Special Assistant

Duties Description The Senior Advisor will report directly to the Division of Child Care Services (DCCS) Deputy Commissioner and will lead cross-bureau efforts to strengthen provider engagement, partnerships, and workforce development. This position will perform the following duties:

• Build trusted relationships with key providers and industry partners;
• Identify opportunities to strengthen coordination across bureaus and develop coherent provider support strategies for child care expansion;
• Lead provider engagement for special initiatives including the Express NY regulatory review and SED PreK coordination;
• Convene external stakeholder groups such as the School Age Coordinating Council and work with other staff to facilitate cross-sector alignment and coordination;
• Lead provider wellness and workforce development initiatives, working to support provider retention, professional development, and well-being across the child care system;
• Serve as a liaison between regulatory, operational, and partner agency priorities while strengthening our engagement on quality standards and shared goals.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, women’s or gender studies, social work or a related field. In addition, eight years’ experience must have been gained in the overall management administration of a federal or state-level program or large-scale and complex initiative in the human services fields. Specific background or experience in early childhood education policy, data, and/or direct services is preferred. Individuals with previous experience in a leadership role with community-based organizing and community outreach encouraged to apply.

Additional Comments Background Investigation Requirements:

1. All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information and may be required to pay any necessary fees.

2. All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS’s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned, and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.