Child Care Resource Specialist

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Evaluate program eligibility of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) based on the Illinois Department of Human Services program guidelines. Assist families and childcare providers in navigating the program requirements. This is for three 100% full-time Civil Service 4730 - Child Care Resource Specialist positions, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/26/2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $41,000-$43,000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver's License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.

Requirements

Possession of credentials requirements developed by the State of Illinois for persons performing counseling and training functions in a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency.
Strong knowledge of early childhood development.
Ability to interact with the public with strong communication skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to prioritize a heavy workload, delivering results on a timeline and providing regular reports of activities and achievements.
Familiarity with computers and word processing software.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience in social work, customer service, and/or early childhood development.

Responsibilities

Evaluate eligibility of parents to participate in the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) CCAP program, ensuring accurate processing and calculation of income based on IDHS state databases.
Ensure contracted timelines are met, while maintaining accurate records.
Add all information into the CCAP database including ensuring that notes have been added.
Send requests for additional information (RAI) to parents and child care providers for missing information.
Keep up to date on RAI’s sending approval, cancellation, or denial as needed through updated information.
Send information to the Child Care Resource Service (CCRS) staff auditor to ensure that all information is correct and process child care certificate within 1-2 business days of receipt (these must remain in the CCRS offices).
Educate child care providers, parents, and community members on available resources provided by CCRS and guiding them to navigate the available educational information and services in their community related to early care and education.
Work directly with families and child care providers while answering questions on phones and walk-ins 3-4 times per week as needed.
Educate child care center directors and family child care providers on policies and procedures in order to assist parents in the application process for the CCAP.
Update educational materials and resources on early care and education topics.
Participate in meetings as needed.
Continue educational development by obtaining at least 15 hours of required job-related workshops, training, coursework, etc., per year.
Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of the University of Illinois as assigned.