Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K) Specialist

WANTED: IQ4K Specialist for the Child Care Resource & Referral Program. 40 hours per week. Eligible for benefits including IPERS. This position will telecommute but will need to be in the Remsen office frequently. Responsibilities include providing consultation regarding the new IQ4K (Iowa Quality 4 Kids) quality rating system to Child Care Development Homes, Licensed Child Care Centers and Preschools. Must also make public presentations and trainings. A Bachelor's degree is required in Early Childhood, Elementary Education with Early Child Endorsement, or child and family services. Travel throughout the counties is required. Reliable transportation, proof of insurance and a valid driver's license necessary.
Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education with Early Childhood Endorsement, or closely related field with two years of experience with the Quality Rating System.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide on-site or virtual consultation to support Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) goals with Child Care Development Homes, Licensed Child Care Centers and Preschools working towards achieving an IQ4K rating.
• Communicate with child care providers and adjust consultation to their needs, knowledge and capability.
• Promote the use of inclusive and culturally-appropriate child care policies and services.
• Meet CCR&R regional expectations and performance measures.
• Receive, review, process and submit IQ4K applications in a timely manner to HHS following the regional processes with 100% accuracy.
• Obtain any missing or incomplete information from the provider prior to submitting applications to HHS.
• Log all applications on the IQ4K tracking sheet and communicate when an application is returned from HHS with errors to the Child Care Consultants Supervisor.
• Attend statewide IQ4K meetings as requested by HHS.
• Share and ensure compliance with statewide IQ4K policies and procedures with regional staff.
• Ensure all CCR&R staff are effectively trained and kept up to date on IQ4K-specific information by sharing IQ4K resources and tools at regional meetings and individually as needed.
• Utilize I-PoWeR, IQ4K database, CCR&R database and other reporting tools to support data collection and complete required reports.
• Assist providers with achieving, maintaining, and increasing IQ4K ratings.
• Inform providers about IQ4K and distribute information regarding the application process and available supports to interested providers, using multiple delivery methods.
• Present and/or distribute information regarding CCR&R services and IQ4K to parents via multiple delivery methods at events/locations frequently attended by parents.
• Educate and inform the community about CCR&R services and IQ4K through presentations and distribution of materials.
• Assist in regional marketing activities: coordinate community and business fairs; provide presentations to community and businesses and send marketing materials as requested.
• Communicate with providers and Child Care Consultants through email and letters regarding the status of new applications, renewal applications and renewal timeframes.

• Attend the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) assessment trainings with Iowa State University Extension and become proficient in the ERS tools.
• Coordinate with child care providers to complete the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) assessment.
• Complete I-Consult Level 2 within two years of hire.
• Meet level II instructor qualifications as outlined in the Iowa CCR&R Training Policies and Procedures Handbook.
• Attend mandatory trainings as requested.
• Attend agency and community meetings as requested.
• Report allegations of child care abuse, child neglect and non-compliance to HHS.
• Report non-compliance with child care regulations to the Iowa Child Care Complaint Hotline.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Conditions of Employment:

• Excellent computer, organizational and office skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities and follow directions.
• Maintain professional behavior, attitude, and confidentiality. Ability to display cultural sensitivity.
• Respond positively to change.
• Ability to participate in events, training sessions and meetings (flexible hours, including some evenings, overnights, and weekends) throughout the region, state and out of state.
• Must have a valid driver's license, insurance and reliable transportation, and maintain a good driving record.
• Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check before hire and annually thereafter.
• Submit to an FBI National Criminal History Check upon employment and every four years thereafter.
• Submit to a Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information Records check before hire and every two years thereafter.
• Be able to lift up to 40 pounds, crawl on the floor and occasionally stand 4 hours at a time.
• Must be able to complete job duties with reasonable accommodations.