JOB DESCRIPTION
DISTRICT 7 HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
 

Job Description Title: Program Specialist	Department/Program: Child Care
Reports To (Title): Program Supervisor	FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Supervisory Position: No	Position Status: Full time
Prepared By: Human Resources	Revision Date: April 2022

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Family Services Supervisor and in accordance with the direction and mission of District 7 HRDC, the Program Specialist is delegated the responsibility of conducting file reviews, maintaining compliancy with Early Childhood Services Bureau (ECSB) policy and guidelines, and developing and facilitating program trainings.


MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION

Through its mission, HRDC-7 empowers people in need through the mobilization and development of community services creating opportunities for success in Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, and Yellowstone Counties. All HRDC-7 activities focus on 3 national goals:
 

1. Individuals and families with low incomes are stable and achieve economic security.
2. Communities where people with low incomes live are healthy and offered economic opportunities.
3. People with low incomes are engaged and active in building opportunities in communities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The requirements listed, are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each task satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned. 
 

• Provide leadership to staff in a fair and productive manner in accordance with the agency's policies, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Participate in the selection process of new staff.
• Resolve client or provider grievances about Best Beginnings according to established policy and procedures.
• Work in conjunction with the Program Director and Family Services Supervisor to ensure the mission of the agency and its respective programs are implemented and comply with program contracts, state and federal regulations.
• Provide reports as directed to keep Program Director and Family Service's Supervisor informed of the operation and progress of compliance efforts.
• Assist in the review of reports and preparing agency responses to appropriate monitors and other regulatory agents.
• Act as backup for file reviews and preparing for client/provider Fair Hearings.
• Review participant files to ensure program performance standards and agency compliance requirements are being met.
• Work with staff after file reviews and/or based on error rate to establish a training and compliance plan to assure errors are not repeated in one-on-one setting. 
• Submit comprehensive reports detailing the results of file checks to Family Services Supervisor and Program Director.
• Collaborate with Program Director and Family Service's Supervisor on the development of compliance related training needs.
• Provide initial training to new case managers and oversees ongoing trainings with staff in accordance with ECSB guidance.
• Train and review with child care providers on invoicing, program updates, and compliance issues through Child care Collaboration, 360 Training and Support Program for new providers and other avenues as needed.
• Review monthly invoices and send to Program Supervisor to authorize payments.  
• Maintain/share a case load, as needed, based on workload and needs of the program.   
• Maintain data collection of monthly invoices, monthly reporting details, caseloads, CDS and data for other required reporting to support the case management of Best Beginnings and related projects. 
• Complete special projects as assigned.  Be flexible in assuming new duties and perform other duties assigned and determined to be productive and efficient for the continuing improvement of the agency.

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Effectively communicates on all platforms.
• Demonstrates dependability and punctuality.
• Adheres to a consistent work schedule.

• Demonstrates professionalism in the workplace.
  • Maintains professional boundaries with participants;
  • Must have the ability to work with low income and disadvantaged people by modeling an   unbiased, non-judgmental attitude.
  • Demonstrates positive and appropriate interactions with coworkers and management.
  • Contributes to a harmonious and productive work environment.
  • Must be a team player to ensure overall program success.
• Nurtures, builds, and mentors employees to build a cohesive team.
• Brings creative suggestions and potential solutions to direct supervisor regarding work barriers and team efficiency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in human services or related field, with two (2) years related experience and a minimum of one (1) year in Best Beginnings Scholarship eligibility determination; or equivalent combination of education and experience to fully meet the minimum requirements for the position.

Other: Annual Criminal Background checks and Child Protective Services checks are required.
Licenses and/or Certifications:
Must possess a valid Montana Driver’s License, proof of personal automobile insurance and must meet insurability requirements for agency automobile insurance policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
                     
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally move up to 25 pounds; maintain a stationary position while using a computer; frequently communicate with co-workers and members of the community on the phone, in writing and in person; needs to move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics are typical of that of an office setting. 





 

Kari Gehrke, Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Department | 406.869.2590 hr@hrdc7.org

District 7 Human Resources Development Council
7 North 31^st Street, P.O. Box 2016, Billings, MT 59103
hrdc7.org | 800.433.1411 | fax 406.248.2943