Educational Services of America

Center Support Specialist

Date: April 24, 2008
Position: Center Support Specialist (CSS)
Reports to: Director, Center Development and Support (DCDS)
Term: 12 months
Status: Exempt
Start Date: Summer 2008

Location
The position can be based out of any market area with preference given to southerly states.

Position Objective
The position, under the supervision of the Director, Center Development and Support (DCDS), provides oversight for the establishment of new Ombudsman learning centers and the relocation of existing ones. The Center Support Specialist (CSS) also assists the Center Director and staff to assure the successful operation of the center during an initial, opening time period. The Center Support Specialist will additionally support the DCDS, the Assistant Vice President of Center Operations (AVPCO), the training function, Operations Managers (OM) and the VP of Center Operations in other appropriate related areas as may be required from time to time.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least one year teaching experience and/or center director experience preferred but not required.
• Minimum OES evaluation of “Competent” in each two preceding years
• Strong motivational and communication skills and an adaptability to shifting priorities
• High degree of organization and leadership skills
• Effective oral and written skills and ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences at all levels inside and outside of the organization
• Knowledge and understanding of Ombudsman program, management practices and procedures.
• Additional outside previous experience in teaching, training, project management and/or other related fields preferred.
• Ability to travel often in and out of state and for extensive periods of time if needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Center opening:
 Coordinate as necessary with the DCDS the acquisition of real estate for new learning centers and/or the relocation of existing learning centers, including all permits and licenses.
 Coordinate with the DCDS the proposed learning center layout and utilization of new space, including contracting for necessary renovations, build-out and utilities in order to obtain necessary construction permits and certificates of use and occupancy.
 Supervise learning center construction to assure that all approved blueprint specifications are met.
 Coordinate with the DCDS and the IT function to assure all OES internal wiring is located and completed per the agreed upon specifications and that computer delivery systems are operable and fully functioning.
 Coordinate delivery of center operations supplies, including furniture, forms, computers and miscellaneous supplies required for opening.
 Coordinate with the Operations Departments and Human Resources for the interviewing, hiring, start dates, and training of new employees.
 Coordinate with DCDS and the Operations Manager to transition district contact to the Center Operations team upon the completion of contract negotiations with the school district.
 Coordinate and complete additional responsibilities as determined and assigned by the DCDS, AVPCO or designee.

Ongoing center support:
 Provide initial general support to the Center Director for daily operations, including, but not limited to: intakes, student, parent and staff management and general center management for a specified and required period.
 Coordinate and assist with the cross-training of center staff on all center duties, as appropriate.
 Act as transitional liaison for center, district, and OES administration
 Provide troubleshooting strategies to the Center Director and staff in identified areas.
 Assist the Operations Manager with learning center audits to identify strengths and areas for development culminating in the establishment of learning center improvement plans.
 Coordinate and assist operations personnel with additional responsibilities as determined and assigned by the AVPCO or a designee.

Knowledge and Skills:

 Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge, understanding, and implementation of the OES educational philosophies, services, policies, and procedures.
 Demonstrated strong professional presence and interpersonal skills.
 Demonstrated effective oral and written skills and the ability to effectively and professionally communicate with diverse audiences at all levels inside and outside of the organization
 Demonstrated high degree of organizational and leadership skills including, but not limited to, the ability to multi-task, adjust to shifting and multiple priorities and meet multiple deadlines with consistency.
 Demonstrated ability to achieve a high degree of objectivity in analysis and evaluation of needed physical and human resources within an OES setting.
 Demonstrated ability to effectively use computer database systems and other systems software including, but not limited to, NovaNET, PLATO, Microsoft Word, FileMaker, PowerPoint and Excel.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions:

 Substantial time is spent working on computers with sufficient hand, arm and finger dexterity to keyboard required
 Requires visual acuity sufficient to read small print words and numbers with hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively by telephone and in person.
 Activities are within a combination of office and shop environments and may present some exposure to dust, odors, fumes, and noise.
 Safety glasses and/or hard hats may be required while performing specific duties as required by on-site contractors.
 Possession of a valid driver’s license and an ability to drive safely for prolonged periods of time will be required.
 Ability to travel outside the office on a daily, overnight or more extended basis will be required. Travel is via commercial airline, rental car or the employee’s own vehicle. Some travel may necessitate overnight stays of more than one night.
 Ability to lift up to 50 pounds in the form of computers, tables, cabinets, and chairs will be required.
 Ability to stand on feet for extended periods of time will be required.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest along with resume to Heather Achtemeier at hachtemeier@esa-education.com by Friday, May 2, 2008.