application:

For full consideration, candidates must include a cover letter and resume with their application. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

To learn more about EPIS, visit: https://epis.psu.edu/

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

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