Financial Empowerment Services Coordinator - Waukegan

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago•Waukegan, IL
•$49,000 - $53,000

About The Position

The Early Childhood Financial Empowerment Services Coordinator monitors the daily work of Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) staff to ensure contract compliance. The coordinator reviews referrals involving possible fraud, determines and processes overpayments, and serves as a liaison to IDHS, ISBE, IDVA, DCFS, and community partners. The role includes recruiting, hiring, and training staff; supporting ongoing staff development; assisting with program policies and procedures; and providing support to childcare providers, clients, and program team members. The coordinator also helps ensure program requirements and recruitment and marketing strategies support the programs’ sustainability and growth. The position works with YWCA programs and partner agencies across DuPage, Kane, and Lake Counties and throughout the Chicagoland area. In coordination with the Financial Services Associate Director and Fiscal Services Coordinator, the coordinator helps meet program deliverables and keep the program within budget. The coordinator educates visitors about available services, assists clients and providers with forms and assessments, conducts screening and intake, and connects people with relevant community resources. The role supervises staff, monitors eligibility work and service delivery, provides training and technical assistance, and handles case-related referrals, appeals, payment inquiries, and policy questions. The work is primarily in an office environment with moderate noise and includes periods of sitting, telephone use, and computer use, as well as walking, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and potentially lifting packages or supplies. The schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may vary with agency needs and may include some evening and weekend hours.

Requirements

  • At least three years of experience in social services or early childhood programs.
  • At least one year of supervisory experience.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent working knowledge of computers and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Windows.
  • Ability to enter data accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Must be available to work some evening and weekend hours.
  • Discretion in handling documents and member concerns.
  • Demonstrated respect for and appreciation of a multi-ethnic and multicultural work environment.
  • Completion of at least 15 hours of professional training related to early childhood and/or the position’s responsibilities annually.

Nice To Haves

  • Knowledge of the geographical area and community resources is desired.
  • An associate degree or progress toward completion of a degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Educate visitors about YWCA services and assist clients and providers with required forms and assessments.
  • Screen members for immediate support needs and refer or connect them with appropriate community services.
  • Use judgment in communicating client or provider concerns to management.
  • Ensure program notices, monthly mailers, and promotional materials are sent to providers in English and Spanish.
  • Supervise the daily work of Early Childhood Financial Empowerment Services staff to ensure IDHS contract compliance.
  • Conduct monthly reviews of Eligibility Specialists, including phone monitoring and reviews of staff output.
  • Work with management to enhance and evaluate program development.
  • Provide ongoing staff training and mentoring, including database training, new-user setup, and troubleshooting for internal staff and external providers.
  • Review and recommend coaching, performance monitoring, and accountability measures to improve productivity, reduce processing delays, and support consistent service delivery.
  • Review and follow through with IDHS and ISBE on referrals involving possible fraud, forgery or stolen warrants, duplicate payment inquiries, appeals, and system overrides according to contractual requirements.
  • Provide consultation, information, and resources by telephone and in person to families seeking childcare assistance and providers seeking education on healthy meal choices.
  • Educate callers about Child Care Resources & Referral, Tummy, Tiny Boots, childcare options and costs, and quality indicators.
  • Conduct intake as established by IDHS and ISBE, gathering information about family income, residency, immigrant status, and family size.
  • Serve as a resource to local Department of Human Services offices and ISBE, and provide training to their staff.
  • Serve as a liaison to IDHS, IDVA, DCFS, and ISBE regarding possible fraud, overpayments, appeals, and policy clarifications.
  • Participate in state, local, and county collaborations and provide training and technical assistance as needed.
  • Recruit, hire, and train new employees and assist with development of program policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate with the Financial Services Associate Director and Fiscal Services Coordinator to meet program deliverables and maintain the program within budget.
  • Participate in administrative and program meetings as appropriate.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
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