PROGRAM SPECIALIST- QUALITY ASSURANCE

Neighborhood House Association•San Diego, CA

1d•$36 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Neighborhood House Association (NHA) is a non-profit organization. This position is funded in whole or in part by State and Federal Government funds, and ongoing employment is contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds. NHA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. The purpose of this position is to monitor classrooms in accordance with NHA's Head Start and Early Head Start monitoring plan, procedures, and instruments to ensure compliance with Head Start Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The role involves interpreting Head Start Performance Standards for staff, parents, and the community, and providing follow-up procedures. The QA specialist will review program areas such as Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance (ERSEA), Site Licensing, Health & Safety, Daily Inspection, and Recordkeeping. This role requires conducting unannounced and/or announced site visits to ensure compliance with regulations, collaborating with teams to build consensus on noncompliance concerns, and completing written reports on compliance standards and Corrective Action Plans (CAPs). The specialist will communicate with Center Directors and staff regarding CAPs and site standards, serve as a subject matter expert in SOPs and PRISM reviews, and perform other administrative duties as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Child Development, Human Development, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field; or a Registered Nurse (RN or LCSW).
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience providing direct services to low-income children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of modern theories, methods and practices of Early Childhood Education and Child Development.
Knowledge of modern theories, methods and practices of assigned areas of responsibility and expertise, including early childhood education, social services, emotional and/or physical health, and learning and/or physical disabilities.
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations applicable to the Head Start Program and the assigned areas of responsibility and expertise.
Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Knowledge of goals, objectives, policies and procedures of the NHA Head Start Program.
Knowledge of modern theories, principles and practices of supervision, including training and staff development.
Knowledge of record keeping and filing practices and procedures.
Ability to organize, set priorities and exercise sound independent judgement within areas of assigned responsibility.
Ability to interpret, apply, explain and reach sound decisions in accordance with Program regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to instruct and train individuals in a group setting and one-on-one.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials.
Ability to exercise tact, objectivity, sensitivity, strategy and judgement in dealing with volunteers, parents and staff.
Ability to organize and maintain specialized documentation.
Must have a valid California Driver’s License.
Must meet and maintain state law and county licensing requirements regarding employment in a childcare center (fingerprints, TB, physical, immunizations).

Nice To Haves

Certification in pediatric first aid, CPR must be met within 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

Monitor classrooms in accordance with NHA's Head Start and Early Head Start monitoring plan, procedures, and instruments for noncompliance of Head Start Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Interpret provisions of the Head Start Performance Standards for staff, parents, and the community.
Provide follow-up procedures for staff when appropriate.
Review selected program and manage areas such as Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance (ERSEA), Site Licensing, Health & Safety, Daily Inspection, and Recordkeeping.
Conduct unannounced and/or announced visits to sites to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Work as a team to build consensus on noncompliance concerns.
Complete written reports on assigned areas concerning compliance standards and Corrective Action Plans (CAP).
Communicate with the Center Directors and staff on CAPs and site standards.
Serve as subject matter expert in SOPs and PRISM reviews.
Perform other administrative duties as needed.
Participate as a member of the Quality Assurance/Legal Unit.
Provide ongoing assistance, support, and guidance to center and area staff in the interpretation of the Head Start Performance Standards.
Prepare regular and special status reports.
Write, monitor records and reports of program services to children and families.
Serve as a subject matter expert in one or more areas, including education, health, social services, special needs/disabilities, mental health, training, and career development for staff and center directors.
May be assigned lead/supervisory responsibilities for a widely diverse team of technical and professional staff.

Benefits

15 Holidays Days
401(K) Retirement 6% Match
Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Tuition Reimbursement up $2,500
2 Personal Days
Group Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Agency-Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Live Well Program
4 Paid Days Annual Bereavement (Note Total of 5 days of bereavement leave per loss)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)
Voluntary Benefits: Life and AD&D Accident, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness Insurance
Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)