TARA BLOM
Albert Lea,MN
Summary
Accomplished; Compassionate Human Services professional with a desire to help others by providing support to assist families and individuals in functioning at their highest possible level. My career objective is to work for the progress of families within our community; to apply my education, training, and leadership experience to help build healthy families and individuals. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Semcac Head Start
03.2022 - Current
- Directs appropriate short- and long-term program planning to include the development and conduct of the Self-Assessment, the Community Assessment, Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Program Plans, the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection and Enrollment (ERSEA) Plan, and Professional Development Plan in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards
- Develops the annual program budget to support effective implementation of program plans
- Builds budget(s) from information provided by funding sources, Coordinators, Policy Council and Semcac Board
- Monitors the financial resources and provides regular reports to Policy Council and Board
- Ensures that matching funds required by the Federal grant are contributed and the match is met
- Secures federal and state resources while seeking alternative resources and grants to support program objectives
- Responsible for ensuring all funding source requirements and reporting complete
- Oversees and develops policies and procedures (P&Ps) that directly support quality services
- Oversees the development and maintenance of a comprehensive data management system.
Family and Community Coordinator
Semcac Head Start
07.2017 - 03.2022
- Responsible for coordinating all Family Service component areas to complete appropriate short and long-term planning, implementation, on-going monitoring/oversight, and reporting with a view towards continuous quality improvement
- Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state Department of Human Services regulations, and all other pertinent federal and state laws, rules and regulations
- Assist the Head Start Director in the planning and implementation of program-wide services and operations; such as, Self-Assessment, the Community Assessment, the Strategic Logical Framework, and Annual Performance Plan, and monitor for compliance
- Assist the Head Start Director in developing an annual operating budget for the fiscal year while maintaining compliance with federal and state standards, setting priorities accordingly
- Develop and review policies and procedures for the Family Services component to ensure they are systematic
- Assist with federal and state monitoring visits according to current guidance, through preparation for and participation in actual visit
- Responsible for recruiting, hiring, orientating, training, professional development, work direction, and time accountability in compliance with Semcac and Head Start Policy and Procedures for Home-based Educators
- Work with the Head Start Director and Human Resource Director regarding investigation and disciplinary actions.
Home Based Educator
SEMCAC Head Start
10.2014 - 07.2017
- Provided weekly in-home visits that included educational, social emotional, nutrition and health services to pregnant women and children up to the age of three
- Promoted and supported effective parent-child interactions using routines and the family home as the primary learning environment
- Conducted ongoing child assessments with the children and their parents and used the results to plan for individualization
- Engaged families through active participation in home visits, socializations and parent meeting experiences
- Made all efforts to assure the safety and well-being of every child and family in the program
- Assured appropriate referrals for services were made on behalf of the children and families
- Worked collaboratively with community partners in delivering quality services to children and families
- Accurately completed required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner using the program data base
- Advocated for families and their needs, engaging with the appropriate contacts so that families received the services they needed.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Sociology
ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
08.2014
Associate of Arts - undefined
RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
05.2012
Skills
- Leadership
- Trainer
- Coach
- Family Services
- Advocacy
- Data Management
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Staff Development
- Operations Management
- Strategic leadership
- Policy and procedure improvements
Training
- Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR, 12/01/21, Present
- Family Service Credential Trainer, 06/01/17, Present
- Fueling Resiliency in the Middle, 03/01/22
- Transformational Conversations, 06/01/22
- Compassion Fatigue, 08/01/22
- National Head Start Association Certificate of Mastery, Director Credential, 04/01/24
Timeline
Director
Semcac Head Start
03.2022 - Current
Family and Community Coordinator
Semcac Head Start
07.2017 - 03.2022
Home Based Educator
SEMCAC Head Start
10.2014 - 07.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Sociology
ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
Associate of Arts - undefined
RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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