Child Care Aware® of Missouri (CCAMO) is seeking a detail-oriented, relationship-driven individual with a passion for supporting Missouri’s early childhood workforce. The ideal candidate is organized, responsive, enjoys repetitive tasks, and committed to helping early childhood educators access compensation supports through the Child Care WAGE$® Missouri (WAGE$ Missouri) salary supplement program. This person works well independently and as part of a team while embracing CCAMO’s culture of excellence.
The WAGE$ Missouri Specialist supports the implementation of the pilot salary supplement program in St. Louis County. Child Care WAGE$ Missouri is designed to increase compensation, education, and retention among early childhood educators by providing salary supplements tied to educational attainment and continued employment in the field. As a companion strategy to the TEACH Early Childhood® Missouri Scholarship Program, Child Care WAGE$ Missouri strengthens Missouri’s early childhood workforce by rewarding education and supporting the professionals who care for young children.
The Child Care WAGE$ Missouri pilot launched on May 2026 and is currently funded through December 2028.
Responsibilities:
The Child Care WAGE$ Missouri Specialist will support the administration of the Child Care WAGE$ Missouri salary supplement program by processing applications and payments in accordance with program eligibility requirements, policies, and procedures, while also conducting outreach activities to promote the program and encourage participation.
This position plays a key role in helping eligible early childhood educators in St. Louis County understand the program, complete the application process, maintain eligibility, and receive salary supplements tied to education and retention. The specialist will also support recruitment of participants and sponsoring programs, maintain accurate participant records, and contribute to reporting and program evaluation. This position reports directly to the Director of Child Care WAGE$ Missouri.
Roles and Duties:
· Develop and maintain a working knowledge of WAGE$ Missouri eligibility requirements, including employment, compensation, education, and retention criteria, to ensure accurate, consistent program administration.
· Process WAGE$ Missouri applications and supporting documentation accurately and efficiently, including reviewing transcripts, verifying education and employment, determining eligibility, calculating supplement amounts, and preparing award letters and participant correspondence.
· Obtain and review required documentation from applicants, employers, and other sources to verify eligibility, process awards, and maintain complete participant files.
· Perform daily administrative functions related to application processing and participant support, including tracking application status, monitoring outstanding documentation, following up on incomplete items, preparing correspondence, and maintaining organized records.
· Enter application, verification, payment, and participant communication data into the WAGE$ Missouri database accurately and in a timely manner.
· Provide phone and email support to current and prospective WAGE$ Missouri participants regarding eligibility, timelines, documentation requirements, salary supplement amounts, and ongoing participation.
· Manage an assigned caseload of WAGE$ Missouri applicants and participants, ensuring timely follow-up, consistent communication, accurate recordkeeping, and responsive support throughout the application and award cycle.
· Maintain participant records and case notes in the WAGE$ Missouri database and ensure regular communication with participants throughout the award cycle.
· Support caseload management by monitoring deadlines, tracking participant progress, updating status notes, identifying incomplete files, and coordinating follow-up to ensure timely processing and participant responsiveness.
· Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from participants, employers, and community partners regarding WAGE$ Missouri requirements, deadlines, and benefits.
· Support the administrative and participant-facing functions of the WAGE$ Missouri program, including case management, recordkeeping, data collection, database maintenance, program evaluation, and reporting.
· Provide input to the Director of Child Care WAGE$ Missouri and other CCAMO leadership to support program evaluation, identify challenges, and recommend process improvements.
· Maintain accurate and organized records related to participant eligibility, communications, award determinations, payments, and outreach activities.
· Prepare timely and accurate documentation following participant interactions and program processing activities.
· Engage in ongoing professional development and training to remain current on WAGE$ Missouri requirements, workforce trends, and relevant state systems.
· Participate in advocacy efforts to increase compensation for the early childhood workforce.
· Promote the Mission, Vision, Beliefs, and Values of CCAMO.
· Engage in the organization’s fundraising and friend-raising activities.
· Engage in other duties, as assigned.
Staff Competencies/Qualities:
· Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child or youth development or related human services field.
· Three years of experience working in customer service, case management, human services or a closely related field.
· At least two years of experience using and managing databases.
· Strong creative and professional writing skills.
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in both program and outreach settings.
· Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
· Enjoys collaborative work environment with a conscientious, even-tempered work style
· Drive to make a difference in the life of children and families.
· Independent and self-motivated, able to assist customers to adhere to deadlines.
· Energetic and positive-minded team player.
· Capable of handling multiple tasks with competing priorities under minimal supervision.
· Able to think critically and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
· Results-oriented and solution-focused with a problem-solving attitude.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
· Ability to lift 30 pounds.
Benefits: Company contribution to 401k vested 100% at time of hire. Company paid medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance with a small employee copay. Accrual of two weeks’ vacation and sick time during the first year. Parental Leave Benefit -Full-time exempt employees can access up to six weeks of paid parental leave for births, surrogacies, and adoption after 12 consecutive months of active employment. (Company-paid benefits add approximately $20,000 in value to the total compensation package.)
Send your resume to [email protected]. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
Pay: $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Work Location: In person
