Job Title: Family Liaison & Coordinator:_ Child Care Assistance Program (CONTRACTOR ROLE)_
Reports to: Managing Director of Operations, CCAP Project Manager, Designated School Principal
Date: Summer 2026
PLEASE NOTE:
· THIS ROLE IS FOR A CONTRACTOR ROLE, NOT EMPLOYEE
· LONGEVITY OF THE ROLE ITSELF IS DEPENDENT UPON THE CONTIUNUATION OF THE CCAP PROGRAM IN COOK COUNTY
BIG SHOULDERS FUND
Big Shoulders Fund is an independent tax-exempt charitable organization that provides support to schools with demonstrated need which provide a quality, values-based education for children. We serve 25,000 students across 90 schools in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Each school is a vital community-based organization and an anchor to its surrounding neighborhoods.
For forty years, Big Shoulders Fund has helped Chicago’s children achieve their dreams through access to high quality education. Of the 25,000 students we serve, 83% identify as people of color and 69% reside in low-income households. We expand access and outcomes by investing more than $40 million annually in scholarship support and enrichment programming for students; operational improvements for schools; cultivation of talent pipelines for school personnel from new teachers through veteran principals; and professional development and support for educators and leaders – all with the goal of not just strengthening schools, but whole communities, while preparing students for life-long success. To that end, 80% of scholars matriculate to college, and students earn a degree at two times the national average. Latino and Black scholars graduate at three-times and four-times their counterparts, respectively, and graduates go on to vote, contribute, and participate at greater rates than local and national outcomes.
In 2019, Big Shoulders Fund began an exciting new chapter in Northwest Indiana by making a long-term commitment to The Region. Since then, we have worked to bring our unique approach to building the capacity of local school communities to best serve students and families of Northwest Indiana, with special focus on areas of greatest need: Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago. The long-term goals of our efforts include elevating the quality of values-based schools in Northwest Indiana through: academic investments, instructional and data coaching; marketing and outreach efforts; and enrichment and summer programs to expand opportunities for students.
Big Shoulders Fund has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of nonprofits, for 18 consecutive years, a distinction held by less than one percent of nonprofit organizations nationally.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Family Liaison & Coordinator will act as the lead point person responsible for ensuring family CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) sign-ups and approvals for designated Big Shoulders Fund Schools; this includes managing parent applications throughout the process from initial submission, adjustments, approvals, and renewals across assigned schools under the Big Shoulders Fund program.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
School Coordination:
- Responsible for overseeing the application process in designated schools, ensuring smooth execution and timely completion of parent sign-ups for CCAP through Action for Children, the largest regional administrator of CCAP in Cook County.
- Coordinate logistical processes with the school principal, school administrators, and the CCAP Project Manager
Guidance & Support:
- Assist parents through each stage of the application, including new applications, redeterminations, and changing providers. Ensure clear communication and comprehensive support throughout.
- Gather and submit necessary documents from parents at designated schools, ensuring all materials are complete and accurate.
Data Management:
- Track all application processes using the Big Shoulders Fund portal
- Maintain consistent communication with the Managing Director of Operations & the CCAP Project Manager regarding sign-ups and any problems encountered
- Direct school leader to school portal to review data, and respond to any school leader questions
- Ensure all approved students appear on monthly attendance certificates
- Ensure school administrators provide copies of any communication received via mail & email, and either respond accordingly or update status changes
Issue Resolution
- Directly work with members of school administration and Action For Children (AFC) to resolve challenges with parent engagement, sign-up, attendance collection processes, gateways, or application approvals. If unable to resolve an issue independently, escalate it to the CCAP Project Manager for further assistance.
- Keep school administration, Managing Director of Operations & the CCAP Project Manager abreast of challenges and resolution status (via notes in CCAP portal)
Parent Communication:
- Keep parents informed about the progress and status of their applications
- Ensure families understand each step and what is required from them
Approval Updates & Submissions:
- Once parents are approved, promptly update CCAP portal with the latest information
- Forward all approval notifications to CCAP Project Manager and other relevant parties to keep everyone in the loop
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/REPORTS
· This role reports to:
o Managing Director of Operations (Big Shoulders Fund)
o CCAP Project Manager (Big Shoulders Fund Contractor)
o Designated school principal
REQUIREMENTS OF THE CANDIDATE WE SEEK
· REQUIRED: Bilingual (Spanish and English) – is a must
· Strong organizational and multitasking skills
· Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
· Strong and detailed analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively
· Familiarity with the application and approval processes for family support programs is a plus
· Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
· Highly motivated, adaptable, and service‑oriented with a strong work ethic; operates with honesty, integrity, and a positive attitude.
· Proficiency in using online portals and managing digital documents
· Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges
- NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization and the students/schools it serves.
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60607
