MERIT System Navigator (MA3) - Olympia

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

5d•Remote

About The Position

The MERIT System Navigator works in DCYF’s Early Learning Division to provide holistic, individualized support and technical assistance to the early learning workforce. The role helps child care providers and other users access and navigate DCYF programs, policies, and systems by connecting them with resources, troubleshooting questions, and guiding them through complex processes. The position also evaluates support needs and trends to inform planning, program development, and system improvements. The position serves a diverse population that includes Somali speakers with limited English proficiency. The Navigator provides oral and written language assistance in Somali and English, including interpreting, translating, interviewing, reviewing documentation, and obtaining information from clients. Somali language certification through DCYF is required for eligibility, and certification must be obtained within six months of appointment. Successful completion of the language certification test results in an additional 5% assignment pay. The official duty station is Olympia, Washington. The position is currently designated for telework, with the requirement to report to a local DCYF office when needed to support agency business, including IT or equipment support. The role is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Requirements

One of the following education and experience combinations: an equivalent combination totaling six years in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government, with progressively responsible roles and achievements; or a bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience; or an associate degree and four years of relevant experience.
Three years of experience providing technical assistance to clients or constituents, or customer support regarding inquiries, complaints, or requests for assistance.
Ability to take action to learn and grow.
Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in both English and Somali to provide interpretation and translation to clients.
Somali language certification through DCYF is required for eligibility; the incumbent must be certified and proficient and able to provide certification. Certification must be obtained within six months of appointment.
Degrees must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA, or be a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization. Foreign equivalency certification must be attached for degrees obtained outside the United States.

Nice To Haves

In-depth knowledge of the early learning field and DCYF’s responsibilities in supporting early learning professionals.
Demonstrated knowledge of child care licensing program policies, early childhood education, and state and federal laws and regulations.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with professional development registries and/or web-based data systems.
Effectiveness working collaboratively with a team.
Experience writing procedures, handbooks, and general communication documents.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple projects accurately.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Responsibilities

Implement program policy for internal and external providers and stakeholders concerning state or federal guidelines and their connection to professional development policy and procedures.
Implement procedures, tools, and processes for DCYF systems and recommend changes to program policies.
Anticipate potential conflicts and programmatic barriers and provide direction or resolution before problems occur.
Process system applications used to determine eligibility for incentives and awards.
Review individual qualifications and program performance standards to support individual plans; consult with staff and outside entities to explore solutions and alternatives consistent with program policy.
Implement and monitor professional development policies, procedures, and protocols that interface with the professional development program and workforce registry.
Provide complex technical guidance to DCYF agency staff regarding the workforce registry and learning management system.
Implement training for agency staff and new staff on the workforce registry.
Implement professional development policy and coordinate its intersections with the professional development team, other agency business teams, and external partners.
Implement state, federal, and agency policy, with emphasis on intersections among DCYF policy, professional development policy, other DCYF business-area policy, and workforce registry data.
Analyze data reports for quality assurance checks related to trainings, state-approved trainers, and professional development contract deliverables.
Prepare source data for analysis and information, and recommend priorities and procedures that interface with the workforce registry (MERIT) and the DCYF external Training portal (LMS).
Process user and account documents by reviewing data for deficiencies and resolving discrepancies using standard procedures.
Maintain training reports; access the professional development team’s learning management system to complete data checks and completion reports, and enter data when needed.
Provide individualized consultation and one-on-one technical assistance to help early learning workforce members navigate DCYF programs, systems, and processes.
Provide oral and written Somali-English language assistance, including interpretation and translation for clients.