Head Start Services Specialist (IT)

Job Overview

Performs duties assisting with the coordination of services to pre-kindergarten children and conducts community outreach programs.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Head Start/Early Head Start Services Specialist (IT) position will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems (IS), Cybersecurity, Computer or Software Engineering, or other related Information Technology (IT) Degree. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience troubleshooting basic computer issues. Must be able to handle a high volume of work, prioritizing tasks when handling multiple assignments. Head Start knowledge and/or experience a plus.

Salary

Minimum: $20.22/hourly

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Establishes and conducts outreach and recruitment programs to ensure enrollment of eligible children.
• Conducts Individual Education Plan meetings to determine services needed to meet the special needs of each child.
• Monitors the Individual Education Plan to assure that identified services are provided.
• Refers children with disabilities for placement in kindergarten and provides parent/child transition services such as parent involvement, familiarity with school requirements and onsite visits.
• Organizes and maintains both manual and computerized health record keeping systems in accordance with federal standards regarding control and confidentiality.
• Compiles data on enrolled children using classroom observations and interviews with parents and teachers.
• Writes narratives and reports.
• Acts as liaison between staff, parents, and participating agencies in planning and conducting nutrition service programs designed to assist in meeting the needs of children.
• Encourages parent participation as paid employees, volunteers or observers in Head Start activities such as program planning and classroom activities.
• Refers families of Head Start children to community-based family support programs.
• Assists with coordination of the Head Start Transportation System.
• Assists with development and implementation of strategies for achieving educational objectives.
• Evaluates educational services at Head Start Centers to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Develops and conducts staff/parent training/education in the areas of health, child behavioral/development, and referral resources.
• Assist in inspecting Head Start Centers to ensure compliance with fire, health and safety requirements.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing education and health service for children with disabilities.
• Knowledge of developmental/child psychology.
• Knowledge of social services and community resources available for pre-kindergarten children and their families.
• Knowledge of human behavior and social problems.
• Skill in the application of interviewing techniques.
• Ability to work effectively with disabled children as well as others.
• Ability to collect, organize and evaluate data and to develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and implement social service and basic education training programs.

Physical Requirements

• This job is performed in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms.
• This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Work Category

• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from an accredited four-year degree granting college or university with a major in a Social or Behavioral Science or Education; OR
• An equivalent combination of education (not less than a High School Diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted below.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.