Program Specialist, Project Thrive

Summary

The Project Thrive Program Specialist supports the day-to-day implementation of the federally funded Project Thrive initiative under the direction of the Coordinator of Project Thrive. The Program Specialist facilitates grant requirements, districtwide implementation, community partnerships, governance, performance monitoring, and sustainability activities associated with Project Thrive’s three-tiered mental and behavioral health framework.

The Program Specialist works across district departments, schools, and community partners to ensure grant activities are implemented as approved, integrated within existing district systems, and completed within established timelines and performance expectations.

This position is grant-funded, and continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding .

Essential Duties

Coordinates implementation of Project Thrive in accordance with the approved federal award, strategic plan, implementation timeline, and district priorities

Develops and maintains the comprehensive project implementation plan, including required activities, milestones, deliverables, responsible parties, and federal deadlines

Coordinates SAMHSA grant requirements, programmatic reporting, continuation of materials, technical assistance activities, and documentation of grant deliverables

Supports integration of Project Thrive’s three-tiered behavioral health framework within GaMTSS and existing district prevention, intervention, crisis, family engagement, and student-support systems

Coordinates cross-functional implementation activities involving district departments, schools, community behavioral health providers, and other project partners

Coordinates the Project Thrive Advisory Board, Community Collaborative, implementation teams, and other project workgroups; tracks decisions and actions through completion

Supports development and implementation of community-provider agreements, referral protocols, performance expectations, and collaborative service-delivery processes

Monitors project implementation, provider capacity, referral and service-access patterns, training participation, and other performance indicators in collaboration with project staff

Identifies implementation barriers, risks, and unmet needs and develops recommendations for continuous improvement and leadership consideration

Coordinates development and annual refinement of the Project Thrive Sustainability Plan and supports integration of effective grant-funded practices into ongoing district operations

Collaborates with the Specialist I, Project Thrive to align implementation, fiscal, procurement, evaluation, and reporting activities

Establishes and maintains productive relationships with district personnel, families, community organizations, behavioral health providers, state agencies, and other stakeholders

Prepares implementation updates, presentations, reports, and recommendations for the coordinator, district leadership, Advisory Board, SAMHSA, and other stakeholders

Maintains appropriate project documentation and confidentiality in accordance with federal requirements, district policy, and applicable regulations

Coordinates professional learning activities such as leadership cohorts, training sessions, and micro credentialing opportunities

Implements grant funded activities in alignment with the approved project plan and maintain a detailed plan outlining responsibilities, tasks, and timelines

Convenes regularly with the grant management team to monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure fidelity to the grant

Manages procurement processes, including the RFQ process for mental‑health service partners

Oversees the grant budget, purchasing processes, and documentation of all expenditures

Ensures compliance with federal reporting requirements by collecting and analyzing data, preparing progress and financial reports, and submitting them for approval and to the funder

Monitors program indicators and present findings to district leaders and stakeholders

articipates in required SAMHSA meetings, technical assistance, professional learning, and grant activities

Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Certification/Licensure

None required

Experience Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of experience working in student support services, behavioral health, program implementation, program coordination, grant management, or related fields. Experience collaborating with school psychologists, social workers, school counselors, crisis intervention teams, and/or community mental health providers preferred. Experience working in K-12 educational settings preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex, interdependent programs or initiatives

Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities, projects, and responsibilities

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

Proficiency with data systems, spreadsheets, and project management tools

Knowledge of project management, program implementation, and continuous improvement practices

Knowledge of school-based mental and behavioral health, prevention, intervention, and multi-tiered systems of support

Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and collaborate across departments and partner organizations

Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with independence

Working Conditions

Normal office environment

Requires local travel between schools and administrative sites as needed

Physical Demands

Routine physical activities typical of work in an office environment