Inclusion Specialist

NOTE: This position requires bilingual ability in English and Spanish, both written and spoken!

*Note:

For applicants with extensive qualifications and/or years of experience, hiring range may be exceeded with approval.  If approval is granted, it will be based upon careful review of the applicant’s qualifications, experience, internal equity and budgetary considerations.  The final rate approved will typically never be at a rate equal to or above the established midpoint of the pay range for the position.

Community Action Organization reserves the right to modify, interpret or apply this job description as needed. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties (including essential duties), and skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not a contract implied or otherwise and the employment relationship remains at-will. The aforementioned requirements may be subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified persons with disabilities. All positions are contingent upon funding and successful passing of all required background checks, required registry checks, and physical screenings if required.

All staff in positions which regularly require driving either company or personal vehicles while performing work on behalf of Community Action are required to provide Human Resources proof of a valid driver’s license for a motor vehicle record check both at hire and annually thereafter. Human Resources will conduct a motor-vehicle record. These records will be held as confidential records in Human Resources. All accidents will be reported to Human Resources within 48 hours.

Special Note on Central Background Registry Requirement:

In order to be offered any position within our Family Stability – CCR&R team, you must be currently enrolled in Oregon’s Central Background Registry.  If you are not currently enrolled, you may still be considered for this position, but no offer of employment may be extended to you until this requirement has been completed.  For information on how to enroll in Oregon’s Central Background Registry, please visit www.childcareinoregon.org or call the Office of Child Care at 1.800.556.6616.

Benefits:  All regular full-time (RFT) status positions of 20 hours per week or more year round or part year of .50 FTE  or higher are eligible for our outstanding benefits package including:

• Individual Medical with premium covered at 90%
• Free Dental insurance for the employee
• Health care waiving employees are eligible for a health care waiver benefit of $100 per month
• Employer matched retirement dollar for dollar for the first 3%
• Generous paid sick and vacation time
• 13 paid 0bserved holidays
• Free life and long term disability insurance
• Medex travel assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Rich and diverse mission-based working environment
• Possible student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Staff meeting program criteria for use of a second language in their position may apply for and if approved qualify for a bilingual pay benefit of $100 per month

Position Summary:

In support of the Agency’s mission, this position is responsible for responding to training, coaching, and technical assistance requests to support inclusive practices in early learning and care programs located in Washington County. This position serves as a mentor to early educators in family and center-based child care settings, school districts, and other early education programs to increase inclusive care and environments and prevent suspension and expulsion actions that negatively impact children and families in Washington County.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Deliver regular one-on-one consultation, technical assistance, professional development, and coaching to early learning professionals and administrators to support the use of inclusive practices and Pyramid Model implementation. Formats could include any of the following as appropriate: virtual and on-site 1:1 or team support; Communities of Practice, cohorts, or training sessions; conducting environmental observations.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the CCR&R team, Inclusive Partners staff and other community partners to plan and implement inclusive practices throughout the region.
• Use a relationship-based approach to engagement with early learning professionals, including respectful and responsive interactions that are individualized.
• Create trusting relationships with early education programs to develop the most conducive environment for learning and reflection.
• Respond to early educator requests and provide appropriate education, referrals, resources, support, or problem solving to address their needs.
• Create and deliver ongoing training and professional development that aligns with the Oregon Registry for early learning professionals and families to deepen the understanding and respect for inclusion in early care and education.
• Adhere to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and apply the Oregon Equity Lens.
• Support CCR&R Leadership with state and local reports by tracking and submitting project data.
• Attend required trainings and meetings.
• Work with diverse representatives to support and develop additional resources to support early learning and care programs.
• Partner with other CCR&R team members to wrap supports and services around any provider regardless of funding source.
• Conduct observations to assist in gathering information to support the process of High Needs Rate Determination Assessments as requested by DELC Inclusive Partners.
• Other duties and projects determined by the CCR&R Manager to create and implement policies and practices furthering the goals and initiatives of a welcoming inclusionary field for young children, early educators, and the community in Washington County.
• Strictly adhere to all safety policies and procedures at all times and respond/correct any at-risk safety issues immediately.
• Strictly adhere to agency code of ethics and standards of workplace behavior.

Marginal Functions and Responsibilities:

• Other marginal functions and responsibilities as needed.

Required Education/Training/Experience:

• Bilingual as needed for the population reflected in the community as stated on the job posting at time of recruitment.
• Bachelor’s degree in ECE or related field (Human Development, Child and Family Studies, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education, Education) or the ability to achieve a Step 10 on the Oregon Registry within 12 months of hire date, and a minimum of three years of direct service in the field of Childhood Care and Education and minimum of one year experience supporting adult professional development. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities to deliver relationship based professional development and have familiarity with adult learning principles.
• Experience effectively collaborating with culturally diverse families and communities, or a demonstrated dedication to enhancing engagement within diverse communities and proficiency in communicating with a varied demographic.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding systemic inequity, systemic racism, and the ongoing pursuit of methods to address these both individually and within group process.
• Demonstrated knowledge of inclusive practices in early learning programs.
• Experience providing assistance and guidance to individuals in implementing tailored strategies and adjustments to meet the specific needs of children across a wide range of environments and circumstances.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills to carry out the functions of the job including experience in using and managing databases (ability to manipulate data, design and run reports), proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Enrollment in Oregon Central Background Registry prior to offer of employment being extended.

Preferred:

• Two years of experience providing technical assistance and training to early education programs, providing classroom observations.
• Knowledge of community child care programs, subsidies, community resources, and state regulations pertaining to child care.
• Knowledge of early learning quality frameworks and assessment tools, including:
  • Behavior Intervention Rating Scale (BIRS)
  • Pyramid Model
  • Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT)
  • Environmental Rating Scale (ERS)

• Knowledge of child assessment and screening tools, including:
  • Teaching Strategies Gold
  • Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
  • Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Social Emotional (ASQ-SE)
• Knowledge of and the ability to utilize appropriate and diverse assessment, instructional, and evaluation methods when using assessment and screening tools.
• Oregon Registry Master Trainer Certification.
• Experience effectively collaborating with culturally diverse communities, or a demonstrated dedication to enhancing engagement within diverse communities and proficiency in communicating with a varied demographic.

Required Licensing or Other Special Certifications:

• Requires a valid Oregon driver's license, proof of auto insurance for private vehicle, and access to reliable transportation.

Required Physical Demands of Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Work is performed in a normal office environment with moderate computer and phone use.
• Must be able to travel throughout the region and to other required opportunities, including overnight and/or on weekends.
• Local driving in various traffic and weather conditions to provider’s facilities or homes.
• May be required to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
• In normal work day, may stand/walk 4 hrs/day; may sit 4 hrs/day; may drive 4 hrs/day; may use hands for repetitive grasping, pushing and pulling, typing and fine manipulation _4_ hrs/day; may use hands at or above shoulder level for _1_ hrs/day.
• In normal work day, may bend, squat, and/or climb frequently.
• Work is light in nature, lifting maximum of 20 lbs with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

How to Apply for this Position:

To be considered we must receive a completed Community Action Employment Application form.  You are welcome to also include a cover letter and resume at your option.  Transcripts may be required for certain positions.  Applications can be completed on our website: www.caowash.org or you can print off the application to complete or pick up the application form at either of our following locations:

Hillsboro – 1001 SW Baseline St, Hillsboro, OR 97123

Beaverton – 17933 NW Evergreen Pkwy, Suite 315, Beaverton, OR 97006

Be sure to submit your application in a timely manner.  If you choose not to complete an online application, you can send your completed application form, optional resume and cover letter and any other required documents via fax at 503.400.3691.  If you prefer to mail your application be sure to mail attention Human Resources at the Hillsboro office address above.

All application submissions will be acknowledged with a receipt notification. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you. 

COMMUNITY ACTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Community Action is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state equal employment opportunity laws.  Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and selection process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.