Ready Region Capital Area Family Engagement Specialist (child Care Specialist Iii)

Job Announcement

Leads the creation and management of the Capital Area region, and the Fairfax local Family Engagement and Partnership plans for the Virginia Unified Early Childhood System. The Ready Region Capital Area consists of the Counties of Fairfax and Arlington and the Cities of Fairfax, Falls Church, and Alexandria. Works in collaboration with regional partners and early childhood stakeholders to develop local and regional family councils that will ensure families are engaged and have the opportunity to provide input regarding early childhood initiatives and systems. Works under the supervision of the Child Care Program Administrator II (Early Childhood Family Partnership Coordinator).

Illustrative Duties

• Provides fiscal management of grants, which may include managing the administrative budget and/or overseeing disbursements to participants;
  
• Interprets federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they apply to programs;
  
• Assists in developing various program policies and procedures;
  
• Performs short- and long-range planning and adjusts systems and resources to match current program strategies;
  
• Researches and writes grants proposals and seeks innovative funding sources;
  
• Approves written communication materials that are disseminated to the public;
  
• Monitors program statistics and oversees production of reports summarizing program accomplishments;
  
• Oversees coordination of services with other governmental programs and community
  
• organizations to enhance effectiveness of partnerships;
  
• Represents the program in task forces including other governmental agencies and community groups;
  
• Oversees and coordinates recruitment and staffing issues.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methodology of assigned area of accountability;
  
• Knowledge of county budget/fiscal policies and procedures;
  
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  
• Ability to perform short- and long-range planning and monitor effectiveness of programs;
  
• Ability to keep current on the latest theories of early childhood development and education;
  
• Ability to work independently and as a leader of a team;
  
• Ability to manage projects and supervise others;
  
• Ability to serve as a supervisor of a training or technical assistance team;
  
• Ability to work collaboratively to build partnerships with other jurisdictions and organizations (e.g. businesses, non-profit entities, etc.).

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, psychology, social work, or a closely related field; plus three years of professional experience in day care administration, early child education, or related human service administration.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and a Child Protective Services Registry check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Human Development, Marriage and Family Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education or closely related field.
• Three years of field experience working directly with children and families and/or family support systems.
• Experience working with diverse cultures of children and family populations.
• Experience working with Early Intervention and families or children with special needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook).
• Knowledge of early childhood family practices and support measures.
• Ability to keep current on the latest theories of early childhood development and education.
• Knowledge of and ability to recognize, cultural, social-emotional, psychological, developmental and educational needs of the child and the importance of one’s family.
• Ability to understand and articulate the needs of marginalized, underserved, and immigrant families.
• Ability to provide the necessary guidance and support for families through the procurement of resources.
• Ability to work collaboratively to build partnerships with other jurisdictions, organizations and Ready Region partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is generally sedentary in nature. However, incumbent may be required to do some walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds. Ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Sufficiently mobile to attend meetings at various locations and make presentations to county staff and community. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.

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