"Project Specialist FCCO CCSO"

Project Specialist (FCCO and CCSO)

Recruitment #: S2601 Review Date: Immediate review | Open until filled Department: The Research Institute Salary Rate: $68,220 - $79,500

About Western Oregon University: Western Oregon University is a regional public, mid-sized university - committed to changing lives, strengthening communities and transforming our world. Located in Monmouth, the heart of Oregon's lush Willamette Valley, WOU is about 20 minutes from Salem, the state's capital and about 75 minutes from Portland, the state's cultural hub.

Western is one of Oregon's oldest public institutions of higher education and was incorporated into the state system as a teacher training institution in 1882. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts and sciences, education and professional areas. It's known for small class sizes, a focus on sustainability and a diverse liberal arts education in a student-centered environment. Western is a Hispanic Serving institution, with over 40% of undergraduates being students of color.

Position Summary:

The Research Institute (TRI) houses three Centers focused on informing and facilitating change in educational and human service systems to improve the quality of life for all individuals. Funded through external grants and contracts, the Centers conduct programs of research, develop evidence-based interventions that are provided through technical assistance and professional development, and increase system capacity to effect change. TRI was established in 1961 at WOU and has research partnerships throughout Oregon and the nation. TRI is committed to promoting and supporting an environment which values and affirms equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusive practices. TRI is committed to creating a safe environment to have dialogue with our co-workers, partners and those who receive our services about how to best address the implicit bias that exists.

Project Specialists provide a continuum of services and products across the early learning system in Oregon. TRI engages in Early Learning and/or Youth Development at the state level which requires a specialized knowledge and skills as well as an ability to navigate change, emergent needs and the expectations of system work. Project Specialists are expected to use culturally responsive, innovative best practices across a variety of duties including; program and process development, systems collaboration, change and alignment, program assessment and observation, system communications, leadership and facilitation, and training and technical assistance.

TRI staff are expected to engage in continual learning and professional development. This description covers the most significant essential and auxiliary duties performed by this position for illustration purposes, and does not include other work, which may be similar, related to, or a logical assignment for the position.

• Work collaboratively in a team environment. Facilitate, participate in and contribute to project meetings, seminars, workshops and other gatherings as needed
• Provide ongoing administrative and communication support
• Participate in team meetings on both the project teams and the TRI team
• Effectively communicate with a wide variety of individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, including providing high quality customer service
• Participate in internal and external meetings
• Maintain confidential information
• Complete duties related to assigned project/s; adapting to team needs as tasks arise.

Find Child Care Oregon and Child Care Substitutes of Oregon Technical Assistance (TA) Specialist This role provides tiered technical assistance and professional development to support implementation of the Find Child Care Oregon database in relation to and independently of the Child Care Substitutes of Oregon program. Find Child Care Oregon supports the Early Learning System to capture data around the Child Care programs and provides Child Care Referrals to Oregon's families searching for child care. This role works alongside Child Care Resource and Referral systems including 211info Child Care to develop and maintain system policies and procedures. The TA Specialist will work on developing liaison positions with 211info Child Care to support their work in providing Child Care Referrals to the CCR&R System. FCCO TA Specialist will work to engage Child Care programs to update Find Child Care Oregon and develop policies and procedure for this system enhancement. Child Care Substitutes of Oregon (CCSO) hires, trains, and connects substitutes to child care programs statewide. CCSO runs within the FCCO database. The TA Specialist will create, maintain, and update user manuals for both systems and provide technical assistance both internally to staff within TRI as well as external system partners, programs, and community members.

Bilingual staff may be asked to use both languages across all duties and activities as needed. Bilingual staff will provide translation and interpretation in a culturally responsive manner as needed for this position.

This position is funded through external grant support. Employment beyond the current funding period is not guaranteed and will depend on the availability of future funding and ongoing performance.

Click here for the complete position description which includes knowledge areas and preferred qualifications. Required Qualifications: Please ensure your application materials clearly demonstrate how you meet the following:

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of work and education training/education/certification and minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience
• Experience providing technical assistance or working with and/or communicating data or data systems to system partners
• Experience pulling/exporting basic level data reports
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes and emergent needs
• Ability to manage a variety of tasks and produce high quality work under tight deadlines
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of individuals and groups, including providers, work team, program personnel, and administrators from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to apply system thinking and pay attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

How to Apply: Please upload the following required materials within the application portal. Applications missing any of the required documents will not move forward for consideration. Please include only the materials listed below: 1. WOU Employment Application form 2. Cover Letter that outlines your qualifications and how they align with the position 3. Resume 4. Unofficial transcripts for your highest degree earned 5. Complete and submit the Reference Check form, available here along with your application

Background/Education Check: A criminal background check will be completed as a condition of employment. Education checks are processed for positions requiring a formal degree as a minimum requirement.

Benefits: Western Oregon University offers an excellent benefits package for eligible employees which includes 95% premium paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities. http://www.wou.edu/hr/benefits/