Job Board

Child Care Specialist II - Fairfax County Government

This job opportunity is being re-announced. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Works at the Greater Mount Vernon Community Center in Alexandria VA under the supervision of the Head Start Coordinator. Supervises two kitchen staff in the compliance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations from the USDA, documenting and maintaining child nutrition records.

Adheres to all policy and procedures regulated by Virginia State Licensing, Head Start Program Performance Standards and the CACFP, to ensure the health & safety of children. Provides developmentally appropriate nutrition activities for the center children and educates the center families along with staff on nutrition related topics. Assists in the preparation of documentation for local agencies, state licensing and federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, as well as collaborates with county staff, citizens, and members of the childcare community.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Illustrative Duties

• Serves as the “expert” within a function, a particular field of knowledge or services (e.g., disabilities, health, education, child care referral) within a broad program area;
• Assists in developing, enhancing, and assessing programs;
• Recommends changes to local policies and procedures;
• Assesses needs, and develops, delivers, and evaluates training programs;
• Oversees delivery of technical assistance provided to providers, parents, centers, and the community;
• Coordinates services with other governmental programs and community organizations;
• Works with multidisciplinary teams to develop plans to best meet children’s needs;
• Reviews research and demographic data for official county reports;
• Maintains current knowledge of legislation, best practices, and performance measures;
• Updates systems and resources to match current program strategies;
• Monitors programs for compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations;
• Assists in researching and writing grant proposals and seeking innovative funding sources;
• Oversees a program site and manages services within that site;
• Supervises other professional and support staff within the program area;
• Prioritizes workloads of staff and manages caseload distribution;
• Participates in the hiring and evaluation process of staff in the program area.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methodology of assigned area of accountability and/or extensive knowledge in particular area of expertise;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to keep current on the latest theories of early childhood development and education;
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team;
• Ability to manage projects and supervise others;
• Ability to assess, deliver, and evaluate training.

Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, psychology, social work, or a closely related field; plus two years of experience in day care administration, early childhood education, or related human service administration.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.
• This position is considered ""essential personnel"" and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
• The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer upon hire:
  • Criminal Background Investigation
  • Child Protective Services Registry Check
  • Tuberculosis Test

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, public health and/or a registered dietician. Diverse experience working with pregnant woman and children from birth to age five. Three to five years of experience working with diverse populations in Head Start/Early Head Start programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Incumbent may be required to do some walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds. Ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.

Instructions to Apply:

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Posted December 7, 2022