Human Services Policy and Systems Specialist

State of careers Rhode Island

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves highly responsible technical, analytical, evaluative, and liaison work for the planning and development of human service programs, policies, and systems on a statewide basis. The role assists in the planning, organizing, and development of human service policy and systems in an electronic environment. The position is assigned to the Office of Child Care and requires independent monitoring, evaluation, and inspection of child care centers and family child care homes statewide to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and developmentally appropriate service delivery. This includes conducting on-site monitoring visits, documenting compliance, observing staff-child interactions, and engaging with providers to discuss reports and corrective actions. The specialist will manage licensure-related information, address complaints, potentially provide legal testimony, and maintain confidential records. Additionally, the role involves providing technical assistance to programs to improve service delivery and facilitate trainings for providers in conjunction with other state agencies and partners. The position has statewide coverage.

Requirements

A working knowledge of the methods and techniques involved in the collection and organization of social and economic data used in the planning and development of human services programs, policies, and systems.
The ability to make technical studies and surveys and to analyze and evaluate said data and make policy and system recommendations.
The ability to understand and use electronic file maintenance.
Effective working relations with federal, state, and community officials as well as the general public.
Graduation from a college of recognized standing.
Employment in a responsible technical capacity in human service programs.
Any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.
Ability to maintain confidential and updated electronic and hard copy records.
Employment eligibility validation through E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in human/child development or social work.
Two years’ experience working in the field of family and children services.

Responsibilities

Perform highly responsible technical, analytical, evaluative, and liaison work for the planning and development of human service programs, policies, and systems.
Assist in the planning, organizing, and development of human service policy and systems in an electronic environment.
Independently monitor, evaluate, and inspect child care centers and family child care homes throughout the State to assess compliance with applicable health and safety regulations and developmentally appropriate service delivery.
Conduct on-site monitoring visits to document and track compliance with licensing regulations, including inspection of physical space, review of program policies, inspection reports, staff/child files, and observation of staff-child interactions.
Engage directly with providers to share monitoring reports, address compliance/non-compliance, and follow up on corrective actions.
Manage, track, and communicate information related to licensure, including renewal dates, current status, and corrective actions.
Address complaints received by DHS/DCYF, including investigations of abuse and/or neglect.
Provide legal testimony related to licensure as requested.
Maintain confidential and updated electronic and hard copy records.
Provide technical assistance to programs related to improving service delivery and/or becoming a licensed child care provider.
Participate in, conduct, and/or facilitate trainings for owners, administrators, child care staff members, and/or caregivers.