Social Emotional Learning Specialist

Under the direction of an ECE Mental Health Consultant, the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist will support high quality social emotional learning practices in early childhood centers, serving children ages infants to kindergarten entry across a range of ages as well as programs. The SEL Specialist will work with members of the extended leadership team and the ECE partner staffing agency to strengthen high quality early childhood education by providing on-site, job-embedded professional development and technical assistance to Center Directors and classroom staff. This includes facilitating classroom observations, offering feedback, and offering suggestions to help teachers strengthen their practices, while meeting the individual needs of enrolled children. In some instances, this will also lead to the development and implementation of an Individual Care Plan or Behavior Support Plan. The SEL Specialist plays a key role in building organizational capacity at the center and classroom level to think deeply about critical issues and implement strengths-based, innovative solutions that meet the needs of enrolled children and families using an equity and trauma-informed lens.

Salary: 

The full annual salary range is $41,191.40 - $50,118.38. Offers are made at the entry level of the range. 

Assignment:

This position will be full-time and work 204 days a year. The position also requires a criminal history check and fingerprint check through the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), proof of MMR immunization, a health exam and TB test prior to starting. Anticipated start date is February 1, 2025.

A complete application will include:

1. Work history going back 10 years 
2. At least three professional reference's contact information
3. A Cover Letter expressing interest in the position
4. A Resume that reflects work experience listed on application
5. Evidence of an Associate's degree or higher (unofficial transcripts or copy of diploma) 

Essential Functions:

1. Collaborate with team members to strengthen social-emotional development in young children, by providing short-term classroom support when children are in crisis.
2. Provide a variety of job-embedded professional learning experiences for staff including reflective practice, training, professional learning communities, coaching and mentoring, training and reflective practice with a focus on responding to trauma through a strengths-based approach.
3. Support staff in implementing social-emotional curriculum and standards to fidelity
4. Work as part of a team to actively participate in the on-going and continuous quality improvement process by reflecting on current practices, identifying opportunities for growth, supporting staff in implementing goals, assessing impacts and re-evaluating next steps. 
5. Work collaboratively with other program leaders, including the Center Director, agency and program mental health professionals, to meet the needs of the individual child with concern for age, interest, abilities, special talents, cultural backgrounds and individual styles.
6. Work as part of a team to analyze data to support ongoing continuous quality improvement.
7. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with families, staff and community partners.
8. Work collaboratively with other program leaders to meet the needs of the individual child with concern for age, interest, abilities, special talents, cultural backgrounds and individual styles.
9. Implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support to strengthen social emotional development and self-regulation.
10. Support staff working with children with special needs in collaborating with families, staff and community partners to build on children's strengths and interests while helping them gain new skills.
11. Actively participate in the on-going and continuous quality improvement process by reflecting on current practices, identifying opportunities for growth, supporting staff in implementing goals, assessing impacts and re-evaluating next steps.

Other Functions:

1. Other duties as assigned, must be flexible and responsive to meet the changing needs and demands of the programs.
2. Maintain strong professional and personal boundaries.

1. Demonstrate a commitment to on-going professional learning and growth.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to equity and trauma informed practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree and one year of experience providing administrative support to an educational program OR an Associate's degree and two years of experience providing administrative support to an educational program.
2. Experience with program compliance monitoring and program data analysis.
3. Experience with Microsoft Office products and database software.
4. Understanding of Early Head Start, ECEAP and child care performance standards and regulations.
5. Experience working with low-income or at-risk populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of and experience with STARS, MERIT, and Procare (as well as ELMS, TS GOLD and ChildPlus - Birth to 5).
2. Knowledge of and experience with Early Achievers, CLASS and ERS tools. (Birth to 5)
3. Knowledge of and experience with Program Quality Assessment. (School Age)
4. Knowledge of and experience with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.
5. Bilingual-Bicultural. (All areas)

Working Conditions:

1. Travel throughout the ESD service region.
2. Physical environment may include office setting, childcare, preschool programs, or community work sites.
3. Extended or flexible hours as necessary.

Employment Requirements:

1. Successful completion of a portable background check and clearance through the WA State Department of Children, Youth, & Families.
2. Tuberculosis test to meet state health requirements.
3. Health Exam.

Salary : $41,191 - $50,118