Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist - Limited Service

The Child Development Division (CDD) within the Department for Children and Families (DCF) is hiring an Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist. This position is responsible for supporting the implementation of the Special Accommodations Grant (SAG) program, and for supporting the Child Development Division's other inclusion efforts in Early Childhood program settings.

Specific responsibilities associated with this position include:
* Supporting the implementation of the SAG program:
o Member of the SAG review team, reviewing and scoring grant applications monthly.
o Regular communication and technical assistance provision to SAG applicants and grantees via phone and email.
o Managing continuous quality improvement efforts for the SAG program, including revising the grant agreement structure, completing related state and federal reporting, and making improvements to the grant payment process.
o Tracking all SAG applications, invoices and grant-related spending.

* Supporting CDD's participation in Early Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) initiatives.
o Representing CDD on the Early MTSS State Leadership Team.
o Collaborate with the Vermont Agency of Education Meeting on Early MTSS programmatic work within Vermont's Preschool Development Grant, and on Early MTSS sustainability planning.

* Supporting other CDD Inclusion initiatives.
o Providing input on professional development needs related to inclusion.
o Co-managing the Seed and Sew grant program.
o Collaborating within the STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) program on inclusion efforts and Early MTSS alignment.
o Supporting additional CDD inclusion efforts as required.

Candidates who have some or all of the following experience and skills are preferred:
* Early Childhood expertise and professional experience.
* Experience supporting inclusion, including the provision of specialized services for children, and/or Early MTSS efforts.
* Experience managing or supporting grants or grant-related work.
* Experience preparing programmatic reports, including federal reporting.
* Project management experience.
* Demonstrated organization and collaboration skills.
* The ability to communicate effectively in writing.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

CDD is housed in the Waterbury State Office Complex (WSOC) in Waterbury, Vermont. The Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist is a hybrid position that works at least one day per week in Waterbury, and remotely for up to four days weekly. CDD also occasionally conducts other events on-site-a successful candidate should have a reliable way to get to Waterbury as needed for these activities. This is a limited service position, and is currently slated to run through December of 2026, with the possibility of extension.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Rey Garofano, the lead of the Child Care Quality and Capacity Team, at rey.garofano@vermont.gov.

This position, Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist - Limited Service (Job Requisition #52994), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.
If you would like more information about the duration of this position or other details, please contact rey.garofano@vermont.gov
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Duties are primarily performed in both a standard office and field settings. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. A variety of meetings and public hearings may require some evening work. Strong conflicting opinions on policy, program implementation and allocation of resources may be encountered.

Education: Master's degree in education, human services, public administration or related field.

Experience: Three year's of experience in education or human service organization, including one at administrative, consultative or planning level, preferably in child or family services.

OR

Education: Bachelor's degree in education, human services, organizational development, public administration or related human services field.

Experience: Five years experience as described above.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.