Description

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity.

We're looking for a Payment Operations Support Specialist (MA3) to join our team to serve as the primary point of contact to child care and early learning providers and associated partners and stakeholders regarding payments made using the Social Service Payment System (SSPS), MERIT and AFRS systems. You will provide one-on-one technical assistance for accessing and navigating payments and eligibility, to internal DCYF staff, external stakeholders and child care and early learning providers who have questions about payment processing, timing, eligibility and calculation. DCYF works toward the common goal of eliminating child and youth outcome disparities based on race and ethnicity. Our vision is that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

The Opportunity:
In this Management Analyst 3 role, you will help to maintain the integrity of payments made to a variety of providers, and contribute to a comprehensive and interconnected early learning system that provides accessibility and choice to children and families. You will research and resolve time sensitive payment issues across multiple platforms and agency divisions. You must maintain a thorough understanding of a variety of areas that make up Washington’s early learning System with regard to provider payment policies and practices found in state and federal regulations. These include, but are not limited to: Working Connections Child Care, Early Achievers, the Early Learning Workforce Registry (MERIT), ECEAP, and Child Welfare. You will be responsible for communicating complex payment issues to state agency staff as well as child care providers and other vendors.

Some of what you will do:

• Provide technical and research assistance.
• Categorize and prioritize incoming requests for payment information.
• Collaborate with the various payment systems across the agency to research questions from DCYF child care providers and vendors regarding payments – escalate questions for resolution as needed.
• Communicate trending payment issues to the team for research into possible system issues.
• Monitor communications from agency business areas that impact the payment processes, and explain the updates to a variety of users both internal to the agency and external users, such as care providers and vendors.
• Maintain knowledge of state, federal and agency policies and procedures regarding a variety of payment types.
• Process systems applications necessary to determine eligibility for incentives and awards, with team assistance as needed.
• Receive electronic Statewide Vendor (SWV) forms from child care providers. Check the forms for accuracy and completeness – return any incomplete forms to the sender for correction.
• Maintain the process for completed forms, including working with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) for processing.
• Create reports on SWV data for division management and leadership.

What we are looking for:
A Bachelor’s degree, AND three years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government. OR
An Associate’s Degree, AND five years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.
OR
Demonstrated preferred competencies and a combination of seven years of relevant education and experience may substitute.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Three years of experience aiding customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems.
• In-depth knowledge of the early learning field and DCYF’s involvement and responsibilities in supporting early learning professionals.
• Previous demonstrated knowledge of state or federal payment policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Previous demonstrated knowledge and experience working with web-based data systems.
• Proven effectiveness working collaboratively with a team.
• Previous demonstrated experience writing procedures, handbooks and general communication documents.
• Previous demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and complete multiple projects, with accuracy.

How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents to your application:

• Current resume detailing work history and education
• Cover letter detailing your qualifications for the position

Supplemental Information:
Per Governor Inslee's Directive 22-13.1 (Download PDF reader) state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

The initial screening will be based on the content and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications with comments such as "see attachments" or "N/A" in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.

Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply online? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 701-4928 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388

Experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application? Call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

To take advantage of the Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.

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