Step Up to Quality, Quality Rating Specialist (Program Specialist III)

In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes well over $20,000 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
• 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
• 156% state-matched retirement (yes, that’s $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

• Reviews rating requests and facilitates on-site rating visits through assigning visits to contracted raters or conducting on-site program rating reviews.

• Recruits and trains contracted program raters for programs participating in the Step Up to Quality rating system.

• Develops and maintains contracts, including managing budgets, reconciling invoices, and annual renewals.

• Develops and facilitates training for contracted raters to ensure a consistent approach for all evaluation processes.

• Establishes and fosters strategic partnerships among early childhood providers, school districts, Head Start programs, and other partners to facilitate the exchange of information and disseminate resources, publications, and other communications.

• Creates, updates, and audits rating reports; analyzes evidence from on-site visits to summarize reports and recommend quality ratings. Provides concise reports to evaluated participants.

• Provides technical assistance and guidance to program participants and coaches related to standards, regulations, policies, and procedures for Step Up to Quality.

• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Working Conditions and Travel:

This position requires approximately 65% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 35% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as schools, educational service units, meetings, and workshops. There is also approximately fifteen days of overnight travel per year.

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.