SEEKING:   We are seeking a Family Child Care Support Specialist for our Family Child Care System.  This position will be located in Pittsfield, MA.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Family Child Care System is a network of licensed family child care educators who provide early education and care to small groups of children in their homes in neighborhoods throughout Berkshire County.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Family Child Care Support Specialist is responsible for case management and support services to all the families enrolled in the System. These services include counseling parents on selecting childcare, assisting with enrolling children, arranging transportation services and referring families to other agencies for additional services. The deliverance of a high quality childcare and family support in a family childcare setting is the primary goal.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in social work, sociology, counseling, early education or a related field.
• A minimum of at least one year of relevant experience working with high-risk families, case management services or early childhood education experience. Knowledge of local parent and child community resources is highly desirable.
• Ability to deal tactfully, respectfully and maintain a working professional relationship with consumers, FCC educators, CCB staff, and other professional and non- professional members in the community.
• Must be sensitive to the needs of parents and the stressors in their lives and to interact in a positive, respectful way with many different parents, children and community members.
• Positive attitude, understanding, and commitment toward Strengthening Families philosophy, family engagement and family support.
• Strong organization skills including the ability to multi-task, manage a caseload and a variety of responsibilities and priorities.
• Must be able to document succinctly and accurately with attention to detail when completing and maintaining records.
• Working knowledge and ability to use standard office equipment, such as the telephone, copier, fax, calculator, as well as computers and their respective software programs.
• Understanding of early childhood development and QRIS as well as EEC Lead Teacher certification are highly desirable.
• Ability to work as member of diverse team of professionals.
• Must be willing to complete a criminal offender’s record check and a motor vehicle check.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Demonstrate regular, dependable and punctual attendance.
• Maintain a neat and orderly work environment.
• Demonstrate friendliness, politeness and cooperation with other staff members, clients, supervisors, family childcare educators, vendors and members of the community.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to value diversity and contribute to an equitable and inclusive working environment
• Adhere to policies of CCB, as stated in the Personnel Policies, including dress code, confidentiality, WISP, information and technology, boundaries and Employee Standard of Conduct.
• Prioritize work and assignments in order to meet established deadlines.
• Continues professional development through seminars, conferences, college/graduate course work, and State-sponsored trainings. Completes an individual professional development plan (IPDP).
• Conducts self?evaluation of performance; willingness to accept constructive criticism and where appropriate, change behavior.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Time is spent at the FCC office and in FCC homes in the community. Ability to travel to and from family child care homes and to the parents’ homes. Some groups, workshops, family events and meetings will occur in the community. Ability to occasionally transport children between the homes and the educators’ homes, in a car and/or van; must have valid driver’s license.

In addition, employees work under typical office conditions, at a desk or workstation, and the noise level is usually quiet. Employees are regularly required to sit, walk, stand, talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repeatedly to finger, handle and operate standard office equipment; reach with both hands and lift up to 40 pounds. Must be able to lift and carry children weighing up to 40 pounds. Must be able to provide documentation of good physical and mental health, freedom from communicable diseases, and evidence of up-to-date immunizations.

WORK SCHEDULE AND YEAR: This is a 30 hour per week, year-round position. This position may evolve into a 40 hour per week position.  Some evening or weekend meetings/events will be required, outside of traditional working hours.

SALARY RANGE:  $19 per hour.  Benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance, sick and vacation time as well as paid holidays, paid closure days, and retirement plan.

CHILD CARE OF THE BERKSHIRES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER, WITH A LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO INCREASING THE DIVERSITY OF THE EMPLOYEE COMMUNITY.