Temporary contract for approximately 18 months
POSITION SUMMARY
Perform various duties in determining the eligibility of clients applying for child care subsidy in accordance with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), department policies and the County of Simcoe Purchase of Service agreements. Assess Child Care Centres requesting Purchase of Service agreements and to monitor/provide support as required to ensure compliance with CCEYA and County policy.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (not listed in order of priority)
1. Interview applicants requesting child care subsidy and determine eligibility according to applicable legislation, department policies and Purchase of Service agreements.
2. Re-interview clients annually or as required, to determine continued eligibility.
3. Maintain ongoing correspondence with clients regarding their eligibility and record all pertinent information in files.
4. Ensure that client files are both current and accurate.
5. Contact employers, agencies and/or education institutes to verify information received from clients.
6. Investigate reports of suspected system abuse and consult with Supervisor regarding course of action to be taken.
7. Determine, where possible, counseling for child care related matters and/or contact numbers for appropriate referrals.
8. Work closely with Child Care Service Provider and/or referring agency (i.e. Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, OT. PT., SL, Resource Consultant, Doctor or other professional) to determine the child care needs of potentially eligible clients.
9. Prepare initial and ongoing assessment reports on Child Care Centres requesting Purchase of Service agreements based on program observations and review of County policies and standards in conjunction with the Child Care and Early Years Act.
10. Complete special projects as required.
11. Attend all department and team meetings.
12. Facilitate child care quality assurance actions, following County policy, which may include:
• Prepare initial assessment reports for child care centres requesting Service Agreements with the County of Simcoe.
• Implement child care centre visits and consultations to collaborate in the creation of quality commitment plans.
• Monitor child care centres’ achievement of quality commitment plans.
• Act as resource to child care centres and respective staff teams.
• Maintain liaison with centre operators.
• Act as a resource to operators and centre staff.
14. Maintain Resource Library through:
• Organizing the placement of inventory.
• Tracking all pieces/recording all loans and returns.
• Noting and disposing of broken materials.
• Regularly sanitizing inventory.
• Produce and distribute a provider newsletter on an every other month basis.
• Keep Supervisor apprised of contentious issues.
• Attend meetings with other agencies as required.
15. Manage assigned caseload which includes:
• Ensuring required documentation and information is appropriately noted.
• Documenting case-notes in a professional, non-judgmental manner.
• Keeping all information confidential as it pertains to clients/operators.
• Promptly assessing all documents required to calculate fee subsidy eligibility.
• Accessing and responding to voice mail, E-mail etc. in a timely manner.
• Referring to computer generated reports to assist with case management.
16. Comply with provincial and County occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Learn, understand and practice standard operating procedures.
• Take every possible precaution to protect him/herself and fellow workers from health and safety hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Exercise discretion and confidentiality.
• Report unsafe acts or conditions to immediate supervisor or health and safety committee or health and safety representative.
• Report any occupational injury or illness immediately to his/her supervisor.
• Use personal protective equipment where required.
• Report any contraventions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act or Regulations to his/her supervisor or the Employer.
17. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
18. Perform other duties as assigned, including redeployment in emergency situations.
CORPORATE COMPETENCIES
Has knowledge of and demonstrated ability in our corporate competencies:
• Acts with the Customer in Mind
• Ensures Accountability
• Continuously Seeks to Improve Work Processes
• Collaborates
• Communicates with Impact
• Is Resilient
EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION
• An Early Childhood Education Diploma from a recognized college.
• Must be a registered member of the College of Early Childhood Educators, in good standing.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Child Care and Early Years Act, and County legislation, policies, procedures and programs.
• Ability to work independently and to assume responsibility for assigned tasks and associated decision making.
• Knowledge of local community agencies and of the services they offer.
• Ability to problem solve as it relates to disagreements/misunderstandings between centre operators and parents.
• Demonstrated ability to listen well and articulate ideas.
• Ability to explain legislation and regulations to clients and to ensure that they understand all aspects of the service.
• Ability to complete a variety of correspondence, update files, document relevant conversations, etc.
• Knowledge and competency to work with personal computers in a networked environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn the use of software applications such as Windows, Outlook, Ontario Child Care Management System, and any other software required.
• Valid G Class Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Criminal reference check with vulnerable sector clearance.
EXPERIENCE
• Two (2) years of related experience working in a licensed child care setting.
EFFORT
• Walking, climbing stairs, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, or carrying and/or pulling of light weights.
• A high degree of visual and/or aural concentrations and attentiveness.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Majority of work performed will be in a busy office environment, from satellite offices throughout the County. Some requirement to conduct visits in the community.
• Interviews clients within their homes, under extenuating circumstances and with prior approval from Supervisor.
• Regular established deadlines.
• Extensive driving is required.
• Exposure to various weather conditions.
