DHS CHILD CARE SPECIALIST 2* - 01282025- 64984

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, COMM&SOCIAL SRV-APS/CHILDCARE/SUMMERFOOD PRG (COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES-APS/CHILDCARE/SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM) DIVISION, MONTGOMERY COUNTY

For more information, visit the link below:

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0012888_DHS_Child_Care_Specialist2_Montgomery_020325.pdf

This is a remote position

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor¿s degree from an accredited institution and one year of full-time experience working in professional case management involving children, adults, and/or families or determining eligibility for State or Federal benefit programs.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time professional case management or eligibility determination experience as described above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Substitution of Education for Experience: One year of additional graduate coursework in social work, human services, education, or psychology may be substituted for the required experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications: None

Overview

Summary: This classification performs professional Child Care payment assistance eligibility determination work of routine difficulty. An employee in this class is responsible for interviewing Child Care applicants and obtaining verifications necessary to determine eligibility and providing support to Child Care providers. This classification performs responsibilities at the working level under general supervision. This class differs from a Field Supervisor in that the incumbent of the latter is responsible for supervising employees in this class.

Responsibilities

• Reviews applications and verification documents obtained via electronic, verbal, or physical means and uses information obtained to determine eligibility for Child Care payment assistance. Uses relevant information and policy application to ensure compliance with State and Federal guidelines and meet quality and timeliness standards.
• Reviews provided documents and information from various databases to accurately enter data into eligibility determination systems. Documents all relevant records and actions related to services provided into eligibility determination and electronic file retention systems as an official record for the department
• Interviews applicants to validate data and gather additional information regarding applicant¿s circumstances to protect data integrity, determine eligibility, and provide consumer education. Identifies applicant barriers and needs and connects applicants to other resources.
• Provides ongoing case management by completing redeterminations, processing applicant changes, and identifying and correcting case errors to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, identify fraudulent information/activities, and prevent misappropriation of funds.
• Researches, responds, and attempts to resolve complaints and other disputes for customers or child care providers through mediation, discussions, or other problem-solving techniques deemed appropriate to promote positive outcomes.
• Provides consistent information of departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to applicants, child care providers, and internal and external partners. Addresses general concerns regarding agency programs, policies, and procedures. Provides education on various Child Care programs and advises of available service options.
• Promotes a cohesive team and work environment by sharing vital case and program information. Participates in brainstorming sessions with supervisors and co-workers to formulate and share innovative ideas to solve problems and improve service delivery.
• Provides support and education to providers regarding the payment process. Supports the fiscal process by resolving provider payment discrepancies.
• Reviews and responds to general and case specific inquiries from the public, applicants, and child care providers.

Competencies (KSA's)

• Knowledgeable of customer service best practices and managing files and records.
• Skilled in critical thinking, active learning and listening, being objective, and making quality decisions.
• Skilled in basic mathematics and Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to learn quickly and efficiently and use inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with sensitivity to problems.
• Competent in working independently and as part of a team, being flexible, and managing conflict.

Tools & Equipment

• General office equipment
• Computer/laptop/tablet
• Multifunctional Printer (print/scan/copy/fax)
• Cell Phone
• Virtual meeting platforms