Child Care Specialist

General Overview

Under general direction, determines initial and ongoing eligibility for child care services in accordance with federal, state, and agency regulations. Conducts certification/re-certification of family day care providers. Interprets, monitors and ensures provider compliance with federal, state and local mandates. Recruits and evaluates private homes that provide direct child care services. Reviews and monitors clients’ use of services as well as the functioning of providers.

Coordinates and assesses information with other divisions and agencies as well as service providers. Enters information and data into CRIS-E system or other authorized computer system. Obtains and/or assists with obtaining necessary verifications and documentation. Computes budgets. Prepares and processes support documentation. Assists clients in developing child care service plan to address family needs. Reviews and monitors clients’ use of services.

Communicates with clients and providers on an on-going basis. Prepares and maintains correspondence, assessments, dictation, records and reports. Develops and maintains working relationships with agency staff, clients, and service providers. Conducts provider home visits to enforce program mandates. Participates in outreach activities. Provides technical assistance, support, and conducts training. Provides quality customer services to clients and providers. Performs other related duties as requested, assigned or directed.

• Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities listed below.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or other related discipline, plus one (1) year experience as a Social Services Worker 2, or equivalent combination of training and/or experience.

Knowledge of interviewing, social work techniques, agency and department policies and procedures*; community resources and services; case management; social services policies, programs, rules and regulations; intermediate mathematical procedures. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, or regulations to specific situations; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; prepare accurate documentation; communicate effectively; develop and maintain effective working relationships;

maintain accurate records; travel to and gain access to work site; train or instruct others. (
* Indicates developed after employment).

• Possession of valid driver's license.
• Must maintain current certifications and licenses.
• Meet and maintain eligibility requirements for bonding.

• Utilizes interactive interview process with applicants, clients, family members, and/or representatives, and other related parties, through agency appointments, office, institutional and home visits, phone, and email to screen and determine client’s initial and on-going eligibility and needs;
• Reviews financial resources, family composition, employment and/or training schedules, hours of child care need, and geographical concerns;
• Consults with social workers/case managers, schools, medical providers and authorized representatives to determine eligibility and evaluate support needed;
• Provides assessment, counseling, and referral to community resources for child care placement problems;
• Provides evaluations and monitoring of child development, progress, and recommends corrective procedures;
• Refers client to home providers if available;
• Assists clients in developing child care service plan to address family needs;
• Advises applicants, clients, and/or representatives of available programs, services, and requirements and community resources and assists with and coordinates determination of level of need, eligibility, and provision of services;
• Explains client rights and responsibilities as well as pertinent state, federal, and agency programs, rules, regulations and procedures;
• Assists with completion of applications when requested;
• Processes all referrals relating to client’s case;
• Responds to and processes case changes that affect client’s assistance;
• Coordinates…