Referral Specialist

General Description

Inform families of childcare options, counsel them on high-quality childcare, and generate a list of childcare providers tailored to individual family needs from the NACCRRware database. Provide enhanced referrals to clients receiving TANF. Follow up with families and complete data checks on client profiles. Participate in all aspects of the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Educate and counsel families on all child care options and emphasize the benefits of each option as it relates to the child’s developmental needs.
• Incorporate ExceleRate Illinois into consumer education, ensuring families understand the importance of enrolling their children in high-quality early learning programs.
• Maintain an accurate client database in Naccrraware by completing data checks every quarter.
• Provide enhanced referrals to families receiving TANF and work closely with the IDHS caseworkers to ensure the family’s needs are met and maintain the scheduled follow-ups as needed.
• Acts as a resource to families regarding referrals, determining individual family needs, and assisting with follow-up services with families every 6 weeks.
• Assess and determine family and provider eligibility for Child Care Assistance through the IDHS computer system and submit the necessary paperwork.
• Enter all certificates in a timely and accurate manner.
• Counsels parents, providers, and others on the IDHS Child Care Assistance policies, procedures, and case specifics by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
• Seek out and obtain at least 15 hours of professional development.
• Participate and attend Child Care Resource & Referral’s fundraising and advocacy events.
• Other duties as assigned.