Preschool Specialist; Black​/African American Cultural KSA)

• Pay Range: $40.27 - $49.52 Hourly
• Department: Department of County Human Services (DCHS)
• Job Type: Regular
• Represented Exemption Status: United States of America (Non-Exempt)
• Closing Date: October 27, 2026

The Preschool and Early Learning (PEL) Division, a part of Multnomah County Department of County Human Services (DCHS), is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual with advanced knowledge of and extensive experience serving Black and African American communities to provide services as a Preschool Specialist. Multnomah County voters chose to invest in high-quality, culturally affirming, joyous early learning opportunities for all 3 and 4 year-old children.

This investment will transform educational experiences for young children and their families and we want you to help make it a success! As the Preschool Specialist with the Preschool & Early Learning Division in the Department of County Human Services (DCHS), you will play a key role in the implementation and success of the Preschool for All initiative. In this role, having advanced knowledge of and extensive experience with Black/African American communities is essential to delivering culturally responsive services, building trust, and advancing racial equity.

You will bring a deep understanding of the traditions, values, customs, and history of the community being served. You will design and implement program elements and supports for contracted preschool providers with a specific focus on racial equity. You will support the development and coordination of preschool program policies and projects. You will help gather and utilize input from providers of color and culturally specific organizations to inform system improvements.

You will act as a program representative for the Preschool & Early Learning Division with school districts, community partners, and preschool providers. Your experience and demonstrated commitment to racial justice will guide Preschool for All to build and sustain strong partnerships with preschool providers that are founded on a shared goal of high-quality, culturally affirming experiences for Black, Indigenous, and Families of Color.

• Develop strong partnerships with Black, Indigenous and Providers of Color, Child Care Resource & Referral, and other community partners.
• Support the development of policies and strategic planning for the Preschool for All program based on the needs and feedback of preschool families and providers, racial equity, and trauma-informed practices.
• Act as subject matter expert about early childhood programs, including preschool best practices, quality measurements, and culturally relevant approaches within the preschool initiative.
• Utilize expertise in early childhood education to recommend and implement guidelines, program supports, and procedures for growth of culturally uplifting, developmentally appropriate preschool experiences for children in Multnomah County.
• Develop and maintain communication and reporting systems for Pilot Site programs.
• Act as a main point of contact for a caseload of PFA Preschool providers to provide ongoing support and technical assistance.
• Onboard new preschool programs, provide responsive, ongoing communication and support, and oversee contractual requirements.
• Cultivate relationships with partners across multiple jurisdictions, disciplines and community groups to ensure strong communication and collaboration across the new preschool system.
• Support the development and ongoing coordination of workflows and communication procedures between providers, PFA Intermediary Organizations, Child Care Resource & Referral, and the Preschool and Early Learning Division.
• Develop program manuals, training plans, and other needed documents regarding programmatic requirements and supports.
• Develop informational resources and materials and conduct trainings for preschool providers, educators, coaches and community partners.
• Collaborate and communicate with the other members of the Policy and Partnerships team to create and implement effective cross-sector strategies.

• Knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding equity, inclusion, implicit bias, institutional racism, and other forms of systemic oppression.
• Knowledge and understanding of cultures, customs and social experiences of communities experiencing marginalization and barriers to opportunity, especially for Black and Indigenous child care…