Purpose

The job of Child Care Services Specialist is done for the purpose/s of performing a variety of complex and specialized duties in support of the Early Childhood Services department including record-keeping and referral functions; and serving as a liaison between parents, students, staff, partner agencies, outside organizations and the public concerning the Early Childhood Services department.

This job reports to the Assigned Administrator/Supervisor. 

Essential Functions

• Assists parents with enrolling in Early Childhood services for the purpose of referring parents to appropriate community resources and educational programs in accordance with their parent needs.
• Communicates with County Office personnel, families, various outside agencies and the public for the purpose of educating on quality child care, exchanging information, resolving issues or concerns and coordinating services for families as needed.
• Conducts home visits to exempt and licensed providers for the purpose of sharing information about health and community resources, assisting with licensing process, and understanding rules/regulations.
• Confers with parents for the purpose of identifying and monitoring parents progress of referrals of child care and support services.
• Develops, implements, and conducts trainings about supporting programs, agencies and the community (e.g. early child care, education programs, partner agencies, etc.) for the purpose of coordinating outreach events, presenting materials and information, and representing our programs and services in the community.
• Maintains a variety of confidential and non-confidential manual and electronic lists and records for the purpose of providing an up-to-date reference and audit trail for compliance.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, workshops and trainings (e.g. CPR/First Aid, recruitment events, parent trainings, etc.) for the purpose of remaining knowledgeable with program guidelines and assisting with the development, implementation and conduction of training activities in support of families, child care and educational programs.
• Prepares and maintains various records and reports (e.g. parent files and records with health and contact information, licensed providers listings, correspondence, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the early childhood specialists with clerical functions, documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Refers providers, students and families to local resources and services (e.g. state agencies, medical professionals, counselors, foundations, charities, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the need of students and families are met.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of internal and external sources for the purpose of providing information and/or direction as may be required.
• Serves as liaison between parents, staff, partner agencies, care providers, outside organizations and the public for the purpose of providing technical support and assistance concerning related services, practices, policies, procedures, requirements and standards concerning Early Childhood Services.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects; applying curriculum and instructional techniques; counseling and mentoring employees; preparing and maintaining accurate records; facilitating meetings; performing standard bookkeeping; and adhering to safety practices.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:  knowledge of community resources; principles of a community services program; school educational programs; age appropriate activities/behaviors; job-related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; and stages of child development.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups including those with varying educational levels; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; meeting deadlines and schedules; and working as part of a team.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling,   and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 30% walking, and 20% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience      Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.

Education        Community college and/or vocational school degree with study in job-related area.

Equivalency    Any combination equivalent to: associate’s degree in social services or related field and two (2) years experience working with families in a social services or educational environment.

The stated education and experience requirements are the preferred minimum qualifications for this job.   However, relevant experience to substitute for the education requirement and relevant education, certificates and/or licenses to substitute for the experience requirement may be allowed.

FLSA Status                                                    Approval Date                                              Salary Range

Non Exempt                                                                                                                                   22