TITLE

Professional Development Specialist

REPORTS TO

Assistant Head Start Director

POSITION CLASSIFICATION

Regular Full-Time, Non-Exempt

$19.96 - $24.67 

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for designing, conducting, or initiating professional development opportunities for all staff. Incumbent will establish and implement a system for professional development insuring proper accountabilityconsistent with performance standards and company policies. Will provide teaching support and coaching staff within the Head Start/Early Head Start Program.

skills & education requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Special Education, Social Work or related field. Early Childhood Education experience. Individual must be able to satisfactorily perform duties and;

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing with the ability to write reports and business correspondence; have the ability to effectively present information; Spanish speaking ability a plus
• Cooperate successfully as a member of a team
• Possess good organizational skills, with sensitivity to details
• Proficiency with computer operations and possess skills preferably with MS Office

ADDITIONAL job requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle with required liability insurance for use in business related travel
• Must be able to work at various sites under different supervisors
• Must ensure efficient operations and present a professional image in conduct, attitude and attire
• Must be philosophically compatible with the mission of PACE
• Preferred COVID-19 vaccination

Childcare Requirements

• Free from Child Abuse and Neglect
• Annual TB test
• National Fingerprint check every three years
• State criminal history and sex offender check every five years
• Pre-employment drug test & physical examination certification
• Physical examination recertification every four years

Essential Duties & responsibilities

• Advocate for early childhood education through ensuring quality services to children, families and the community - be a liaison for the corporation and program within the community.
• Assess education staff to identify strengths and areas of needed support.
• Offer coaching strategies to help staff utilize high quality teaching practices, providing resources in developmentally appropriate practices and compliant with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Be an active part of a multi-disciplinary team for challenging behaviors.
• Train staff to ensure the comprehension and implementation of Active Supervision, curriculum components, and intentional planning.
• Observe, collect data, and provide feedback on teacher/home visitor teaching practices.
• Learn and effectively use CLASS, to assist teaching staff in strengthening interactions and the classroom environment. Complete CLASS observations as required.
• Identify employee training needs and recommend training initiatives.
• Assist with updating the program’s Training and Technical Assistance Plan and in planning professional development activities.
• Travel to different sites within our service area.
• Attend all assigned training and meetings.
• Develop and maintain a basic understanding of the corporation to include its programs, services, and policies.
• Encourage volunteerism and participate in other activities to generate in-kind.
• Submit timely, accurate and complete reports.
• Comply with funding source guidelines, company, state, and federal regulations.

Physical/Mental Demands

Requires sitting, standing, stooping, bending, and reaching with manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, scanners, tablets, fax machines, calculators, copiers, telephones, and other office equipment. May require lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis. Requires ability to set priorities and work schedule yet adjust to changes necessitated by last minute assignments and deadline requests that may prove stressful. Consistent pleasant attitude is necessary with personal maturity as an important attribute. Must relate and interact with people at all levels of the company and in a culturally diverse environment.

Pace is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. Contact Human Resources to request a reasonable accommodation.