Early Childhood Specialist

County of Santa Barbara•Lompoc, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The County of Santa Barbara FIRST 5 SBC department is seeking an Early Childhood Specialist to oversee the implementation and execution of several grants and short- and long-term projects relating to Improved Child Development, Child Health, and Family Strengthening focus area strategies. This position will coordinate a wide array of support for specific projects contributing to goals mandated by Proposition 10 language. The role requires collaboration across disciplines, with other county departments and community-based organizations, and a working knowledge of birth through age five development. Additionally, this position supports the Communications and Policy Manager and the Deputy Director in identifying messaging and investment opportunities in early childhood development.

Requirements

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, human development, or a related field AND two years of professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data; OR, Possession of an associate’s degree in child development, early childhood education, human development, or a related field AND four years of professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data; OR, Six years of professional experience working with a spreadsheet database (i.e. Smartsheet or Microsoft Excel) for purposes to track and evaluate data; OR, A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required competencies.
Working knowledge and experience in birth through age five development.
Independent travel throughout the county and state may be required.
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of First 5 SBC programs
Ability to make and maintain connections with other County Departments and articulate departmental needs using familiar terms.
Knowledge of Title 5, Title 22, and NAEYC Accreditation guidelines for high-quality early childhood programs.

Responsibilities

Oversees external and special project grants awarded by First 5 SBC by serving as special project liaison with contractors and grantees.
Prepares and submits reports and data as required, both to internal team and external partners.
Works with County Counsel and Operations Specialists to prepare contract agreements, interpret rules and procedures of grant requirements, and ensure accountability and compliance.
Makes recommendations for process improvement to continuously improve efficiency and customer service.
Consults with other county departments and community-based organizations to promote the work of First 5 SBC and educate others on programs and strategic intent.
Participates in meetings and presents data to assist managers and senior administration in making operational and administrative decisions.
Resolves errors associated with data collection and reporting and ensure transmission files are accurate and complete.
Provides technical assistance to funded partners on grant requirements.
Manages requisitions and invoices from submission through receipt for grant specific projects.
Works with the Community Engagement Specialist to plan for and arrange county-wide and regional trainings/workshops/events associated with grant deliverables.
Processes evaluations and facilitate discussions with grant partners by setting clear objectives, timelines, and purpose statements.
Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the job classification.