Early Learning Scholarship Pathway 1 Specialist/Education Consultant 3

Working Title: Early Learning Scholarship Pathway 1 Specialist/Education Consultant 3

Job Class: Education Consultant 3

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 83635
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 2/4/25. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position.
• Date Posted: 01/28/2025
• Closing Date: 02/11/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCYF/ Early Learning Scholarships
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.98 - $56.50 / hourly; $79,302 - $117,972 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor’s Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children’s issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity. Formerly a part of the Department of Human Services, the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Agency became effective on July 1, 2024.

• Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states only; telework is not allowed in other states) and flexible hours options are available.***
• Statewide travel is possible 10% percentage of the time to visit sites within the Metro Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
  
  

The Early Learning Scholarship (ELS) Pathway 1 Specialist provides comprehensive oversight and coordination for Pathway I of the early learning scholarship program, ensuring that the program meets the needs of children and families that are the intended beneficiaries of the program. The incumbent provides leadership, guidance, technical expertise and coordination of activities for local administrators and the statewide central payment administrator regarding Pathway I early learning scholarships. Included in this work is coordinating alignment with other public funds such as voluntary prekindergarten (VPK)/school readiness plus (SRP), school readiness, Head Start/Early Head Start, and most significantly, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). The incumbent will also support, and lead efforts as determined that enhance the early learning system.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership, guidance, technical expertise and coordination of activities in the design and delivery of the Early Learning Scholarship Pathway I program, including supporting family application processes, early care and education program requirements related to administering early learning scholarships and the invoicing and payment process.
• Providing leadership, guidance and technical expertise to support programmatic and policy alignment between the Early Learning Scholarship Program and the Child Care Assistance Program to simplify and streamline access to high quality early care and education for children and families, and program implementation for early care and education programs.
• Supporting continuous quality improvement of the Early Learning Scholarship program to ensure the program meets the needs of children, families and early care and education programs and administrative responsibilities work in support of those needs.
• Directing temporary projects, short and long term, as directed by supervisor and scholarship coordinator.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of four years of experience in an early childhood, public policy or related education or human services field that demonstrates the following:

• Knowledge of the early care and education system, including the public policy landscape.
• Experience working with children, families and/or communities representing populations that experience inequitable opportunities based on race, geography and/or dis/ability.
• Experience with training, technical assistance or supporting internal/external stakeholders.
• Experience with policy or program management and/or implementation.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing programs or policies according to state or federal statute.
• Experience with continuous quality improvement using data (qualitative and/or quantitative) to improve programs or policies.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures
  
  

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DCYF will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jo’Vonna Giles at jovonna.giles@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Anny Xiong at anny.xiong@state.mn.us.

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Together, we’re working to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs, and practices.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.