Provider Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Provider Specialist
DEPARTMENT: HHS – Child Care Development Program (CCDP)
LOCATION: Longview, Washington
REPORTS TO: Program Manager
STATUS: Hourly; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $34.35 - $41.25 per hour

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled (First Review September 16th, 2026)

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary

Contributes to the effectiveness of the Child Care Development Program (CCDP) by expanding access to culturally relevant, high-quality childcare services in tribal communities. Recruits and partners with relative and contracted childcare providers, helping them meet quality improvement goals and ensuring compliance with CCDF Block Grant standards. Monitors the health, safety, cultural responsiveness, and quality of care for tribal children within service areas in Washington and Oregon. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the CCDP program.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops corrective action strategies and monitors resolution of significant compliance issues.
• Assesses the needs of each childcare center; provides feedback and coaching to center staff; and identifies quality improvements within grant requirements.
• Works with childcare centers to develop and implement quality improvement goals aligned with state licensing requirements and evidence-based quality improvement models.
• Monitors and evaluates quality improvement goals; provides ongoing coaching, assistance, and support to relative providers and contracted childcare centers; ensures delivery of culturally appropriate services.
• Monitors home childcare providers in accordance with CCDP’s adopted Health and Safety Standards required by the Office of Child Care.
• Adapts to changes in health and safety protocols and procedures, informing providers of updates and assisting with implementation.
• Develops provider guidance materials, toolkits, and training curricula.
• Conducts accredited training for administration and staff in accordance with STARS requirements.
• Conducts multiple site visits each year to monitor the health and safety of tribal children served by Washington and Oregon childcare providers, adhering to grant standards.
• Completes inspections of relative providers and childcare centers in accordance with policies, procedures, grant requirements, and quality improvement criteria.
• Ensures compliance with regulations and state, local, and tribal standards for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Grant.
• Interprets grant requirements and licensing standards for unusual or ambiguous situations.
• Assists providers in meeting minimum grant and program standards.
• Assists with billing for payments to center and related providers, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
• Assists in managing the program budget; tracks expenditures; monitors spending; and creates accurate, timely subsidy purchase orders in the accounting system.
• Verifies the accuracy of billing rates and allowable charges consistent with funding and grant requirements.
• Creates and sends rate change letters to providers per program policy; communicates billing changes clearly and professionally to contracted providers.
• Participates in grant monitoring reviews, audits, and corrective action responses.
• Performs routine audits of provider files for grant reporting fidelity.
• Prepares sections of grant reports and compliance documentation.
• Serves as a resource on program requirements and early childhood development for contracted childcare centers.
• Works collaboratively to assist with training, orientations, and events for both licensed and non-licensed providers.
• Consults with providers to ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations established by CCDP Management in accordance with Tribal Lead Agency Standards.
• Coordinates and evaluates quality improvement initiatives across multiple providers.
• Maintains ongoing written documentation of observations and assessments of childcare centers; keeps complete, objective, and confidential records for relative providers and centers in accordance with program and best‑practice standards.
• Maintains accurate provider profiles, rate sheets, and subsidy authorization records.
• Supports family recruitment efforts by designing and posting outreach materials in public schools, colleges, stores, community boards, and social media platforms.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with families, childcare providers, and tribal, local, and state agencies, including social service and educational agencies and other community partners.
• Attends community outreach events with other CCDP staff to recruit tribal families and promote the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, which requires evening and weekend availability at times.
• Provides professional support and information to other tribal and HHS entities regarding early childhood education and the CCDP program.
• Reviews and responds to correspondence, phone calls, and inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
• Tracks program outcomes and prepares reports for management and grant reporting.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research; attending seminars, workshops, classes, and conferences; reviewing publications; networking; and coordinating with contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Participates in staff meetings, team-building activities, and training opportunities to support a cohesive, effective working environment.
• Contributes to team efforts and completes related tasks as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of the principles of case management and advocacy.
• Knowledge of early childhood education, development, and health and basic health and safety standards.
• Knowledge of Early Childhood resources, programs, licensing, and program policies.
• Knowledge of best practices in early childhood development and education.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of office functions, procedures, and policies.
• Knowledge of grant compliance monitoring and audit processes.
• Knowledge of regulatory interpretation and policy development.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with sensitivity, courtesy, and respect.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.
• Skill in developing training curriculum and guidance materials.
• Skill in analyzing program data and identifying trends.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to resolve complex compliance disputes.
• Ability to make independent decisions affecting program eligibility or provider participation.
• Ability to manage conflicts or challenging situations diplomatically and efficiently, whether it involves childcare providers, program participants, or families.
• Ability to develop and present persuasive and informative educational programs, training, and workshops.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent, sound, and unbiased judgment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development, Psychology, or related field.
• Two (2) years of related experience in child development, community programs, childcare, home visiting, or other social services.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Childcare Development Associate (CDA) certification required to be obtained within 60 days of hire date.
• Obtain and maintain Merit Certified State Trainer certification.
• Obtain and maintain STARs training and certifications.
• Obtain and maintain BLS/CPR and AED certifications.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distances.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office, at provider centers/homes, or in an outdoor setting with a moderate noise level. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. May come in contact with hostile, violent, or offensive individuals. Overnight travel, evening, and/or weekend work is occasionally required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.