Quality Assurance Manager, Children's Services Program
Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County
**Role & seniority: ** Quality Assurance Manager (QAM), mid-to-senior management; 5+ years leadership in programs of similar complexity (preferably non-profit social services/education/health).
**Stack/tools: ** ChildPlus; Environmental Rating Scales; CLASS (must hold Preschool/Infant Toddler credentials or obtain within 3 months); DRDP; spreadsheets/word processing; internet-based tools. Data/reporting for board & council.
**Top 3 responsibilities: **
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Lead program monitoring & compliance with State Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, CDE Title 5 (and other applicable regs incl. Title 22, CACFP), including reporting non-compliance and recommendations.
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Manage the annual monitoring calendar/compliance tracking and maintain required licensing/professional credential records; coordinate monitoring schedules with funding agencies.
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Support continuous improvement via data collection/analysis, self-assessment/evaluation support, and training/coaching to translate regulations into practical guidance.
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Must-have skills:
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Systems-level planning; leadership and multidisciplinary teamwork.
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Ability to interpret federal/state/local requirements and translate complex regulations into operational guidance.
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Working knowledge of Environmental Rating Scales and DRDP; CLASS credentials required (or obtained quickly).
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Strong written/verbal communication with staff, parents, public officials, and
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Full Description
The Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) ensures compliance with State Licensing regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education (CDE) Title 5 regulations. They lead monitoring efforts across all program options using tools like ChildPlus, Environmental Rating Scales, and CLASS. The QAM collects and analyzes data, supports self-assessment and strategic planning, manages key program documents, and plays a leadership role in developing new initiatives and engaging with the community.
Our agency provides employees with a positive work environment and the ability to balance work & home along with excellent benefits. Our benefit package includes: medical, dental, vision, life insurance including sick, vacation, and personal leave with 13 paid holiday's and a fully vested retirement plan with and up to 5% match.
This position is full-time with benefits and starts out between $66,560 - $68,640 annually. Work location TBD, but will require countywide travel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Other duties may be assigned.
- Consults with Program Managers to make improvements to meet standards and to resolve non-compliance issues.
- Prepares reports of findings regarding rule violations and makes recommendations.
- Coordinates the annual program monitoring calendar and compliance tracking system, including submission of required monitoring schedules to funding agencies.
- Monitors compliance with required staff professional development, mandated trainings, permits, health clearances, tuberculosis testing, and other credentialing requirements; guides managers and supervisors to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Prepares and maintains required records pertaining to licensing.
- Assists in the professional development and improvement of Site Supervisors and Managers.
- Provides training, coaching, technical assistance, and written guidance to managers, supervisors, and staff to ensure understanding and implementation of federal, state, and agency regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Translates complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance that supports consistent program implementation and compliance.
- Serves as the lead in the design and implementation of new initiatives or requirements.
- Provides technical support and expertise to the Department Director and Managers in program monitoring activities and annual program self-assessment and program self-evaluation.
- Ensures program participation in key collaborative and critical community coordination.
- Coordinates the annual review and revision of policies and forms, parent handbooks, and program documentation to ensure alignment with Head Start Performance Standards, Title 5, Title 22, CACFP, and other applicable regulations.
- Acts on behalf of the Department Director at public and other local functions or agency meetings when appropriate or requested.
- Creates a monthly data report to be shared with the Board and Policy Council.
- Serves as the lead in the development and evaluation of department policies and procedures, including updates, annual reviews, and preparing summaries for staff, Policy Council, and the Board
- In collaboration with the Administrative Services Manager, completes the annual Program Self-Assessment and evaluation process in conjunction with the Department Director as part of the program planning process.
- Maintains, Tracks, and Creates Contracts, MOU’s and Lease Agreements for the department and prepares new agreements aligned with the agency templates three months before the renewal date for the Director and Program Managers to present to partners.
- Synthesizes data between all program areas such as (but not limited to) Health, Attendance, Child Assessment, Behavior Intervention Plans, IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and IFSPs (Individualized Family Service Plans) and utilizes the information to tell and articulate data stories that support the annual report, grants, and our messaging to the Board, Policy Council, and the public.
- Keeps current with cutting-edge research in monitoring and quality assurance.
- Assists the Department Director with grant writing and special projects.
Employment Standards
- Ability to think and plan at a systems level.
- Ability to serve as an effective leader and member of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to understand and interpret federal and state requirements as well as local, state, and national trends.
- Ability to apply cutting-edge thinking and research to the needs and practicalities of the program.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with staff and all segments of the community, including parents, public officials, and funding agents.
*** Is knowledgeable in all areas of Head Start services:** Child Development, Health, Nutrition, Family and Community Partnerships, and Disabilities.
Knowledge, Skill, and/or Ability Required
Education and/or Experience: BS in Management, Administration, Human Development, Public Health, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field and 5 years of management/leadership experience in programs (of similar size and complexity as those operated at CommUnify), preferably in a non-profit, community-based health, social services, or educational organization. Must have working experience with assessment tools such as Environmental Rating Scales and DRDP’s (Desired Results Developmental Profile). Must hold Preschool and/or Infant Toddler CLASS credentials or obtain within 3 months of hire.
Computer Skills To perform this position successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Valid California driver's license, current insurance coverage and an acceptable driving record, as determined by the Agency.
Other Skills and Abilities Bilingual highly desirable.
CommUnify, EOE