Professional Development Coordinator

Title: Professional Development Coordinator

Reports to: Professional Development Manager

Department: Children & Family Services

Location: Oakland, CA or Contra Costa County (Concord, Antioch, Richmond, San Pablo, Oakley)

Schedule: Monday through Friday

Travel: Local travel may be required

Salary: $34.50-$37.50 DOE

Employee Status: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Union: N/A

Supervises: N/A

Benefits:

Two weeks of paid vacation a year, sick time, 14 holidays, up to five floating holidays based on employee status, medical and dental benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, life insurance policy at no cost to employee (with the option of increasing policy amount), flexible spending account for medical and dependent care costs, commuter benefits, 403(b) with employer match, and other benefits. We foster a joyful workplace and offer opportunities for professional development and growth.

Agency Summary

The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with a 60-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive.

Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 8,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include: early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Concord. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 350 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve.

Program Summary

The Children and Family Services programs include Head Start, Early Head Start, State Pre-Kindergarten, Home Based Services, and Developmental Play Groups. Over 700 children birth through kindergarten entry and their families receive child development and comprehensive family services through the Unity Council. The programs are diverse, multilingual, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and individualized for each child and family services are provided in multiple centers and two home base programs throughout Oakland and Contra Costa County.

Position Summary

Provide support in training staff based on the curriculum that reflects the cultural values and diversity of the families served while ensuring school readiness goals are successfully met. In collaboration with Center Directors and School Readiness Coordinators, the Professional Development Coordinator promotes best practices in early childhood development based on Head Start Performance Standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee Education staff (Teachers, Home Visitors, Center Directors, School Readiness Coordinators) professional development, Department of Education minimum qualifications, and teacher permit renewals/applications with support of HR and supervisors.
• Collaborate with managers and coordinators to identify, develop and provide additional training as determined by surveys, emergent issues, observations and other agency needs.
• Collaborate with consultants, managers, and coordinators to ensure mandatory trainings (OHS, CDE, CCL) are included in pre-service and annual training plan.
• Facilitate professional development onboarding meetings with new staff; reviewing policies and procedures; follow-up on completion of onboarding tasks.
• Collaborate with coordinators on providing orientation and training of teachers, home visitors, and family advocates on best practices and provide resources to develop and enhance skills as needed.
• Coordinate and organize the process of yearly Professional Development Plans for all staff.
• Collaborate with Center Directors and School Readiness Coordinators to ensure Professional Development Plans are followed by teachers, home visitors and family advocates; assist staff on signing up for PD opportunities and additional courses.
• Provide guidance and input on training development plans for school readiness goals, curriculum fidelity, CLASS, family engagement, Teaching Pyramid, and dual-language instruction.
• Collaborate with Human Resources Department maintaining tracking systems for education/certification plans and maintain records.
• Oversee and monitor Head Start professional development system and implementation.
• Maintain and update staff professional development data and records into Child Plus database; Workforce Registry database; and on-site personnel records.
• Research and identify staff development opportunities.
• Create and virtually distribute monthly Professional Development Newsletter.
• Collaborate with managers and coordinators to plan and present small group workshops on relevant child development topics based on program monitoring outcomes.
• Provide guidance in conducting DRDP assessments, ASQs and intentional daily observations of children’s play, behavior, and interactions.
• Participate in the annual child development Self-Assessment process.
• Oversee, monitor, and process staff Professional Development reimbursement requests.
• Create attendance trackers and distribute to supervisors for Professional Development days.
• Provide guidance on yearly reports (PIR – staff qualifications)
• Support staff in applying for financial aid systems (County stipends, FAFSA, CDTC, etc.)
• Collaborate with Workforce and Professional Development team for Earn and Learn program planning, oversight, and events.
• Knowledge of systems software and technical skills.
• Regular local driving to multiple bay area cities is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Three or more years of experience working with children ages 0-5 years of age in a classroom setting
• 3+ years community-based experience in a setting working with families and community organizations who have experienced poverty, crisis, trauma, and other adverse events.
• Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC) experience (open to obtaining upon hire)
• CLASS reliable (Pre-K, Infant, Toddler) within 12 months of hire.
• Possession of a valid California drivers' license; current personal vehicle insurance, or safe driving record sufficient to ensure insurability through Agency policy.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. Commitment to utilize safe lifting techniques for lifting children, supplies and furnishings.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Physical exam
• TB test
• Background/fingerprint clearance
• MMR and Tdap vaccinations,
• CPR
• Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time.

***Please submit your cover letter and resume.***

The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.