Trying Together’s mission is to support high-quality care and education for young children.

Trying Together is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that supports the work of early childhood by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the adults who interact with them. A fast-paced organization, Trying Together looks for dedicated and passionate staff who bring positivity to their work and a solution-oriented sensibility.

Trying Together encourages its team, partners, and communities to interact compassionately and honor the range of cultures, ideas, and identities that root each person. Young children develop and learn by example; this means that children whose early learning environments reflect just actions, equitable opportunities, diverse representation, and inclusive approaches experience healthier interactions and build relationships that enable them to thrive.

Trying Together provides a competitive compensation and benefits package.  Trying Together is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate and encourages qualified candidates of any gender, race, class, sexual orientation, faith, disability, or age to apply. All candidates will be evaluated on a merit basis.

Current Openings

• • Administrative Assistant
  • Data Analyst
  • Early Childhood Intervention Strategist
  • ELRC Quality Coach

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Administrative Assistant
Full-Time | Hourly Pay: $20.00

The Administrative Assistant for The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center will perform technical administrative work, including a variety of administrative assignments. This position provides direct support to the Hub & Family Center located at 7219 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.

This position will work closely with the Operations Manager to oversee facility and operational functions at the Hub & Family Center and will report to the Director of The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center.

Responsibilities:

• Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities.
• Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together.
• Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’, and colleagues’ humanity.
• Greet visitors.
• Receive and process mail.
• Order office and facility supplies.
• Maintain Google Calendar.
• Schedule meetings, including set-up and catering.
• Photocopying and scanning.
• Filing and organizing.
• Set-up and break-down of groups and programming.
• Assist with office maintenance scheduling and coordination.
• Maintain upkeep of the company van.
• Ability to multitask.
• Assist staff with projects as needed.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with community partner organizations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet the mission and accomplish the work.
• Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base.
• Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measure project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse personalities, and a wide variety of professional backgrounds and experiences of the organization, its partners, and the field it serves.
• Adherence to the NAEYC Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrate ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Competency with Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Internet research.
• High level of organization skills.
• Effective written communications.
• Proactive approach.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work within deadlines.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• High School graduate. Some college experience is preferred.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.

Required Clearances:

• Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance
• Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance
• Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance
• National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification
• Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance.

Required Training:

• Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
• NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
• PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move 10 – 20 pounds.
• Personal transportation is a plus.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation.
• Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.
• Full-time, hourly/non-exempt position. Some flexibility is required, including weekend and evening hours as needed for events.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.

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Data Analyst
Full-Time | Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000

The Data Analyst works closely with the Director of Administration to support the implementation of high quality, responsive, and timely activities which back the internal operations and program functions of Trying Together. The Data Analyst assists in supporting evaluations of program development and impact within the early care and education field.  The analyst must have a strong base of coordination and technical skills that can be flexibly adapted to meet the needs of many different internal and external stakeholders. The Data Analyst must understand the unique responsibilities and accountabilities to communicate professionally; and, work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy both individually and as part of a team/community effort.

Responsibilities:

• Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities.
• Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together.
• Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’, and colleagues’ humanity.
• Processes and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data to support the daily operational data needs of Trying Together.
• In collaboration with the Director of Administration, develops the outcomes and indicators that will be used to monitor the organization’s progress towards its goals.
• Provides clear and useful reports for Leadership, staff and other stakeholders as needed to implement the organization’s strategies and programs and to support the organization’s strategic plan.
• Develops understanding of Trying Together’s data access and usage in order to facilitate internal data practices and promote the effective use of data for decision-making.
• Works with the organization’s various departments and all working groups in carrying out data related responsibilities.
• Supports programs such as, but not limited to, Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 by using data to improve programs and respond to stakeholders needs.
• Works with key staff to set evaluation outcome goals.
• Maintains links and collaborates where possible with other external data collection, evaluation, and systems change efforts.
• Develops relationships with other organizations locally such as the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, at the state level via the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), PA DHS, PA PDE and early care and education providers to ensure access and links with other data systems and to support shared goals of ensuring all young children and their caregivers thrive.
• Participates as a staff team member and represents the organization in various Trying Together activities and projects both locally and at the state level, including meetings, public events, workshops and training events.
• Shares knowledge and findings through effective verbal and written presentations, to internal and to external stakeholders. Writes detailed research reports describing the methodology, findings and recommendations of completed studies.
• Develops and prepares internal reports of the status, progress, and outcomes of evaluation activities.
• Writes proposals as necessary to fund or initiate research evaluation or special projects.
• Conducts research and analysis of issues as requested, including the preparation of reports, white papers, and journal publications recommendations and other materials to support the work of the organization.
• Works collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet the mission and accomplish the work.
• Participates in initial and ongoing professional development for continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base.
• Consistently uses the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measures project performance, and to support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse personalities, and the wide variety of professional backgrounds and experiences of the organization, its partners, and the field it serves.
• Experience working with a variety of public, private, nonprofit, and grassroots organizational structures.
• Ability to think strategically, remaining focused on goals and objectives.
• Highly proficient and knowledgeable in the use of current computer software and tools, specifically Microsoft Suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint, and analytic tools.  Skills in database development, Tableau, and geospatial analysis are considered a plus.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines and be persistent, and solve problems as they arise.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Master’s or Doctoral degree and a minimum of two years relevant experience.
• Knowledge and experience of using evaluation and community-based research to inform program development.
• Knowledge and experience of program evaluation principles, theories, concepts, and practices.
• Demonstrated expertise in successfully designing and carrying out quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation processes.
• Ability to analyze information, summarize findings, and present them in ways easily understandable to decision-makers.
• Demonstrated ability in designing and manipulating data using a computer database.
• Understanding of statistical principles and methods for data analysis.
• Experience supporting and training staff and community partners, that are unfamiliar with research and evaluations, to collect, manage, and analyze data.
• Familiarity with the key social/infrastructural issues facing the early care and education field.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.

Required Clearances:

• Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance
• Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance
• Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance
• National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification
• Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance.

Required Training:

• Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
• NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
• PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.

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Early Childhood Intervention Strategist
Full-Time | Salary Range: $55,000 – $59,000

The Early Childhood Intervention Strategist is responsible for organizing and implementing a comprehensive strengths-based approach of providing strategies and supports for Allegheny County early learning programs to ensure that young children at risk of being suspended or expelled are retained in their program. The Early Childhood Intervention Strategist will work with the ELRC Region 5 Local Leadership Council partners and Rapid Response Team to intentionally develop a team that is prepared to respond quickly to requests from early learning programs and families in Allegheny County when a child is at risk of being suspended or expelled. 

Responsibilities:

• Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities.
• Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together.
• Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’ and colleagues’ humanity.
• Identify Allegheny County agencies familiar with the early childhood education system, early intervention behavioral health, and infant/early childhood mental health systems that have the capacity to provide support to early educators and program administrators.
• Identify key stakeholders, develop and maintain a Rapid Response Team for Allegheny County.
• Create a process for referrals from early learning programs, early intervention, and families when a child is at risk of being suspended or expelled from a program.
• Design a referral process for the Team to take action to support an early learning program and a child at risk of suspension or expulsion.
• Serve as a consultant to early learning program administrators and educators in collaboration with the ELRC 5 Quality Coach.
• Ensure that the Team responds within 48 hours after a referral is received.
• Ensure that the Team works through a Pyramid Model in partnership with the early learning program administrator and educators, family, and child.
• Work collaboratively with the program director, teaching staff, early intervention staff, Team, and Quality Coach to assess and develop strategies to support the family and child.
• Work collaboratively with the program director, teaching staff, early intervention staff, Team, and Quality Coach to create a plan of action to support the child.
• Work collaboratively with the program director, teaching staff, Team, and Quality Coach to support families by connecting them to resources and information throughout the process.
• Ensure that there is follow up with the early learning program director, Team, early intervention staff, and Quality Coach.
• Collect data from the beginning of the process to the conclusion of the intervention with the early learning program.
• Serve as an active member of the Quality Initiatives and ELRC teams to effectively respond to the needs of the field and the systems they work within.
• Meet regularly with the Quality Initiatives and ELRC teams to provide feedback and brainstorm new ideas.
• Work collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet the mission and accomplish the work.
• Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for the purposes of continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base.
• Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measure project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field and five years of related experience in early childhood intervention, or human/social services working with children and families.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to work both independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain a project timeline and monitor progress toward goals.
• Must be able to interact with others in a positive and professional manner.
• Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent data collection and analysis skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
• Must own a reliable vehicle as the nature of this job includes regularly visiting early learning programs in-person across Allegheny County.

Required Clearances: 

• Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
• Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance.
• Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance.
• National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. 

Required Training:

• Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
• NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
• PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.

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ELRC Quality Coach
Full-Time | Salary Range: $44,000 – $47,740

Coaching is inherently relationship-based work. The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 Quality Coach supports program administrators, classroom staff, and home-based child care providers in Allegheny County to develop new skills and continuously improve their early care and education practices to achieve higher program quality. The ELRC Quality Coach engages program administration and staff that work with children in a collaborative process that involves observation, reflective communication, professional growth, role modeling, and goal setting. Whenever possible, a mutual learning partnership is developed to share responsibility and accountability for project goals. Coaching is customized and every effort is made to establish trust and respect for educators and program leaders and a variety of coaching strategies and practices are employed to achieve goals. 

Responsibilities:

• Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities.
• Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together.
• Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’ and colleagues’ humanity.
• Recognize and build on the existing knowledge and skills of program staff through observation, reflective practice, goal setting, and planning.
• Collaborate with classroom staff and program administration for the purpose of creating a cohesive approach to continuous quality improvement with the program team.
• Provide one-on-one and small group coaching to classroom staff to help strengthen child development practices and ensure quality programming.
• Facilitate face-to-face and virtual professional development sessions for providers.
• Complete on-site face-to-face program visits offering support and strategies for continuous quality improvement.
• Provide regular time and space to foster a learning community among program administrators and teaching staff that includes opportunities for reflection and learning about cultural respect and responsiveness.
• Review STARS scores with the program leadership team and staff to help identify areas of strength and develop goals for improvement.
• Using a strengths-based approach; provide constructive feedback and support for the purpose of increasing program administrator and educator confidence and competence.
• Develop and support the implementation of an individualized plan that identifies strengths, needs, and goals for each program staff.
• Strive for excellence in work by consistently incorporating cultural competencies and employing relationship-based coaching and consultation practices.
• Work collaboratively with ELRC and Trying Together Quality Initiatives team members to ensure the needs of Allegheny County early care and education programs are being met.
• Work collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet the mission and accomplish the work.
• Follow the procedure for reporting suspected child abuse.
• Complete monthly monitoring reports or coaching logs for assigned visits and submit them according to timelines for the purpose of tracking and monitoring.
• Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for the purposes of continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base.
• Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measure project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education; advanced degree preferred. Specialized certifications welcome. Related degrees and ECE experience considered.
• Two or more years of early childhood classroom experience and two years of experience at an administrative level in an early care and education setting.
• Ability to employ a variety of consultation and coaching strategies that are based on appropriate and culturally competent practices and the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Capacity to align consultation with professional development content.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of state assessment tools.
• Experience working with adult learners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate to advanced computer, internet, and email skills.
• Knowledge of local, state, and national systems for early care and education.
• Willing and able to engage in honest self-reflection about coaching progress and personal contribution to the process.
• Ability to foster a program’s capacity building and assume a strengths-based approach.
• Ability to establish credibility as a resource worthy of the program’s respect and trust.
• Ability to facilitate a program’s own problem-solving process.
• Ability to maintain a project timeline and monitor progress toward goals.
• Must be able to interact with others in a positive and professional manner.
• Acceptance of diversity and ability to work comfortably in a variety of settings.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Good judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Must demonstrate enthusiasm and flexibility.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
• Must own a reliable vehicle as the nature of this job includes regularly visiting early learning programs in-person across Allegheny County.

Required Clearances: 

• Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
• Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance.
• Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance.
• National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. 

Required Training:

• Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
• NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
• PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.