Child Care Resource Specialist

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks a Child Care Resource Specialist to evaluate CCAP eligibility and guide families and providers through program requirements.

You will work with the CCRS team to maintain records, educate stakeholders on resources, and ensure timely processing. The role involves occasional travel and ongoing professional development within the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.

Qualifications

• Possession of Illinois credentials for counseling and training in a CCR&R agency.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in social work, customer service, and/or early childhood development.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate eligibility for CCAP and calculate income using IDHS databases.
• Maintain accurate records and update the CCAP database.
• Request missing information from families and providers and track responses.
• Coordinate with CCRS staff auditor to ensure data accuracy and timely processing.
• Educate providers, parents, and community on CCRS resources and early care info.
• Answer questions via phones and walk-ins 3–4 times weekly.
• Inform center directors and family child care providers about CCAP policies and procedures.
• Update educational materials on early care topics.
• Attend meetings as needed.
• Travel locally, regionally, and statewide as required.
• Pursue at least 15 hours of job-related training per year.

Skills

Strong knowledge of early childhood

Public interaction

Teamwork

Prioritize workload

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Illinois credentials for CCR&R counseling/training

Job description

Child Care Resource Specialist

Child Care Resource Service

Department of Human Development and Family Studies

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story.

Job Summary

Evaluate program eligibility of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) based on the Illinois Department of Human Services program guidelines. Assist families and childcare providers in navigating the program requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Evaluate eligibility of parents to participate in the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) CCAP program, ensuring accurate processing and calculation of income based on IDHS state databases.
• Ensure contracted timelines are met, while maintaining accurate records. Add all information into the CCAP database including ensuring that notes have been added.
• Send requests for additional information (RAI) to parents and child care providers for missing information. Keep up to date on RAI's sending approval, cancellation, or denial as needed through updated information.
• Send information to the Child Care Resource Service (CCRS) staff auditor to ensure that all information is correct and process child care certificate within 1-2 business days of receipt (these must remain in the CCRS offices).
• Educate child care providers, parents, and community members on available resources provided by CCRS and guiding them to navigate the available educational information and services in their community related to early care and education.
• Work directly with families and child care providers while answering questions on phones and walk-ins 3-4 times per week as needed.
• Educate child care center directors and family child care providers on policies and procedures in order to assist parents in the application process for the CCAP.
• Update educational materials and resources on early care and education topics.
• Participate in meetings as needed.
• Occasional local, regional, and statewide travel is required.
• Continue educational development by obtaining at least 15 hours of required job-related workshops, training, coursework, etc., per year.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of the University of Illinois as assigned.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Occasional local, regional, and statewide travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of credentials requirements developed by the State of Illinois for persons performing counseling and training functions in a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in social work, customer service, and/or early childhood development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of early childhood development.
• Ability to interact with the public with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize a heavy workload, delivering results on a timeline and providing regular reports of activities and achievements.
• Familiarity with computers and word processing software.

Appointment Information

This is for three 100% full-time Civil Service 4730 - Child Care Resource Specialist positions, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/26/2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $41,000-$43,000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver's License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].