Specialist, Workforce Grant

Illinois Action For Children•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Workforce Grant Manager, the Workforce Grant Specialist is responsible for supporting the implementation of the Smart Start Workforce Grant (SSWG) by conducting outreach, offering technical assistance, and supporting licensed childcare programs in successfully applying for and utilizing the grant. The Workforce Grant Specialist will follow Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral (INCCRRA) guidelines and ensure all deliverables are met. This position requires a high level of organization, communication, and accountability to meet performance benchmarks and support statewide goals. This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement, communication, competent people, and clear priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Must have at least two years of experience in early childhood education, workforce development, or grant implementation required.
Access to reliable personal transportation, insurance, a valid driver’s license, and a good driving record is required.
Knowledge of early childhood education programs.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and build relationships.
Excellent work ethic and accountability to self and job responsibilities.
Ability to work independently, with a schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
Highly organized and attention to detail skills.
Good writing, editing, and speaking skills.
Creativity and strong problem-solving abilities.
Ability to be flexible in daily activities in response to workforce or institution requests.
Ability to travel locally and statewide, as needed.
Bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish required

Responsibilities

Conduct targeted outreach to licensed child care providers in Cook County to share information about the SSWG.
Assist licensed providers in understanding eligibility criteria, completing grant applications, and meeting deadlines.
Provide technical assistance to programs and ensure proper documentation and follow-up.
Support in-person and virtual information sessions, orientations, and application clinics to guide programs through the grant process.
Maintain accurate provider records in the Data Tracking Program (DTP) and submit the weekly SSWG Report form with complete activity data.
Conduct follow-up with providers not currently engaged in the grant to increase awareness and future participation.
Collaborate with the Workforce Grant Manager and team to plan outreach strategies and review updates from IDHS and INCCRRA.
Submit monthly program impact stories demonstrating provider success or lessons learned.
Attend required professional development and IDHS/INCCRRA workdays or training events.
Execute duties in alignment with SSWG deliverables and organizational core capabilities: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people, and clear priorities.
Other Functions: The organization may assign other functions to the job at its discretion.

Benefits

Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing, and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiased and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage
401 (k) with company match
Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on - 35 days
11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
Tuition Reimbursement
Flexible Spending Account
STD & LTD insurance
Company-paid Life Insurance