Job Title:                 Family Support Specialist

Job Summary:                    This position requires individuals possessing exemplary people skills and demeanor. Bilingual ability is a positive asset for the position. Attention to detail and a high degree of organization will be required to lead people through the School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) eligibility determination, registration and income verification as well as the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) processes. Computer/information system technology capabilities are required for the online registration of clients.

Salary-Benefits:                 Salary commensurate with experience.

Essential Functions:

The general responsibilities of the Family Support Specialist are:

• Establish resource and referral record in the CCR&R database from parent/family inquiries; provide information about SR and VPK programs and options available when selecting a child care/early learning provider. 
• Act as liaison for clients seeking child care/early learning assistance for children 0-5 who may need a special or non-traditional setting.
• Schedule and notify clients of appointments for initial, re-certification or re-determination of SR eligibility; coordinate appointment schedules with staff at the primary intake level.
• Schedule and notify clients of appointments for VPK eligibility; coordinate appointment schedules with staff at the primary intake level.
• Conduct interviews with clients who seek SR services based on referrals from the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Partnership for Strong Families (PFSF) or Workforce Board who may not require an advanced appointment as well as parents/families complying with continued eligibility requirements (re-determination).
• Determine family income eligibility and parent fees based on Federal, State and Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway’s (ELCFG) SR guidelines/policies.
• Interpret and effectively communicate ELCFG policy both verbally and in writing.
• Use Enhanced Field System (EFS) to properly update and maintain SR and VPK data records for each child and his/her family.
• Create, update and maintain required information for each child served by the program by using history notes and intake files.
• Maintain accurate and complete files.
• Assist in the completion of Family Needs Assessment and make appropriate referrals to community service agencies.
• Answer the main phone in the absence of the Program Support Specialist.
• Stay informed of all current local, state, and federal rules & regulations relating to child care/early learning.
• Adhere to the ELCFG’s standards of attendance and punctuality by being consistently present at the workstation and using time wisely.
• Ensure that all information of a confidential nature is held securely.
• Provide technical assistance to SR and VPK providers as requested.
• Provide assistance and direction to SR and VPK providers in the implementation of ELCFG quality initiatives
• Assist with community outreach and awareness activities/events.
• Bilingual if applicable.

Other Duties:

Requires travel; as requested that pertains to the job type.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Education, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations:

• Bachelor or Associate Degree with 2 years case work/social work experience or a high school diploma with 6 years’ experience in social services related work preferred;
• Or, Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Education or a CDA and 3 years of experience;
• Or, professional experience of six years or a combination of education and experience may be substituted;
• Or, least two years of Customer Service and Office work experience required.
• Level 2 background screening required.

Skills:

• Knowledge of the eligibility rules governing SR and VPK programs.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and procedures governing the SR and VPK programs.
• Knowledge of office procedures and equipment, including the application of electronic data processing and working in a web based environment.
• Ability to express ideas effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with general public, co-workers, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, religion, age, gender, or disability.
• Ability to read and interpret technical procedures and government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedural manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients and the general public.
• Bilingual ability, Spanish or Creole preferred.

• Ability to organize and prioritize various assignments.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office software, e.g., Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Ability to comply with assignment deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply ELCFG, state and federal rule and requirements

Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

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Job Title:                               Program Support Specialist

Job Summary:                         This is a highly responsible administrative position requiring knowledge and experience in typing, communication (oral/written),

basic math & computer applications, planning, purchasing and organization in administrative management. Ability to multi-task

and maintain a pleasant demeanor with all stakeholders.

Salary-Benefits:                    Salary commensurate with experience.

Essential Functions:

The general responsibilities of the Program Support Specialist are to:

• Maintain a respectful ongoing and frequent communication with the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway, Inc. (ELCFG) management and staff.
• Greet clients, providers, and visitors, assist them with intake procedures, and direct them to the appropriate staff person or common area.
• Interact with families in the lobby; by assisting them with activities and offering learning information, activities, and ideas to use at home.
• Assist with daily administrative duties, including but not limited to: data entry of client information, filing, mail-outs, distribution of mail, tracking customer flow,

assistance with intake reports, scheduling, reimbursement processing, copying, faxing, answering multi-phone lines, etc. 

• Schedule and/or assists in appointment verifications, meetings, and or conference; maintain and update appointment and program calendars.
• Assist with the coordination of all logistical need’s such as, notice reminders, meeting space, hospitality needs, sending materials out upon approval.
• Understand and applies specific instructions and procedures of the organization.
• Perform various routine errands as required, for the organization.
• Maintain lobby area and maintain strict privacy of customer data and information.
• Performs a variety of typing and data entry assignments; prepares and prints routine correspondence, letters, labels, and/or other basic written materials.
• Participate in community outreach and awareness events/activities and quality enhancement.
• Assist with bulk shredding of confidential documents and bulk mailings as needed.
• Supports Coalition operations and intra-departments, as necessary.
• Assist ELCFG with short-term and long-term planning.
• Sign for and distribute parcel packages as needed and submit to the appropriate Coalition staff.
• Protect organization’s integrity by keeping information confidential.
• Work harmoniously with ELCFG Board members, staff, local collaborating service agencies, and state offices as appropriate.
• Other duties or responsibilities as requested by the ELCFG Management staff.

Supervisory Responsibility: NONE

Education, Experience, Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

• Associates degree in Social Services or equivalent field preferred; or high school diploma or equivalent required, and two years related experience.
• Administrative office experience is required.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may substitute for requirement.
• Familiarity with Government in the Sunshine Law preferred.
• Familiar with the Rules and Regulations for the Florida School Readiness (SR), Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) and Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) programs preferred.
• Advanced level of computer knowledge in area of Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to type at least 40 wpm.
• Must successfully pass a Level I or II background screening as required and E-Verify.
• Valid Florida’s driver’s license.

Skills Required: 

• Must have excellent professional written and oral communication skills.
• Must have excellent organizational skills.
• Must have a professional attitude and demeanor.

• Need to have knowledge of general office equipment, (i.e., copier, fax, computer, etc.).

Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

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Job Title:                                Provider Support Specialist

Department:                           Provider Services

Job Summary:                       Planning and implementing School Readiness and Voluntary                                                          Prekindergarten (VPK) Program Services; working with                                                                   Program Operations Manager and other Early Learning                                                                   Coalition of Florida’s Gateway (ELCFG) staff in developing                                                             and scheduling training, and coaching technical assistance of                                                    School Readiness and VPK providers; and ensuring                                                                  opportunities for providers to develop and maintain quality                                                              programs and for provider staffs to develop professionally.

Salary-Benefits:                    Salary commensurate with experience.

Essential Functions:

The general responsibilities of the Provider Support Specialist are to:

• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of and familiarity with School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) statutes and the Division of Early Learning (DEL), Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) guidance, their requirements and their effects on local communities.
• In collaboration with the VPK Coordinator, recruiting new providers and providing them with all pertinent information regarding becoming a School Readiness and/or VPK provider.
• In collaboration with the Child Development & Inclusion Coordinator, assist with the development and continuity of Inclusionary services with School Readiness and VPK. providers by means of referral services, strategic planning, data collection and reporting, technical assistance and training.
• Assisting the planning and presentation of all training, conferences, and in-service activities for School Readiness and/or VPK providers and coaching. 
• Providing technical assistance to School Readiness and/or VPK providers and staff regarding child growth and development, developmentally appropriate curriculum and effective program management/operations as required by Florida School Readiness and VPK statutes and rules and DEL, DOE and DCF guidance.
• Assisting providers to implement and utilize the ELCFG approved child assessment tool.
• Working collaboratively with other agencies to assist providers in the areas of program licensing and accreditation and professional development.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge and familiarity with the ANSI/IACET Standards and their requirements.
• Work jointly with the Program Operations Director and VPK Coordinator to determine focus areas for training and mentoring early learning providers based on classroom data from the Teachstone Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Tool.
• Set measurable classroom goals, based on CLASS observations, to enhance services to children through school readiness and voluntary prekindergarten programs (VPK).
• Facilitate effective CLASS modeling practices, participate in trainings, and conduct CLASS observations to support early learning providers’ professional development needs.
• Providing assistance to School Readiness and/or VPK providers as requested for the purpose of increasing program quality.
• Attending and participating in ELCFG meetings, professional conferences, trainings, statewide and regional meetings, and other events as appropriate.
• Working harmoniously with ELCFG Board members, ELCFG staff, School Readiness and/or VPK providers and state and local agencies.
• Protect organization’s integrity by keeping information confidential.
• Other duties or responsibilities as requested.

Other Duties:

Other duties within the scope of the job type.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Education & Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or Child Development, or CDA with three (3) years experience in early learning setting or related social service field preferred.
• Familiarity with Government in the Sunshine Law preferred.
• Familiarity with Teachstone Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).
• Familiarity with Florida School Readiness and VPK statutes and rules and DEL, DOE and DCF guidance preferred.
• Must successfully pass a Level I or II background screening as required and E-Verify.

Skills:

• Must have excellent professional written and oral communication skills.
• Must have excellent organizational skills.
• Must have a professional attitude and demeanor.
• Must be able to take verbal direction.

Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

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