Nature of Work

This is public contact work in the day-to-day operations of the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Program.  The Provider Services Specialist (PSS) is a key position within the ELRC program to ensure young children have access to high quality early learning providers across 6 counties within the state of PA.  Primary responsibilities include: promotes the values and benefit of full participation in Child Care Works (CCW) and Keystone STARS (STARS); recognizes the strength of each early child hood entity and builds a positive, reflective, collaborative relationship to provide all necessary supports to achieve their individual program goals; offers referrals to early care and education programs that will support business sustainability, advancement and improved family and child services; collects and develops resources to assist programs in meeting the STARS standards; increase the number of participating providers in the CCW the STARS programs; establish and maintain provider agreements, invoice processing, STARS participation and grant awards; maintaining provider information and ensure provider file accuracy; coordinate with other ELRC staff to monitor certification referral process within the region; support early child hood programs with staff transition.  Travel and non-traditional work schedule are required on a limited basis.  

Minimum Requirements & Experience

Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree or equivalent in early childhood education or related field.  PQAS certification or ability to become certified desirable.  Successful candidate must possess a strong knowledge base of the Early Childhood Education systems, services and early learning/child care profession.  Understanding of all ELRC program components and the interconnections of these services.  Must have strong interpersonal, communication, planning and organizational skills and have demonstrated competence in supervision, management and leadership.

This work requires the employee to use knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies, procedures, standards, requirements and/or similar criteria and apply judgment.  Applicant should have superior computer skills. 

Conditions of Employment

The standards for this job are high and demanding.  By submitting your application, you are indicating your willingness to:

1. Attend and successfully complete complex on-line, personal instruction and on-the-job training programs
2. Meet high performance standards for technical accuracy as prescribed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development & Early Learning
3. Plan, organize and manage a variety of regulated and legally operating unregulated providers with unique learning offerings for children to ensure high quality, safe, out-of-home experiences for families
4. Continually improve delivery of services to the early care and education community
5. Gather important information by telephone, by mail, fax and in person 
6. Retrieve and enter data using a computer
7. Interact objectively with providers and clients in situations or settings that may be stressful

Starting Compensation:               $55,000.00 annually, with benefit package

Work hours:                     Monday through Friday between 8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

Starting date:                   ASAP

If interested:                     Mail resume to ELRC Region 8, 2565 Park Center Boulevard, Suite #100, State College, PA 16801 or email your resume to elrc@elrc8.org; no phone calls                                                    please.

DEADLINE:                       09/22/2024