TRS Mentor Program Specia

POSITION PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to provide on-site assessment, mentoring and technical support to contracted childcare providers in their pursuit of obtaining Texas Rising Star (TRS) status. The TRS Mentor Program Specialist will work closely with child care providers ensuring and supporting quality programs within regulated child care centers and home based care. The TRS Mentor will travel up to 60% of the time, within the seventy-county region. The TRS Mentor -Program Specialist will facilitate professional development to child care providers and staff in support of various topics of early childhood education. Work involves preparing and reviewing contract material; taking bids; reviewing training provider applications; participating in monthly Board meetings; handling public information request; managing property, supplies and inventory; Will monitor using local and state developed systems. Will work under minimum supervision using initiative and independent judgment. Will report directly to the Childcare Coordinator and through supervisory channels to the Workforce Board Program Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 Provides administrative and technical management of Texas Rising Star (TRS) retention and training of childcare providers.

• Prepare support materials, agendas and meeting materials as needed.
• Assists with planning, preparation and implantation of Lunch & Learn events and childcare conferences.
• Writes policies and procedures as needed to implement new TRS guidance and other programs assigned.
•  Provides TRS assistance and training to provider staff regarding TRS eligibility, policy, and documentation procedures. Conducts technical reviews of TRS provider for compliance. Reviews training provider error reports and provides corrective action training. 
• Observe childcare centers and classes for compliance with TRS standards as well as recommends strategies for improvement.
• Reviews contract plans, amendments, and renewals to ensure correctness and adherence to procedural requirements as assigned. 
• Resolves billing problems with third parties. Prepare invoices tracking system status reports as required by the Child Care Coordinator. 
• Reviews reports of statistical information and ensure data accurately reflects the status of the contract activity. 
• Prepare reports and recommendations regarding the renewal or termination of TRS contracts.
• Develops, reviews, and communicates on Workforce policies, procedures, standards, and methods as assigned.
• Plans and prepares reports, manuals, and publications.
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• BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

This position requires the employee to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

• Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition.
• Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; and listens effectively. Demonstrates the ability to develop audiovisual presentations to both internal and external audiences.
• Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and does fair share of work
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed; attends, supports, and participates in all team building exercises and events

CORE COMPETENCIES:

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have:

• Knowledge of best practices in early childhood education,
• Understanding of early childhood evaluations, observations, and assessments for both teachers and children
• Understanding of (TRS) certification guidelines and the minimum standards of Texas child care licensing. Detail oriented with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in the use of standard office equipment and software.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret childcare technical information
• To interpret policies and procedures; and to communicate effectively.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education or family and consumer science.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with at least 18 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education, or family and consumer science with at least 12 credit hours in child development.

Associate’s degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education, or family and consumer science and two years of suitable experience in early childhood education as determined by the Board.

Master’s Degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or related fields are considered as meeting the minimum education requirements. 

Minimum Work Experience:

One year of full-time early childhood classroom experience in a childcare, early head start, head start or prekindergarten through third grade school program.

License and Certifications:

Required CEU: Participation in required annual professional development and continuing education consistent with childcare licensing minimum-training requirement for a center director.

• Valid Texas driver's license at the time of placement and reliable transportation.
• Must have the ability to earn certifications as required by program or state requirements.

Salary Range: 

$50,000 - $60,000 depending on qualifications

SUPERVISION:

Reports directly to the Childcare Coordinator and/or designee through supervisory channels. Ability to work independently and to assume responsibility for completion of complex workload without close supervision.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional travel throughout the region to support county, municipal, and public safety partners. May require attendance at meetings, training events, conferences, and field verification activities. To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending meetings. The employee must be able to communicate via email and verbally via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. Primary activities are conducted within a well-lit, climate-controlled office.

Occasional out-of-town trips may be required to attend special events and training sessions

Work week is Monday through Friday during normal business-type hours (8am-5pm). Weekend hours may be required during special events or projects.