Senior Technical Assistance Specialist

Description

The Senior Technical Assistance Specialist is responsible for overseeing the comprehensive technical assistance provided to programs that are public schools and/or Head Start who are participating in GROW NJ Kids in the North Region. Sr. TA Specialist will provide supervision of a team of Technical Assistance Specialists in their work with DOE/Head Start programs and providers to address the (5) identified components of the GNJK Standards. Sr. TA Specialists will also provide technical assistance to a smaller case load as assigned by the Program Manager.

Requirements

Education: A master’s degree in early childhood or related field) and 3+ years' experience with early childcare and education, children and families OR bachelor’s degree in early childhood or related field) and 5+ years' experience with early childcare and education, children and families.

Requirements: 

Experience providing TA to GNJK centers/providers who have achieved a quality rating required. Experience building and developing community networks required. Candidates must possess practical and managerial field experience. Prior supervisory experience with direct reports is preferred. 

· An understanding of GROW NJ Kids quality rating and improvement system that includes related content knowledge, planning expertise, process expertise and topical expertise.

· Knowledge and understanding of developmental screenings and working with children with special needs, inclusion practices, intervention strategies for children with challenging behaviors, national health and safety standards, nutrition and special diets, and higher level early childhood curriculum expertise.

· Strong written and oral communication skills.

· Proven ability to build relationships with people at all levels.

· Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural diversity and its impact on planning and provision of services.

· Demonstrated expertise in program planning, development and implementation.

· Demonstrated expertise in community organization and collaboration building.

· Demonstrated ability to solve problems independently.

· Computer proficiency in Microsoft applications like TEAMS, EXCEL, WORD as well as other applications used in organizing data and creating presentations. Highly organized, motivated and flexible.

Desired Qualifications Include: 

· Native language speaking abilities in Spanish. 

· Knowledge of childcare program best practices, curriculums, and assessment tools (strongly desired) and family child care systems.

· Knowledge of 7 counties that make up northern NJ region and resources in those counties

· Demonstrated ability to present information formally and informally to large and small groups. 

· Valid Driver’s license with the ability to provide proof of ongoing automobile insurance coverage is required. This position will require reimbursable local and statewide travel utilizing personal vehicle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

· Supervise a team of full-time Technical Assistance Specialists daily and provide administrative supervision to identify strengths, challenges, professional development needs, and to build staff skills and expertise through reflective supervision. 

· Maintain site visit calendars to ensure obligations are efficiently planned and executed

· Conduct ongoing performance evaluations of supervisees in compliance with CJFHC requirements.

· Facilitate team meetings with individual team members and group meetings as well as with Program Manager.

· Monitor program activities, documentation, data entry, and service levels. Collect and review staff monthly reports and assess program outcomes. Support, mentor and coach Center Directors and Administrators and Family Child Care Providers to help them move successfully through the GROW NJ Kids quality rating and improvement system standards by providing on-site, individualized technical assistance and developing tools/resource kits. This includes: 

· Collecting and analyzing program data, assisting the site with using the data to guide practice 

· Providing guidance to the participating early childhood education program as they complete the Grow NJ Kids Self-Assessment. 

·  Identifying goals, assessing the program’s strengths and challenges, and assisting programs through the development of a quality improvement plan, approvals of incentives, and rating request.

· Must have attended training sessions to become accountable and/or reliable in at least one Environmental Rating Scales (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, & FCCERS-3). Use skills and knowledge gained during training to enhance TA services provided.

· Oversee the development of a best-practices inventory in the 5 Grow NJ Kids Categories. 

· Help to coordinate and facilitate quarterly webinars and communities of practice networking meetings.

· Collaborate with key stakeholders regionally and statewide to promote & support Grow NJ Kids implementation. This includes facilitating ongoing relationships with other Quality Initiatives through DFD. Partners include Rutgers GNJK Training Services, NJCCIS Workforce Registry and Data System, GNJK Rating Center at Montclair State University (MSU), the Social Emotional Formation consultation at MSU (SEFI), Early Childhood Leadership Institute (ECLI) at Rowan University, local county CCRR’s and other school and community based agencies.

· Collaborate with other Sr TA Specialists on special projects.

· Represent Grow NJ Kids both outside and inside the agency.

· Monitor each program’s/provider’s activities and progress.

· Submit quarterly data reports to regional program director. 

· Assist Director in the preparation of all reports for grant contracts as assigned

· Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Working Conditions:

There are no unusual work conditions associated with this position.  Noise level in the office is moderate. Professional/business attire is required. Employees are required to attend meetings at external locations and will therefore experience external weather conditions while in transit to and from various locations. 

Physical Requirements:

This position requires frequent driving that can be long distances and typing and the ability to occasionally lift up to twenty pounds of materials or equipment.

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and responsibilities that are required by the employee.