Quality Assurance Specialist

Description

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services), we honor young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout the Savannah River Region.

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Quality Assurance Specialist supports the Regional Head Start Director and support staff by ensuring the quality and compliance of administrative services. This role monitors and reports on programmatic areas of the Head Start grant to ensure alignment with regulatory and performance standards. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Collaborate with the Regional Head Start Director to monitor program quality and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Georgia Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) Rules and Regulations, ECS4Kids policies and procedures and other accrediting agencies. 
2. Conduct regular monitoring of staff files, child files, waitlists, volunteers, interns, and substitute teacher files to ensure timely and accurate documentation. 
3. Inspect classrooms, playgrounds, kitchens, and shared spaces for compliance; document findings in ChildPlus. 
4. Monitor medication administration and health and safety initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance. 
5. Monitor In-Kind contributions for families using In-Kind Pro; record findings in ChildPlus. 
6. Ensure accuracy of Program Information Reports (PIR). Provide technical assistance as needed. 
7. Identify areas of improvement, recommending corrective actions, and providing assurance to management regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls.  
8. Collaborate with teams to implement corrective actions and strengthen internal controls.  Monitor the progress of remediation efforts.  
9. Monitor compliance with emergency preparedness protocols. 
10. Prepare and submit timely, accurate reports as requested. 
11. Stay current with software tools used in daily responsibilities. 

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.) 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business, Health Administration, Social Work or related field preferred with 2 years’ experience in Head Start programs, compliance monitoring, program evaluation or auditing required. 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with staff. 
• Proficiency in program databases and report-writing software. 
• Professional demeanor when interacting with the public. 
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. 
• Effective oral and written communication skills. 
• Understanding of basic accounting principles. 
• Strong analytical and data monitoring skills. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to train or coach staff on compliance and quality standards. 

CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years. 
• Complete 15 hours of annual professional development training 
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage 
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy) 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

• Office and center-based settings. 
• Local travel to multiple sites required. 
• Occasional evening, weekend, or out-of-town work may be necessary. 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: 

• Prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, and stretching. 
• Normal range of hearing and vision. 
• Ability to communicate clearly. 
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.