School Readiness Specialist

Position Primary Purpose: This position works under the direction of United Way of Lane County's Director of Education and Lane Education Service District's Project Coordinator to support the implementation of the Lane African American/Black Student Success Plan.  This position focuses on providing outreach and assistance to African American/Black families to support improved kindergarten readiness of their children and build a consistent approach and aligned pathway between early childhood and K-3 education to promote enrollment of African American/Black early learners.

This position is dependent on grant funding with potential for annual renewals. It is 1.0 FTE (8 hours/day), 230 days per year.

A. Support and implement the Lane African American/Black Student Success Plan.

1. Develop or augment activities that effectively promote school readiness with the goal of supporting African American/Black student success.
   1. Conduct home visits
   2. Conduct preschool visits
   3. Conduct parent training
   4. Collect information on student growth
2. Collect, compile and review School Readiness Needs Assessment information for planning purposes.
3. Compile data and develop reports on school readiness activities.
4. Review current research on early childhood education for students and families.
5. Develop and maintain relationships with community partners for the purpose of collaboration on common school readiness goals/activities.
6. Provide training to parents on methods to support their child's social and academic development and readiness for school.
7. Serve as resource to consortium districts staff and preschools regarding community resources to support school readiness.
8. Compile data and reports on services provided.
9. Participate in committees and work groups focused on improving early learning outcomes for African American/Black children and families.

B. Effectively engage with individuals in a culturally appropriate and responsive manner.

C. Support the efforts and activities of the Lane African American/Black Student Success Project staff focused on graduation, family engagement, online education, and program data as required.

D. Attend State meetings and trainings as required.

E. Perform other duties as assigned.

Secondary Functions

Provide project support, as needed, to other Early Learning Alliance projects and committees.

Provide responsive, courteous assistance to internal and external stakeholders.

Consistently read and respond to all correspondence, including emails.

Perform additional duties as assigned and work in other departments as required.

Previous Experience

Two or more years of experience in early childhood education settings is required.  Experience working with families from diverse backgrounds including socio-economic status, race, ethnicity and language is required.  Experience conducting home visits and collecting developmental assessment information preferred.

Education

Associates of Arts Degree and more than two years of advanced education/experience in the field of education or social services is required.   A score of 9 on the Oregon Registry (Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education) may be considered as an alternative to an AA degree.   Bachelor degree in early childhood education preferred. 

Demonstrated Abilities

A valid Oregon driver's license or ability to obtain one by date of hire is required. 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in grammar, spelling, and editing/proofreading.

Ability to learn and apply the state regulations for the Lane African American/Black Student Success Project (LAABSSP).  Knowledge of education, health and social services available preferred. 

Positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and desire to provide excellent customer service.

Dependable, flexible, and good-natured with strong professional work habits.

Existing familiarity with local nonprofits that serve families with young children a plus.

Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, district-specific software, and databases is required

Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks

Attention to detail and problem-solving ability with a high degree of accuracy

Ability to learn quickly and work independently

Complete job learning time may take from three to six months.

Physical

Sitting or standing continuously for periods of four hours, communicate verbally, communicate in writing, faculty of seeing and hearing, operate keyboard. Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.  Occasional bending, squatting, at ground level.  Occasional reaching above shoulder level to reach supplies overhead.  Continuous use of hands in repetitive tasks such as simple grasping, twisting, turning of wrists; finger dexterity to perform various duties such as data entry or writing.  Continuous speaking and hearing for interactions with volunteers and coworkers.  Continuous clarity of vision at 20 inches or less for normal daily computer tasks. 

Mental

Interpersonal interactions, problem solving, short and long term planning, analyzing and evaluating, decision making, discretion/confidentiality, math skills, teamwork, handling of multiple tasks. Frequent use of judgment, reasoning, patience, and negotiating in working with volunteers and coworkers.

 Environmental

Work is performed in an office environment but also requires mobility within the office.  May be required to travel to other facilities and various locations for job related training, meetings and events.

 NOTE:  Job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job.  They are intended to be accurate reflections of those principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about jobs.

Position Status:  Full time, Non-Exempt, Grade 2

Salary Range:  $16 - $18 per hour

Benefits: We offer a generous benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, a defined contribution retirement plan, tax deferred savings options, and generous annual paid time off (PTO) accrual of 20 days and 8 holidays as described in the United Way of Lane County Personnel Policy Manual.

UWLC encourages women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and representatives of protected classes to apply. EOE/ADA employer.

Position is open until filled.  We will begin reviewing applications on September 30, 2019.

Go to www.unitedwaylane.org for more information about our organization.

Current Openings for School Readiness Specialist Jobs at United Way of Lane County