Early Childhood Program Specialist

Job Description :

This position will provide program support for PEI Early Childhood Programs such as the Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Early Support (HOPES) Program, Texas Home Visiting Program (THV), and the Texas Nurse-Family Partnership (TNFP) Program.

These programs are designed to strengthen families with young children, promote child and family well-being in early childhood, and support positive outcomes for families with children ages 0 to 5 years.

Programs offer services such as evidence-based parent education, home visiting, and other family support programming. Programs also engage in early childhood systems-building and coalition work.

Work involves planning, developing, and coordinating major agency program(s) related to early childhood and family support.

The Program Specialist position provides consultative services and technical assistance to grantees, service providers, other division staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public.

The Program Specialist engages in program planning, meeting coordination and facilitation, conducting site visits, meeting with stakeholders, planning and providing training, and serving on internal and external workgroups.

The Program Specialist will also compile and summarize information, produce written reports and presentations, and write guidance, policies and procedures.

Work will also involve procurement development, interpreting grant requirements, data analysis, and program operations review and grantee budget review.

The position provides guidance and general communication to ensure coordination with DFPS program goals and objectives. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent critical judgement.

Essential Job Functions :

Oversees the performance of contracted providers and offers support to help community-based programs meet identified goals and objectives outlined in the contract and interpret data.

Consults with community program staff and provides consultative services and technical assistance in the planning and implementation of programs and services.

Identify training needs and conduct training as needed.

Analyzes the application of and variations within programs and develops action plans to improve or strengthen programs.

Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material in response to requests for program information.

Determines program trends.

Develops program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals.

Prepares administrative reports which may include analysis of program data.

Consults and works collaboratively with other state agencies and partners in workgroups and initiatives.

Provides guidance to community providers with the implementation of new methods and procedures.

Evaluates program budget requests.

Performs related work as assigned

Knowledge Skills Abilities :

Knowledge of interpreting grant or policy requirements is desired but not required. Knowledge of the implementation and planning of services such as evidence-based parent education, and / or working with children and families within community organizations, state or federal agencies is desirable.

Knowledge of working with parents and families and / or populations including expecting parents and families with young children desirable.

Knowledge of parent education program; family programming; understanding of challenges of parent or caregivers and knowledge of working alongside community-based organizations to support and strengthen outcomes for young children, parents, and families is desirable.