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First 10 School & Community Specialist (Education Specialist II)

Augusta , Maine , United States | Education | Full-time | Partially remote

Apply by: May 7, 2024

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Telework Available Upon Management Approval

Opening Date: April 23, 2024

Closing Date: May 7, 2024

Job Class Code: 3042

Grade: 24

Salary: $50,190.40 - $74,588.80

Position Number: 014001152

Purpose:

Are you interested in helping schools and communities better coordinate supports for children and families during the critical first 10 years of children’s lives? Does fostering smoother transitions and stronger instructional alignment across programs/grade levels during the early childhood years intrigue you? Do you have expertise in early childhood/early elementary pedagogy and family engagement? If so, consider applying for the First 10 School and Community Specialist position at the Maine Department of Education.

This is professional services work to develop and coordinate the implementation of a pilot project with Maine School Administrative Units to implement First 10 Community School models (https://first10.org/) . This pilot project is an activity funded by Maine’s approved Preschool Development B-5 Renewal Grant. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, developing implementation plans, and administering the First 10 Community School pilot program through consultation with school systems and cooperating agencies. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of early childhood (birth-8) development and pedagogy

• Knowledge of state systems that impact children birth-eight and their families

• Knowledge of comprehensive service provision, community school models, and culturally-responsive family engagement strategies for in early childhood

• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to early learning and enforced by the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services

• Ability to interpret and explain statutory and regulatory provisions to childcare providers, local school authorities, stakeholders and the public

• Ability to plan, organize, implement, evaluate and document the impact of activities and meetings

• Knowledge of technical assistance/professional learning design and delivery, particularly with respect to early childhood education

• Ability to gather, analyze and disseminate data that assist decision-making at the state and local level related to project implementation

• Ability to assist in developing and managing Requests for Proposals, contracts, budgets and invoices

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

• Ability to successfully facilitate groups and assist with systemic change models/organizational development

• Ability to use exemplary interpersonal skills

• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple tasks

• Ability to identify solutions to address identified needs using a variety of tools and resources

• Ability to professionally represent the Maine Department of Education and State of Maine

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners and target audiences

• Working knowledge and skills of current technologies including computer programs and applications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelors Degree in Education or required specialty/subject area and two (2) years professional level experience in required specialty/subject area. A Masters Degree in Education or required specialty/subject area may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

  State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

  Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.