Child Care Assistance Specialist

Job Summary

Administers all Child Care Assistance Programs including: Basic Sliding Fee (BSF), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and Transition Year (TY) programs. The incumbent determines eligibility for programs and performs a variety of tasks for the initial and continued use of the programs by clients. Coordinates services with child care providers, maintains case records and waiting lists, and ensures programs serve clients' needs within federal guidelines and parameters.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Determines initial and continued eligibility of clients for the Child Care Assistance programs (CCAP) according to federal and state policies.  
• Assists applicants in completion of forms and in acquiring all necessary information and verifications and explains/interprets policies, rules, and procedures to clients.  
• Maintains CCAP caseload by responding to calls, email, and other correspondence from clients and providers; opens new cases; sends required notices; and processes eligibility, over-payments, reviews, and client and provider appeals; monitors reports for clients' ongoing eligibility. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery. 
• Works closely with the Fraud Investigator and the State Office of Inspector General (IOG) to maintain program integrity in the Child Care Program for both providers and clients. 
• Establishes agreements between Scott County and local child care providers to provide client services; registers and enters all provider data into the system in a timely manner. Completes provider renewals every two years. Updates provider information with Parent Aware Ratings and other accreditations, as changes occur.  
• Reviews child care payment requests, approves hours of care, and applies appropriate payment rates and policy. Assists providers with MEC ² PRO system questions. Completes internal case reviews on both client and provider files.  
• Completes state requested quarterly reviews on specified cases and submits those directly back to the state electronically. 
• Maintains CCAP waiting list; monitors and sends forms for updates every 6 months to those on the waiting list; completes program status reports; and processes additional CCAP applications by priority group when funds allow.  
• Utilizes and coordinates information from various state systems to gather case data, enter case data, determine eligibility, authorize care, and generate notices to both clients and providers; sends billing forms to providers.  
• Communicates with clients, providers, and or other individuals, as needed, to explain and interpret policies, rules, and procedures.  
• Assists with monitoring of funds, compiling data, and completing county, state, and federal reports.  Provides information and referrals to assist applicants and recipients to secure needed services.  
• Assists with both state and federal audits on an as needed basis.  
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.  
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must have one for the following:

High school diploma or GED and four years of related work experience in a position involving social services, financial tracking, program eligibility, or working with public assistance benefits.  
High school diploma or GED plus one year of post-secondary education and two years of experience
Associate's Degree in a Human Services related field and one year of experience
Bachelor's Degree in a Human Service related field

Preference given for experience in Child Care Assistance Programs and with the MN MEC² computer system. The incumbent shall provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• The employee is under general supervision of an Eligibility Supervisor. Work is performed according to established guidelines, regulations, and instructions. Work is reviewed for accuracy and completeness through evaluation and written reports.
• Core Competencies and Abilities
• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge – Knowledge of MFIP, DWP, and other public assistance programs.
• Knowledge of Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) policy, state statutes and Minnesota Rule,
• Knowledge of state and federally funded employment and training programs.
• Knowledge of various county policies and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Abilities – Ability to relate to and work with economically disadvantaged clients.
• Ability to analyze data and identify inconsistencies and apply problem solving techniques.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate and systematic records.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work activities efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to manage stress and perform work under ever changing priorities and demands.
• Ability to make decisions and take corrective action when necessary. 
• Ability to balance the needs of child care clients and providers. 
• Ability to follow, understand, and apply ever-changing rules and federal policy to real-life situations.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with clients, child care providers, staff, and other service providers. 
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.