Child Care Specialist – Legally Exempt Enrollment (Tompkins Office)

POSITION TITLE: Child Care Specialist – Legally Exempt Enrollment
STATUS: Full-time (35 hours), non-exempt
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Child Care Resource and Referral

The Child Development Council is committed to fostering a welcoming and vibrant workplace as an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek a diverse applicant pool to join our team-oriented organization, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Child Care Specialist will support child care in Tompkins County through extensive hands-on collaboration with new and existing child care professionals, colleagues, and the greater community. Legally Exempt Specialists are responsible for processing and approving the applications and renewals for families of children receiving child care assistance who select legally exempt child care providers; conducting home visits and inspections of legally exempt child care providers in residential settings, parks, and other non-residential facilities.

The Child Development Council has offices in Ithaca, NY and Cortland, NY. This position requires on-site work in the Ithaca Office and extensive off-site work in the community, including some nights and weekends outside of regular office hours. Travel in Tompkins County, Cortland County, and New York State is required.

QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
? Proven ability to work with persons of varying socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
? Commitment to ongoing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work
? Demonstrated critical observation skills
? Keen ability to prioritize tasks and self motivation to complete tasks
? Ability to maintain and provide accurate reports and data
? Clear and effective written and spoken communication skills
? Preferred knowledge of child care and community resources
? Reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
I. Enroll Legally-Exempt child care providers in accordance with the policies and procedures as required by NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the Department of Social
Services (DSS).
a. Receive and review enrollment materials following guidelines and timeframes;
b. Conduct inspections of legally exempt programs in accordance with OCFS guidelines and requirements;
c. Visit programs for monitoring compliance with the enrollment requirements and for quality improvement;
d. Work with partner organizations to ensure that all appropriate background checks have been conducted;
e. Work with providers to develop a corrective plan of action if violations are identified and identify resources and support for non-regulatory programmatic improvements.
f. Assist or accompany other team members on inspections including complaints, with paperwork, and other tasks as needed.

II. Provide technical assistance to child care providers, parents, and the community.
a. Provide resources such as child development information, training information, and health and safety equipment;
b. Respond to inquiries relating to Legally Exempt Child Care;
c. Research and provide resources to providers and community members or groups;
c. Present information to funders, local government, and other groups as appropriate.

III. Information Management
a. Maintain Confidentiality;
b. Maintain proficiency within databases;
c. Maintain accurate and timely records, case notes, and any other necessary or required data.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Attend scheduled meetings of the Council staff, and occasional board meetings as directed. Attend other professional group meetings as required;
b. Maintain reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license;
c. Participate in the agency’s 2 annual events and a minimum of 2 additional outreach events per year;
d. Perform other reasonably related tasks, both at the Council and in the community, as assigned.
e. Attend required training per OCFS requirements and attend ongoing training virtually and in person as available throughout NY state.

COMPENSATION:
Starting Salary Range: $36,400 – $40,000 based on education, credentials, and/or experience.
Benefits: $9500/annually in flexible cafeteria benefits that can be used to subsidize health and/or dental care, child care costs, annuities, or taken in cash. Annual Paid Time Off (PTO), Floating Days, and paid holidays.

TO APPLY:
Send a cover letter and resume to Margaret Tinker at Margaret@childdevelopmentcouncil.org.