Program Mentor, Niños en Mi Casa - Maricopa County

Description

General Summary

The Program Mentor is part of the Niños en Mi Casa program and supports unlicensed child care providers who are seeking to establish their own business by becoming licensed or certified providers. The Mentor helps caregivers navigate the licensing and certification process, including conducting an initial home environment scan, completing applications, and offering professional development. In addition, the Mentor connects caregivers to resources that support the success of their business, such as technical assistance with business operations and access to financial support.

This position is based in Maricopa county and does require travel within the region – it is preferred that qualified candidates live in the region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Builds rapport and trusting relationships with caregivers, community partners, and colleagues in a culturally appropriate and attuned manner to support program delivery. 
• Partners with program participants to understand their needs, educate them on the licensing and certification pathways, and provide step-by-step support on the application processes. Provides insight and guidance around various licensing and certification pathways to participants in the program. 
• Provides relationship-based technical assistance that includes but not limited to: visiting participants’ homes to conduct an environmental scan to prepare to help them meet licensing/certification standards, visit inspections, licensing requirement walkthroughs and professional development related to early childhood development. 
• Identifies areas of need for financial support or external resources for participants. 
• Conducts outreach with community partners to support program enrollment and access to participant resources. 

Requirements

Required Education and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Minimum of five years of early childhood experience
• Bilingual in Spanish and English
• Eligibility to obtain PD Instructor status in the AZ Early Childhood Network Registry
• Ability to travel throughout the state, have a current/valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance, and have reliable transportation at all times
• Ability to meet background check requirements upon initial hire and for the duration of employment
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Have and maintain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood care settings
• Possess knowledge of DES/DHS child care licensing requirements 
• Knowledge of best practices in early childhood education
• Awareness of community resources and support for caregivers and families
• Knowledge of needs and unique characteristics of unlicensed Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers

Skills

• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Excellent communication including both verbal and written, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft office, email systems and related technology
• Maintain an established work schedule, keep appointments, adapt schedules to meet unexpected needs, and utilize time effectively

Abilities

• Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality in working with participants
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations