Child Care Specialist - Bilingual

Mesa County•Grand Junction, CO

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Care Specialist delivers child care assistance services by determining program eligibility, interpreting state and county regulations, and processing assistance applications and case changes. The role uses a human-centered approach to assist clients, resolve complex situations, perform accurate calculations, and connect clients with supportive community resources. The position determines initial and ongoing eligibility, verifies client information, and makes case decisions, including approving, denying, or closing cases. It provides clear information about program rules, rights, and responsibilities; assesses client needs and makes referrals; calculates assistance payments; maintains electronic and paper records; and manages workload to meet policy timelines. The specialist also collaborates with colleagues and community partners, represents the department professionally, and participates in training to maintain current program knowledge.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Approximately two years of experience in relevant fields, such as regulatory compliance, eligibility determination, public assistance case processing, high-volume customer service, social services, eligibility intake, office administration, banking, accounting, or customer service.
Demonstrated ability to make accurate and timely eligibility determinations, comply with policies, manage caseloads and deadlines, provide responsive customer service, maintain accurate records, collaborate professionally, and maintain current program knowledge.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
Ability to stand, stoop, sit, bend, twist, and lift up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for child care assistance programs using state computer systems and data banks in accordance with county and state rules.
Gather, verify, and analyze income, financial resources, and child care arrangements using data banks, pay stubs, employers, and financial institutions.
Approve, deny, or close cases; issue written notifications; and process case changes and transfers promptly.
Provide attentive, collaborative, human-centered customer service to clients.
Explain program rules, regulations, rights, and responsibilities, and answer client questions clearly and promptly.
Assess client needs and connect clients with internal, community, and partner agency resources.
Communicate effectively and responsively with clients, colleagues, community organizations, providers, and state staff.
Calculate and account for child care assistance payments using basic arithmetic.
File case documents accurately and promptly in electronic storage systems and manage paper flow.
Independently manage active workloads, prioritize tasks, and meet county and state policy deadlines.
Attend team and division meetings, collaborate with the team, and assist co-workers as needed.
Represent the department in meetings and community interactions in alignment with agency values.
Participate in assigned program and system training to maintain current knowledge of rules and systems.
Perform other related duties as assigned.