The Child & Family Services Division is seeking an experienced and dedicated Program Specialist to join our Child Care Services team. This senior specialist position will provide support and guidance to team members to ensure they excel in their roles. The Program Specialist will be instrumental in maintaining high standards of childcare through licensing, inspection, and monitoring of childcare centers, family day care homes, and private schools. This role ensures compliance with childcare regu... more details
Position Information
The Child & Family Services Division is seeking an experienced and dedicated Program Specialist to join our Child Care Services team. This senior specialist position will provide support and guidance to team members to ensure they excel in their roles. The Program Specialist will be instrumental in maintaining high standards of childcare through licensing, inspection, and monitoring of childcare centers, family day care homes, and private schools. This role ensures compliance with childcare regulations and promotes quality early learning programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Mentoring and supporting team members to enhance their professional development and performance;
Training and onboarding new childcare specialists in collaboration with the Child Care Supervisor;
Conducting licensing, inspecting, and monitoring of childcare facilities to ensure adherence to childcare regulations;
Ensuring that childcare programs provide high-quality educational and developmental opportunities for children;
Acting as a subject matter expert, offering technical support to licensed program staff, partner agencies, community members, and allied professionals;
Providing subject matter expertise for high-risk licensing inspections and investigations;
Engaging in high-level collaboration with internal and external partner agencies to align program objectives;
Working with stakeholders such as the Virginia Department of Education, Arlington County Public Schools, and Fairfax County Early Childhood Programs and Services to enhance program capacity and deliver effective content;
Acting as liaison on departmental matters and provide comprehensive program summaries and updates to relevant stakeholders; and
Assisting with the implementation and compliance of new local, state, and federal mandates related to childcare and quality early education.
Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.
An ideal candidate possess:
Extensive experience in childcare licensing, including the ability to interpret and apply childcare regulations, as well as any local, state, and/or federal laws regarding regulatory compliance;
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop team members;
Strong collaboration, communication, and technical support skills with a track record of successful partnerships with public and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds;
In-depth knowledge of child education development programs and childcare regulations;
Ability to adapt to new regulatory requirements and provide relevant training and support;
Flexibility, ability to multi-task, good judgement, initiative, and ability to work independently; and
Excellent organization skills with keen attention to detail.
Selection Criteria
Minimums:
Bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, psychology, social work, or a closely related field and
Considerable experience managing childcare programs and/or childcare or educational facilities.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience can be substituted for the educational requirement. A Master's degree or higher may be substituted for some of the experience requirement.
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
Administering or enforcing childcare regulations;
Implementing government-sponsored early childhood education programs;
Providing guidance and counseling on childcare issues to the general public and/or social services clients;
Licensing and/or evaluating childcare programs; and
Training childcare providers.
Special Requirements
Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or they must provide a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the driving record.
A pre-hire background check will be made on candidates selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. Candidates may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain background information.
Additional Information
Work Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Occasional evening and weekend hours will be required for training sessions with childcare providers and staff.
The official job title is DHS Program Specialist. For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email pers@arlingtonva.us.
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