Senior Programs and Projects Specialist - 240387 - Window Rock, AZ

Department: Department of Child Care & Development (DCCD)

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sensitive Position: Yes

Applicants must submit transcripts, degrees, certificates, and/or other required documentation with the employment application to receive full credit. Preference is given to eligible and qualified applicants under the Navajo Preference in Employment Act and Veterans Preference.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under general direction, develops, implements, and monitors internal compliance, quality assurance, and program integrity processes for child care programs.

• Develop and implement internal processes to monitor childcare staff compliance with the Child Care Disaster Plan and Emergency Preparedness training and drills
• Establish procedures to verify required training for all childcare providers
• Conduct quarterly reviews of a random sample of case files to ensure client eligibility, proper documentation, and child progress
• Work closely with the Program Manager II to recruit, train, assist, and monitor childcare providers to ensure compliance with tribal and state standards
• Conduct quarterly internal eligibility and provider compliance reviews to ensure accurate decision-making
• Perform quality assurance reviews of eligibility determinations and provider requirements
• Share program data with internal and external partners, including State CCDF, Tribal TANF, and other tribal offices
• Run database reports to identify errors, review enrollment documents, attendance, billing records, and provider files
• Monitor policy implementation and assess compliance effectiveness
• Review Caseworker Supervisors' monthly timesheets for accuracy
• Collaborate with the DCCD Policy Section to ensure policies and procedures meet tribal, state, and federal requirements
• Establish quarterly monitoring processes for approved case files and childcare providers, including health, safety, and background check compliance
• Coordinate with DCCD Human Resources and Staff Training to ensure employees complete all mandatory training and certification requirements
• Collaborate with the Fraud Prevention section to develop procedures that prevent improper payments and deter fraud, including recovery efforts
• Develop and implement a monitoring plan to prepare staff and providers for annual audits, including training, case reviews, and coordination with auditors
• Represent DCCD in meetings with tribal, state, federal, and local officials
• Attend investigator meetings and professional trainings in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah to remain informed on regulatory changes
• Perform related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field and Six (6) years of responsible program-related administrative experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

Special Requirements

• Valid state driver's license
• Favorable background investigation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration
• Navajo Nation, federal, and state laws, regulations, and guidelines related to childcare programs
• Budgeting, reporting systems, program analysis, and performance measures
• Program operations, mission objectives, and client service requirements

Skill in:

• Developing and evaluating program systems, procedures, and internal controls
• Preparing reports, policy documents, databases, and spreadsheets
• Managing staff and complex internal working relationships
• Maintaining open communication and providing professional guidance and direction