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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 supervises 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…