Preschool Quality Assurance Specialist (3253)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is seeking a talented Preschool Quality Assurance Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 5:30pm.

Purpose and Impact:

The Preschool Quality Assurance Specialist seeks to perform the duties required to monitor activities conducted at Head Start/Early Head Start sites to meet compliance mandates defined by the Head Start Performance Standards. Participates in the HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor quality and compliance at assigned sites, such as: education files, licensing requirements, referral systems for families and children, provision of social services, and ERSEA systems.
• Assesses curriculum implementation throughout the agency on an ongoing basis.
• Provides CLASS observations for all teaching staff on a rotating basis.
• Serve as a resource to the staff at assigned sites in the areas of mental health, nutrition, education, social services, etc.
• As needed, assist in the provision of parent training to parents of enrolled children in areas such as community resources, ERSEA, and child development.
• Meet monthly with site managers/liaisons to keep them abreast of new developments in the Head Start Program on state regional and national levels or program changes concerning Head Start/Early Head Start.
• Generate and analyze reports as requested and use this information to implement strategies as needed to contribute to continuous quality improvements.
• Submit monthly to the Director of Continuous Quality Improvement via the QA Manager compliance reports detailing on-site observations and action taken.
• Prepare monthly narrative report outlining activities, concerns and recommendations.
• Work with staff to ensure the development and maintenance of an effective, informative, supportive, and inviting environment for staff, children, parents, and community volunteers.
• Work as part of the Head Start leadership team in long- and short-term planning for Head Start.
• Assist in the creation of procedures, documents, and other systems to maintain compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Assist the QA Manager and Director of Continuous Quality Improvement in managing the maintenance of accurate program data.
• Participate in strategic planning for all quality assurance initiatives.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to HS/EHS children, families and staff in accordance with LSF and HS/EHS policies and procedures.
• Attends training and workshops as directed.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings, as well as Committee meetings, as directed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions:

Note: The duties above 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 some or all of the activities described above.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and lift or move up to 15 pounds.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Verbal and auditory ability to communicate effectively with staff, partners, and stakeholders.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Education:

Requires a bachelors degree in Social Work, Social Services, Early Childhood Education OR Early Childhood Development; OR Business Administration with relevant experience related to Head Start Operations.

Experience:

• Requires two years of experience working in a social services or education management or specialist position.
• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.
• Also required: Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check and drug screening prior to hiring.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Head Start philosophy, goals and regulations.
• Knowledge and experience with Head Start specific software packages.
• Math skills needed to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages and overtime.
• Computer skills to produce and interpret graphs, charts, spreadsheets and other mathematical reports.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; make recommendations and develop implementation strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to interpret agency, federal and state laws pertaining to the program.
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail are required and the candidate must be able to meet designated deadlines.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service populations cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Team player with co-workers and central service office staff.
• Cost effective program operations.
• Adherence to agency policies, procedures and performance standards.
• Effective customer service and group leadership.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
  • Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.