Self Sufficiency Specialist IV

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Department of Human Services is seeking a Self Sufficiency Specialist.

Under general direction of the Child Care Supervisor, the Senior Child Care Worker serves as a lead worker and key operational resource within the Child Care Unit. This position performs advanced childcare eligibility and case management functions while providing day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to childcare staff.

The Senior Child Care Worker is expected to exercise sound independent judgment, strong problem solving skills, effective decision-making, and professional leadership when addressing complex client situations, staff questions, case concerns, and operational issues. The position serves as a resource to staff and assists the supervisor in maintaining consistency, efficiency, accountability, quality assurance, and compliance within the unit.

The Senior Child Care Worker may act on behalf of the supervisor when specifically assigned or when circumstances require immediate attention within the scope of delegated authority. The position is responsible for keeping the supervisor informed of significant issues, decisions, and concerns. This position requires a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, initiative, accountability, organization, communication, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

The Senior Child Care Worker must demonstrate the ability to lead by example, appropriately manage challenging situations, support coworkers, and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.

Starting salary negotiable based on experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

• Serves as a senior resource and lead worker for the Child Care Unit.
• Provides day-to-day guidance, direction, and assistance to childcare workers regarding policies, procedures, case processing, customer service, and complex case situations.
• Assists the supervisor with monitoring daily workflow, workload distribution, case assignments, deadlines, and unit priorities.
• Provides leadership and direction during the supervisor's absence or when delegated to do so.
• Assists with identifying workflow concerns, staffing needs, and operational issues and communicates recommendations to the supervisor.
• Promotes consistency in the interpretation and application of policies and procedures.
• Serves as a liaison between staff, state, and the supervisor to promote effective communication and resolution of concerns.
• Supports new and existing employees by providing guidance, coaching, mentoring, and clarification regarding work processes.
• Demonstrate professionalism and leadership through work performance, reliability, accountability, and interactions with staff and clients.
• Leads by example and promotes a work environment that values accountability, teamwork, professionalism, respect, and quality customer service.

• Exercises independent judgment in resolving routine and complex problems within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Reviews complicated or unusual case circumstances and determines appropriate next steps based on established policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Assists workers with resolving difficult client situations and escalated concerns.
• Makes timely and appropriate decisions when immediate action is required and the supervisor is unavailable, within established policies and delegated authority.
• Recognizes situations that require supervisory intervention and appropriately escalates significant, sensitive, or high-risk matters.
• Evaluates available information, identifies potential solutions, and makes recommendations to the supervisor when policy or circumstances require additional direction.
• Takes ownership of problems and follows through to ensure issues are appropriately resolved.
• Takes the initiative to complete tasks as a need is identified.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused when dealing with challenging clients, staff concerns, competing…