We are seeking two bilingual Child Care Investigative Specialists with the Early Learning Division. These positions require bilingual abilities in English and Spanish as a special qualification. One position is located in the Portland metro area and the other around the Bend, Redmond area. As an Investigations Specialist, you will be motivated by the commitment to child safety through investigating allegations of noncompliance to the regulations that govern the administration of child care in a multitude of program types. These are especially exciting roles due to their fast-paced nature, opportunities to be inquisitive and curious, and the prospect of being involved in providing quality early childhood care and education to the children of Oregon. If you enjoy problem-solving and exploring the nuances in rules and regulations in an administrative environment, through a child safety lens, you will flourish in this position.
More about us:
These positions are part of the Early Learning Division who pride themselves on supporting all of Oregon's young children and families to learn and thrive. When you consider a career with us, you will be joining a team that values equity, making a positive impact for children and families, dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom to benefit Oregon children and families. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
At the Early Learning Division, we believe it is critical that we continue efforts to make the commitment to embed an equity focus throughout the organization. As our state, counties, and cities become more diverse, it is imperative now more than ever that the Early Learning Division focuses on evolving practices to achieve increased equity, diversity, and inclusion in all of our offices. As always, our goal is to lead with courage externally and internally. This means challenging ourselves to do things differently and refining current practices that ensure we continue to make strides towards Equity.
The Investigations Unit is a tight-knit group of self-motivated, safety-focused, and fast passed individuals. Our various positions are located throughout the state that meet virtually twice a week to connect, problem solve and perform team-building exercises. We care about our staff as both an employee and a person and look to support them in being successful and healthy in all areas.
Daily Tasks can be varied accordingly due to the time of year and include:
Licensing: Enforcement Actions
• Consult with management regarding potential legal actions such as civil penalties, suspensions, revocations, and denials.
Licensing: Monitoring
• Monitor licensed facilities for compliance with rules and/or conditions of operation.
Commitment to Equity
• Participate and engage in efforts to further the Early Learning Division-wide efforts to develop and implement the Equity Breakthrough Teamwork plans.
Working Conditions:
In addition to working within the Office of Child Care (OCC) field office and other community business offices, the person in this position must travel to child care facilities in rural and urban settings. This position may also require statewide travel and work outside the field office including traveling to child care sites. Depending on geographic location, occasional overnight travel is required.
This position may come into contact with individuals who may be angry or frustrated. The work is both indoors and outdoors when evaluating the premises of a facility. Fieldwork presents potential hazards such as inclement weather and unfriendly animals. In addition, there may be unknown dangers such as drugs, firearms, and confrontational individuals.
Requires daily use of computer or data systems and web-based applications to perform daily functions and services including the time system, car reservations, and the OCC intranet site.
Minimum Qualifications and Special Qualifications:
Four years of experience doing administrative research that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action or decide compliance with program guidelines and regulations. Two of the four years must be above the technical support level. Note: college-level course work may substitute for experience on the basis of 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.
Fluency in English/Spanish
Desired Attributes:
• Experience and applied knowledge of child development, early childhood education, and health and safety requirements.
• Experience with interpreting, performing, and presenting statutes, laws, rules, policies to stakeholders with varying levels of understanding.
• Strong relationship building, de-escalation skills, and customer service experience, often handling difficult situations and frustrated customers.
• Experience in conducting organized and thorough investigations in child safety, early childhood education, and development.
What’s in it for you?
When you join the Early Learning Division, you are joining a fast-paced, creative environment with colleagues who are passionate about public service and impact the lives of children and families statewide.
• Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members with a very low monthly out-of-pocket cost. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses
• 11 paid holidays per year
• 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year that you may use at any time
• 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month
• Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 8 hours per month, with increases every 5 years.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
To compete for this position, please submit the following:
A professional resume, cover letter (limit to 3 pages) stating why you are interested in this position and addressing your qualifications relating to the desired attributes mentioned for this position.
The screening of candidates will be based on a review of the cover letter and attached resume. Candidates whose backgrounds most closely match the requested skills and experience section as outlined in this announcement will be invited to interview.
Failure to complete these steps may result in the disqualification of your application.
To view a complete job posting and to apply visit: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Portla...
