Professional Development Specialist
TITLE: Professional Development Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood & Family Development
REPORT TO: Manager of Early Childhood Development
DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood & Family Development
REPORT TO: Manager of Early Childhood Development
SALARY RANGE: 5
CLASSIFICATION: 9
STATUS: Non-Exempt Position
CLASSIFICATION: 9
STATUS: Non-Exempt Position
JOB SUMMARY
The Professional Development Specialist is responsible for the professional development of the Education staff and will participate in the implementation of professional development plans, provide individualized coaching, and facilitate learning communities, and is responsible for the direct supervision of Supervising Home-Based Educators.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
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Bachelor’s degree in a related field equivalent knowledge base gained through lived experience or through formal schooling, independent study, short course or other applicable arrangements.
Education may be waived with significant job related experience
Experience
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More than 1 year
Authorization
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DHS Background Study
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Valid Driver’s License
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Employee Physical
Work Environment
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Community Facing – Direct interaction or communication with a public.
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Activity-Based – Workers can switch between different workspaces.
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Hybrid – Flexible work model that is a blend of in-office, remote, and/or on-the-go.
SKILLS, ABILITIES, & OTHER KNOWLEDGE
Skills
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Excellent oral and/or written communications skills.
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Ability to manage time that results in both a satisfactory quantity and quality of work.
Ability
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Support the Mission of the Agency through daily work and while representing the Agency in public.
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Have general knowledge of programs and activities of the Agency.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
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Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis.
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Must be able to organize a work schedule, set priorities and work effectively to meet deadlines without supervision.
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Must be able to adjust to changes necessitated by last minute assignments and deadlines requests that may prove stressful.
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Ability to effectively work across differences, especially socio-economic and cultural differences.
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Attend trainings, classes and meetings as necessary to improve job skills and maintain an acceptable level of job performance.
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Serve as a mentor for new staff.
Other Knowledge
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Have knowledge and apply Agency policies and procedures, including safety, technology, data practices and other applicable policy, procedure and program regulations.
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Understand numbers and mathematical concepts.
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Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local guidelines, codes, regulations, for implementation and reporting requirements.
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Working knowledge of child abuse laws, Mandated Reporting, Head Start Performance Standards, State licensing requirements, United States Department of Agriculture guidelines and community resources.
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Working Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Desired Results Developmental Profile.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned.
Area 1: Program Operations
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Demonstrate appropriate adult/child interaction consistent with established Early Childhood Best Practices.
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Act as a resource for all assigned staff.
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Support Education Staff in their individual professional development goals.
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Maintain CLASS Certification and conduct CLASS observations.
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Conduct any Federal, State, or internally required assessments as assigned.
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Possess a working knowledge of all program curricula, assessment, and monitoring tools.
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Utilize assessment data to drive coaching strategies aligned with program performance goals.
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Follow Practice-Based Coaching model.
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Provide individual coaching as needed or requested that focuses on effective curricula implementation, knowledge of the content in Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (birth-5), providing effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, supporting dual language learners as appropriate, addressing challenging behaviors, preparing children for transitions, and improving child outcomes for all children.
Area 2: Program Compliance
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Adhere to and be able to articulate and utilize when performing responsibilities:
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Program philosophy
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Head Start Performance Standards
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Head Start Service Area Plans
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Active Supervision
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Standards of Conduct
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Personnel and Administrative policies
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Agency Mission Statement
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Blood Borne Pathogens Policy
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Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) Policy
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Data Privacy Policy
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Minnesota Statute Rule 9502 (Rule 2)/9503 (Rule 3)/245A
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Provide direction to maintain compliance with policies and regulations pertinent to job.
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Articulate and carry out appropriate emergency procedures.
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Complete a Professional Development Plan and review with supervisor regularly.
Area 3: Program Development
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Attend staff meetings and participate in training opportunities offered by the Agency.
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Be an active team member with co-workers and partners, if applicable, in accomplishing Program goals, objectives and assignments.
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Provide training to staff on topics within scope of expertise.
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Facilitate small group learning communities that focus on effective curricula implementation, knowledge of the content in Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (birth-5) and Minnesota Early Learning Outcomes, providing effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, supporting dual language learners as appropriate, addressing challenging behaviors, preparing children for transitions, and improving child outcomes for all children
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Participate in developing appropriate in-service, child development and pre-service training sessions for Education Staff.
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Team with supervisors regarding staff progress.
Area 4: Program Communication
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Actively participate in Program recruitment and marketing activities.
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Maintain all applicable required records, and submit all applicable reports, data entry, and paperwork in a timely manner as required by supervisor.
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Ensure ongoing communication between Department Director, staff supervisors, and any other relevant staff.
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Create and maintain an accurate electronic succession plan for your position.
Area 5: Supervision
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Provide direct supervision to the Supervising Home-Based Educators.
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Conduct regular meetings for supervised staff.
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Provide each supervised staff member with observation visits, performance evaluations and regular on-going communication and guidance. guidance throughout the year, and complete annual performance evaluations and Professional Development Plans for each staff supervised.
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Provide recommendations for Training and Technical Assistance opportunities.
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Act as a lead resource for home-based staff.
JOB FACTORS
Supervision of Others
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Responsible for assigning, instructing, and checking the work of 1 to 3 other employees in 2 or more geographic location
Safety of Others
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Modest amount of responsibility for the safety of others. Compliance with established safety regulations for the job performed mitigates exposure to injury of self or others.
Contacts
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Contact is both inside and outside the agency, and may include formal presentations.
Physical Demand
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Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
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Requires sitting, standing, bending, stooping and reaching.
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Physical ability to operate equipment specific to your position.
Travel
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Must have reliable transportation.
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Must have valid driver’s license and current auto insurance coverage in compliance with Minnesota State guidelines on the vehicle used for work related travel.
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Travel for completion of job duties, trainings and meetings as required.
GENERAL AGENCY REQUIREMENTS
Professionalism
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Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters good relations with customers, co-workers, providers, volunteers and supervisors.
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Treat customers, co-workers and public in a respectful and courteous manner at all times.
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Continue to develop skills and abilities.
Community Representation
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Represent Lakes and Pines Community Action, Inc. in a positive manner.
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Adhere to the Community Action Code of Ethics.
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Seek to understand poverty and barriers faced by community members.
Confidentiality
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Maintain confidentiality of agency, program and customer information.
An Equal Opportunity Employer/Contractor
In accordance with federal and state laws, Lakes and Pines CAC is an equal opportunity employer, contractor and provider of services. The Agency will maintain a
policy of non– discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. All aspects of employment within
the Agency will be governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any
manner by race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, public assistance status, marital status, veteran status,
sexual orientation, or gender identity,status as a parent, familial status, or in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.
If an applicant needs reasonable accommodations for the employment application process, please contact Lakes and Pines either by phone, mail, email or in person and request such consideration. (Such as sign language, interpreter, materials in large print, accessibility)
Individuals are encouraged to complete an Employment Application form whether or not a vacancy currently exists. Employment applications will be kept on file for one year and will be considered for appropriate job vacancies.
If an applicant needs reasonable accommodations for the employment application process, please contact Lakes and Pines either by phone, mail, email or in person and request such consideration. (Such as sign language, interpreter, materials in large print, accessibility)
Individuals are encouraged to complete an Employment Application form whether or not a vacancy currently exists. Employment applications will be kept on file for one year and will be considered for appropriate job vacancies.