Specialist, Child Care and Early Years Program Development and Support

JOB SUMMARY

You will be assigned to one of two portfolios, working as part of a team providing expert advice, guidance and input to program managers, and others who are responsible for the planning, management, implementation and evaluation of child care and early years programs and services in Ottawa. 

You ensure the consistent planning, development, implementation, application and evaluation of a wide-range of child care and early years programs, policies and services; ensuring equitable access and inclusive, responsive and integrated programs and services for those who face barriers, manage complex projects; develop and advise on strategies; remain current on latest research related to Child Care and Early Childhood Development; and recommend and implement new programs and services, best practices and continuous improvement strategies. 

You will lead or participate on committees and workgroups with community partners, government agencies, other City departments, and Children’s Services staff to plan, coordinate and strategize on issues to enhance access, affordability, quality and responsiveness of child care and early years programs and services, service delivery models, and innovative approaches to improvements to programs and deliverables. You will develop and manage contracts and monitor budgets to support program development and implementation. 

You are responsible for implementation of child care and early years programs, policies, and services, including providing client-centric services through the innovation and management of technology, data analytics, financial and contract management, and reporting.  

You will support the implementation of programs, policies and services; this includes providing technical expertise, consultation, and advice in the areas of project management, business analysis, financial and contract management, data management and analysis, process review and redesign, and the implementation of new/enhanced processes, technologies, applications and/or other solutions to meet Children’s Services business needs and improve client service delivery. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year degree in Business Administration, Health Sciences, Social Sciences or related field

Minimum of 5 years of experience in child care, early years or related social services, health, education, recreation services related to children and/or youth, including experience in research, analysis, performance measurement, strategic and operational planning, policy development and program design, financial monitoring and budgeting, and contract management 
 

KNOWLEDGE

• Program design, development, implementation and evaluation
• Planning, project and contract management techniques and methods including project management methodology
• Stakeholder engagement mechanisms, approaches and communication strategies
• Financial/ project or program budget management
• Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act. 2014 and related provincial and federal legislation
• Child Care Programs and Early Childhood Education
• Best practice approaches related to community and social services
• Anti-racism and diversity, equity and inclusion principles and practices
• Policy development and implementation
• Partnership development (internal and external) including knowledge related specifically to the social services, health and recreation sectors.
• Research and analysis methodology
• Evaluation and quality improvement methodologies and techniques
• Program design, development, implementation and evaluation
• Anti-racism and diversity, equity and inclusion principles and practices
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Client-service oriented dealing with City Staff, community groups and stakeholders
• Team-player able to build strong working relationships internally and externally
• Strong interpersonal skills to deliver presentations, facilitate discussions and negotiations, resolve conflict and communicate with both internal and external partners. 
• Conduct best-practice and operational reviews towards recommending service enhancements
• Interpret and apply legislation to program strategy and development
• Autonomous and able to manage own projects and time.
• Consult on policy development and analysis, evaluation and best practices
• Advanced computer skills and abilities in statistical modeling and data management utilizing Microsoft Office (EXCEL, POWERPOINT and WORD) 
• Manage multiple projects using project management techniques/skills
• Organized, efficient, results-oriented, multi-tasker able to meet tight deadlines 
• Team-player able to build strong working relationships internally and 
• Innovative approach to service delivery strategies and problem solving
• Advanced writing skills for presentations, policies, procedures, guidelines, program development and client/sector communications.
• Advanced critical thinking skills and employs methodology and logic towards decision making.

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