Early Care and Education Program Navigator

If you are a current State of Maine employee, you must complete your application through the internal application process (Find Jobs Report). Please apply using your PRISM account. If you are on Seasonal Leave and do not have access to PRISM, contact your local Human Resources representative for application information. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Social Services Program Specialist II Opening Date: November 25, 2025 Closing Date: December 10, 2025 Job Class Code: 5093 Grade: 25 (Supervisory Services) Salary: $58,552.00 - $82,700.80 per year* *This is inclusive of a 2.00% recruitment and retention stipend Position Number: 02000-4064 Location: This position is located in our Augusta office. Core Responsibilities: As the Early Care and Education (ECE) Salary Supplement Navigator, you will play a vital role in planning, coordinating, and administering a component of an early care and education systems grant, which is the connection of child care owners and directors to child care resources, grants, programs, and services. Some of your core responsibilities will be: Assisting in the daily operations of the ECE Salary Supplement System Ensuring the adequate provision of consistent and effective programs and services. Develop and recommend new and revised policies and procedures to improve program operations and meet recipient needs statewide. Reviewing and assessing individual child care provider goals, objectives, plans, and processes to connect owners and directors with child care resources, services, and programs. Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge of early childhood (birth-5) development pedagogy, and relevant state and federal systems that impact these children and their families Knowledge of current learning research and exemplary early childhood educational instructional strategies in all early learning domains. Knowledge of exemplary evidence-based early childhood curriculum, learner-centered instruction, differential learning, assessment, developmental education, and experiential learning, and understanding of the relationships among these areas Knowledge of or experience in Department grants, contracts, and purchase of services and cooperative agreements, budgeting, and program evaluation Minimum Qualifications: An eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in specific option area. The backgrounds of well-qualified candidates should demonstrate the following competencies: 1. A thorough knowledge of the early care and education system and other child-serving systems. 2. Experience and ability to facilitate meetings, conduct trainings and interface with various stakeholders and partners. 3. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Please submit a cover letter addressing your skills and/or prior experience in each of the areas above. Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If youre currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart. Agency information: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers. The Office of Child & Family Services (OCFS), within DHHS is responsible for ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families through community networks, local resources, and life-long family connections throughout Maine. Application Information: For additional information about this position please contact Tara Williams, Associate Director of Early Care and Education at 624-7971. To apply, please upload a recent resume (if available) and cover letter addressing each of the preferred skills/experience areas above. Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format. To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov Benefits of working for the State of Maine: No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto"Dirigo" or "I lead"as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: Work-Life Fit Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. Health Insurance Premium Credit Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value). Retirement Plan The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a childincluding fathers and adoptive parentsreceive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act. State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time. There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If youre looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. . If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting. Join Maine State Government and Make a Difference in Your Community If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live. eases, theres a place for you here, and your work will have meaning.