What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Care Startup & Retention Navigator (bilingual Eng-Span) position at CLUES?
POSITION SUMMARY
The Child Care Startup and Retention Navigator (Navigator) will contribute to local and statewide efforts to improve access to childcare for families by increasing the supply of high-quality, licensed child care programs. The Navigators primary responsibilities include recruiting, supporting, and guiding individuals and organizations interested in becoming licensed child care providers and assisting providers in starting new licensed child care programs, retaining existing programs that may be at risk of closing, and expanding programs with the potential to grow. The geographic focus of this position is Greater Minnesota, including Mower, Freeborn, Steele, and Olmsted counties.
Department: Economic Prosperity
Reports to: Development Navigator & Community Liaison Supervisor, Greater MN
Location: CLUES Austin & Willmar, MN offices
Position Type: Temporary
Schedule: Full-Time. Monday – Friday Office hours, with some evening & weekend hours.
Estimated Pay: $22.50 - $24.50 per hour (depending on experience & qualifications).
Benefits: Temporary Full-Time employees are eligible to receive Medical insurance under ACA. Temporary employees also receive all legally mandated benefits (such as workers’ compensation insurance, Social Security, and mandatory sick and safe time accrual).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support individuals and organizations in starting or expanding licensed child care programs, offering coaching, mentoring, and peer learning networks.
- Provide guidance on licensing, program/programming standards, business management, and overall best practices.
- Connect providers with resources such as financial support, professional development, and business coaching.
- Promote participation in Parent Aware and implement systemic solutions for long-term sustainability.
- Support individuals, organizations, and providers in identifying long-term solutions to challenges, focusing on sustainable change and using equity-based strategies for all groups.
- Plan and execute outreach strategies and initiatives to recruit individuals or organizations interested in starting or expanding licensed child care programs.
- Use market research and local community knowledge to guide recruitment, ensuring materials are culturally relevant and accessible in needed languages.
- Develop and distribute culturally relevant outreach materials in collaboration with CLUES internal teams and statewide marketing campaigns.
- Assess potential providers’ readiness and business viability.
- Build and maintain partnerships with organizations supporting child care access, including BIPOC-led groups and licensing agencies.
- Work with child care licensors to support applicants through the licensing process.
- Collaborate with schools, businesses, and foundations to strengthen child care networks.
- Partner with Child Care Aware consultants, coaches, and program staff statewide.
- Connect providers with training, grants, and quality improvement programs.
- Maintain case management records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Analyze data to guide strategies and promote equitable outcomes.
- Prepare reports to highlight program progress and address systemic barriers.
General Duties
- Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies and other applicable laws, regulations and ethical standards.
- Promote the mission, operating values, and agency services of CLUES within the community.
- Carry out all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change or add to the duties of this description at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS
- This position is not responsible for supervising employees but may require supervising or coordinating volunteers and interns.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, human services, family studies, or a related field preferred.
- 2 years of experience in early childhood education or human services.
- Willingness to complete 25 hours of Develop-approved training withing 6 months of hire.
- 1 year of experience working in a licensed childcare setting.
- Bilingual in Spanish and cultural sensitivity and awareness required.
- Knowledge of child care licensing regulations.
- Knowledge of family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) and legally non-licensed (LNL) child care.
- Experience with community organizing, community engagement, resource navigation, and outreach.
- Familiarity with community resources to support a wide range of goals and work.
- Ability to travel between multiple locations within Greater MN (including Mower, Freeborn, Steele, and Olmsted counties).
- Ability to work independently, to be resourceful and adaptable, and to work within a flexible schedule. Some evenings and weekend hours may be required.
Language Skills
- Effective communication in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing required.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maintain accurate documentation, and respond appropriately to questions and requests.
Transportation
- Must have access to use a reliable motor vehicle for independent transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of automotive insurance, and maintain a good driving record. Must submit to and pass annual recertification of compliance with CLUES Automobile and Transportation Policy and driving record check.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other common software (e.g., database, reporting, client management systems, etc.).
- Must be willing to attend training to advance technical skills and maintain appropriate skill levels to perform job duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Background check
- Must pass a criminal background check and driving record check. As a condition of continued employment, staff person may be required to submit to periodic re-verification of these and additional background checks.
ABOUT US
Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) is a non-profit leader in behavioral health and human services. The organization was founded in 1981 with a vision for improving the quality of life of the Latino population in Minnesota. Today, CLUES is Minnesota’s largest Latino agency. Our mission is to advance social and economic equity and wellbeing for Latinos by building upon our strengths and cultures, uplifting our community, and activating leadership for systemic change. Although our services focus on the Latino family, our experience and capabilities enable us to serve individuals and families from all walks of life including new immigrants and low-income families who dream of a better future. Our programs and services encompass a holistic approach to addressing the complex and interrelated barriers our community faces, including programming that advances Community Wellness, Community Leadership, and Community Prosperity. Our services uphold and celebrate cultural richness and community assets as we connect individuals and families to resources, skills, institutions, and opportunities. We employ a diverse, multi-cultural staff to ensure our services are linguistically and culturally relevant.
Salary : $23 - $25
