Child Care Navigator- Child Care Search

Summary

Responsible for counseling individuals who request child care related information by giving appropriate referrals and resources and performing the services listed below to meet the needs of families according to the agency’s mission and philosophies. Targets outreach efforts to families and specifically new parents, the Latino population, and newcomers to region 6.  

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Performance requirements include timely and appropriate communications within and external to the organization, compliance with policies of CCRI and the Division of Child Development, maintenance of confidentiality and advocating for children and families in support of the agency mission and goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, counseling, social work, human services or related field.
• At least three years’ experience working directly with parents and children in ECE/SA setting.
• Basic computer and data entry experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent telephone personality and customer service skills.
• Basic understanding of early care and education, school-age child care, child care licensing regulations, and child development and parenting.
• Ability to use empathetic listening skills in sensitive relationships.
• Ability to establish a good and culturally sensitive rapport with colleagues and the public.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships.
• Effective oral and written communication skills required.
• Bilingual preferred, but not required. 
• Quantitative ability required.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills required.

Essential Functions

1. Assists parents in choosing and locating child care services to meet the needs and preferences of their families.
2. Provides information to parents on the wide array of options available in the community and current state licensing requirements.
3. Provides enhanced services to families from identified populations and makes referrals only to those programs that have a vacancy for the specific child in need of care (checks are completed within two business day). 
4. Counsels and educates parents about the factors that constitute quality programming.
5. Provides information about child care subsidy and conducts preliminary screening of clients for eligibility for child care subsidy program. Places on waiting list if eligible.
6. Provides families with consumer education materials and referrals and assists them in securing community services and resources, including other financial assistance programs for which they may be eligible, to help them achieve self-sufficiency.
7. Completes follow-up calls with parents to determine satisfaction with the service received.
8. Collects and compiles data on child care needs, family resources and research projects to assist parents in locating care and meeting other identified needs.
9. Enters customer data into database using a system of checks and balances to maintain accurate and up-to-date information.
10. Establishes contacts with and deliver presentations to professionals who serve families with young children, such as doctors, educators, and human service workers. Coordinates distribution of Child Care Search consumer education materials to local agencies and professionals who serve families with young children.
11. Delivers educational presentations about selecting high-quality child care to parent groups.
12. Targets outreach efforts (presentations and Child Care Search materials) to under-served populations such as newcomers, the Spanish-speaking Latino population, and expectant parents.
13. Practices professional renewal through a variety of means; such as, attending state and regional conferences, participating in professional associations, and remaining abreast of current research and literature.
14. Performs other duties as needed to further the agency’s mission and goals.

Physical Demands

This is a partially sedentary role; however, some physical requirements during travel and events is required. This would require the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted, bend and stand for long periods of time as necessary.  

Work Environment 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 

COVID-19

CCRI requires all employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated.