Child Care Consumer Education and Referral Specialist III

Job Summary

Provides high quality consultation, support and education to parents in identifying, locating and evaluating quality child care/early childhood education programs and resources. Offers support and technical assistance to caregivers and the community at large regarding quality early care and education and school-age child care. Provides access to resources and information pertaining to current child care trends affecting accessibility, affordability and quality of care.

• Treat information on Early Years consumers, employees or Board members in a confidential manner.
• Provide high quality consultations and customized referrals face-to-face or by phone, to
  consumers in identifying, locating, and evaluating quality early education programs and
  community resources based on consumer needs and requests.
• Represent Early Years and the Family Support Department according to prescribed goals at community outreach events, including occasional evening and weekend events.
• Conduct Choosing Quality Child Care and other educational, parent-oriented
  seminars/webinars.
• Conduct community and parent outreach activities and provide for on-going upgrade of
  consumer resources.
• Recruit child care providers to list their program with Child Care Referral Central.
• Gather, enter, maintain, and report on required parent and child care provider information
  using WLS and other databases using standard procedures with attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Pre-screen clients’ eligibility for Early Years’s child care scholarship programs.
• Facilitate and participate in a team-oriented work environment while valuing individual team members’ contributions, appreciation for diversity and confidentiality standards of the agency.
• Participate in all department and agency staff meetings and trainings; participate in planning and implementation of department annual plan and customer service standards.
• Assist novice team members during orientation and training with standard knowledge to
  effectively conduct referral services.
• Perform other work-related tasks as requested by agency leadership.

• Effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills with internal and external
  clients.
• Excellent customer service skills and problem-solving skills.
• Computer experience (i.e., internet, MS Office suite); knowledge of or demonstrated ability to use database applications.
• Attention to detail with ability to accurately handle large volume of administrative work.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Child Development or related human services field
• A minimum of two years of experience working directly with families and children

• An automobile at his/her disposal; a valid, non-suspended NC driver’s license and a current automobile liability policy with continuous coverage. Reasonable accommodations may be made at the agency's discretion.
• Must be able to manipulate and operate office supplies and equipment. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
• No substantiation or criminal conviction of child abuse or neglect
• Some positions may require need for flexible schedules, including potential evening and weekend work
• Must adhere to established health and safety protocols when onsite at Early Years's physical office locations
• If working remotely or approved for a hybrid work arrangement, must have dependable internet access and a home environment conducive for remote work.
• Some positions may require some regional/statewide/national daytime and/or overnight travel

Early Years has a generous benefits package. Permanent employees that work at least 20 hours per week are eligible for benefits. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Section 125 Cafeteria Plan
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer contribution to 401k Retirement Plan
• Paid annual and sick leave
• 15 paid days of holiday leave
• Paid child Involvement Leave
• Paid discretionary leave
• Paid wellness leave
• E…