Child Care Specialist (Office of Child Care)

Under the general supervision of Project Administrator, this is technical work in determining initial and continuing eligibility of applicants for childcare subsidy administered by the Department of Human Services and assisting in the monitoring of childcare facilities in the Virgin Islands.&nbsp;<br>Incumbent is expected to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and will be responsible for an investigation of client’s eligibility data.&nbsp;<br><br>This position requires a confidential relationship to a policymaker.Completes paperwork for eligibility determination and re-certification.&nbsp;<br><br>Explains and interprets program rules and regulations to clients and childcare providers.&nbsp;<br><br>Determines the eligibility of clients for childcare subsidies and provides guidance on program guidelines and rules.&nbsp;<br><br>Publishes a quarterly newsletter for the Office of Child Care and Regulatory Services, titled CHOICES.&nbsp;<br><br>Completes monthly report.&nbsp;<br><br>Makes referrals to other governmental agencies as necessary.&nbsp;<br><br>Performs other related duties as required.Associate's degree in early childhood care and education, Social Sciences, Public or Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.&nbsp;<div style="text-align: center">&nbsp;<strong>OR&nbsp;</strong></div>High School Diploma or its equivalent from an accredited institution and two (2) years of work experience in child development or early childhood education.<strong>FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION </strong><br>Knowledge of basic mathematics, accounting principles, and early childhood education.&nbsp;<br>Knowledge of Virgin Islands and Federal rules and regulations governing childcare facility licensure.&nbsp;<br>Skill in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).&nbsp;<br>Skill in translating federal and program regulations as they apply to clients.&nbsp;<br>Ability to interpret and apply complex rules and policies for eligibility determination.&nbsp;<br>Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.&nbsp;<br>Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.&nbsp;<br>Ability to plan, organize, and work independently with moderate supervision.&nbsp;<br>Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with clients and data.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS </strong><br>Work is supervised by a higher-level officer. Incumbent works independently, taking necessary actions and keeping the supervisor informed. When complex issues arise, the supervisor provides assistance and guidance. Completed work is reviewed through reports, meetings, and conferences for overall effectiveness and alignment with management’s goal.&nbsp;<br><strong><br>FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES </strong><br>Guidelines include federal and local rules and regulations governing the licensing of childcare facilities, departmental rules, policies and procedures. While generally applicable, the guidelines require interpretation and judgement to apply to situations.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY </strong><br>Work is recurring in nature. Incumbent must adhere to all guidelines, including determining eligibility, investigation, computation, record keeping, and data entry. Decision making is based on the guidelines established for program eligibility. Reports are based on the number of applicants served and the type of care selected.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT </strong><br>The purpose of the work is to certify the eligibility of the clients for the program and serve as an integral member of the Child Care Development Block Grant Program. The unit also assists eligible parents with the selection of quality childcare of their choice and provides financial assistance towards the cost of care.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS </strong><br>Contacts are managers, administrative officials, co-workers, applicants, employees from other agencies, childcare providers, parents, and the public.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS </strong><br>Contacts are made to plan, coordinate, and advise on work actions related to the program, determine the eligibility of clients, assist clients with childcare selection, and provide case information to the supervisor and co-workers.&nbsp;<br><strong><br>FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS </strong><br>Work is mostly sedentary, with occasional walking standing, and bending. No unusual physical demands are required.&nbsp;<br><strong><br>FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT </strong><br>Work is performed in an office setting or off-site at alternate work locations