Senior Program Specialist (Early Childhood Education) (At-Will)

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

The City of Torrance is recruiting for Senior Program Specialists (Early Childhood Education) to be part of the Community Services Team!

The Department

The Community Services Department offers Torrance residents the unique opportunity to help achieve a sense of purpose, identity, self-worth and improved self-esteem within the specialized areas of Cultural Arts, Library, Parks and Recreation. 

The Position

The City of Torrance Community Services Department is seeking a highly organized and dynamic individual to join our team as a Senior Program Specialist. This position involves planning, organizing, and directing major special events, programs, and facilities within our Community Services Department. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, excellent project management abilities, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service.

The current Senior Program Specialist position is in our Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program.  This pivotal role requires an individual who is deeply committed to the growth and development of young children and possesses both educational acumen and practical leadership skills to effectively oversee all aspects of our ECE initiatives.

  This position requires the understanding of child development principles and theories to develop curriculum and activities for the participants in the program. The incumbent will also have the capacity to identify and address challenges that arise within the program, whether they relate to staffing, curriculum, or student behavior.

Join our dedicated team and contribute to shaping the future of young children through innovative and impactful early childhood education programs. Apply today and make a difference in our community!

For more information about the duties of the position, click here.

Note: This is a recurrent, part-time, non-civil service, as needed position. This position is eligible for PERS and may be eligible for prorated benefits.

The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving.  The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks!   Please click here for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives! 

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Graduation from High School or equivalent and two years of increasingly responsible part-time experience at the level of a Program Specialist.  A BA/BS in Recreation, Cultural Studies, or a related field is desirable.

License and/or Certificates

Negative tuberculin test.

Some positions may require the following certifications: A valid California Class C Driver's License.

Certification in Red Cross or American Heart Association Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is desirable.

Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Education in early childhood education, child development, or a related field is desired;

• Previous experience working in an early childhood education settings is preferred.

• Strong leadership abilities to effectively manage staff, delegate tasks, and create a positive and supportive work environment;

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effectively interacting with staff, parents, and children;

• The ability to effectively manage schedules, budgets, and resources to oversee the day-to-day operations of the early childhood education program.

• Ability to work on a computer and utilize Microsoft Office software, as well the ability to learn and use other specific software related to program and facility operations.

Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire available at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submissions will be accepted on an open continuous basis.

The first review of applications will be those received by Monday, July 8, 2024.  If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.

Only those candidates whose experience best meet the needs of the City and the Department will be invited to participate in an oral interview.

Oral Interviews are weighted 100%.  Interviews will be determined at a later date.

Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands and/or working conditions:

Work is typically performed at indoor and outdoor program sites in seasonal weather conditions.  Work may require exposure to noise, dust and dirt.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, and moderately loud when in the field.

Physical demands may include bending, kneeling, squatting, sitting, running and climbing.  May lift or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.

Work irregular hours, shifts, or weekends as required. 

________________________________________________________________          

Visit www.torranceca.gov to find out more information about our community.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

City of Torrance Inclusion Statement

The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!