The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is an agency focused on building a coordinated, comprehensive system of early education and care services in Massachusetts. EEC’s mission is to lead the way in helping Massachusetts’ children and families reach their full potential. By providing and coordinating a range of services and assistance, EEC will continuously improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of early education and care in the Commonwealth.

EEC seeks an individual for the role of Background Record Check Specialist II. The purpose of this work is to process and review background record check (BRC) information and related documentation. The Background Record Check Specialist II is responsible for screening applicants for employment in EEC licensed, approved and funded programs and apply EEC’s regulatory criteria to determine an applicant’s suitability to work in a position within EEC licensed, approved and funded programs. The Background Record Check Specialist II works within various information technology (IT) systems and inputs decisions after analyzing relevant information. Successful candidates will be required to pass an enhanced background record check, including fingerprinting.

Duties Include:

• Utilize the Department’s existing IT and soon to be released IT systems to process and review BRC results including: criminal offender record information (CORI), supported findings of abuse or neglect within the central registry of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), sex offender registry information (SORI), and fingerprint-based checks of state and national criminal databases. Additional checks are expected to be implemented within the next year or two and may be required by the Department in the future.

• Upon receipt of the BRC information, determine applicants’ eligibility by reviewing adverse criminal and child welfare information, and send appropriate correspondence to the applicant and the requesting program by reviewing applicants’ BRC results and applying criteria outlined in EEC’s BRC regulations.

• Investigate and obtain documentation used to determine an individual’s suitability for employment in EEC licensed, approved or funded programs. Such documentation may include police reports, court dockets, evidence of rehabilitation, probation information and out of state documentation. Review documentation and information received from, or on behalf of, BRC applicants who have BRC findings and are applying for approval through EEC.

• Approve or deny a BRC applicant's request to work in a position within the oversight of the Department and complete written rationales and recommendations on whether an applicant is suitable after consultation with EEC's attorneys, licensing, and BRC supervisory staff. Make recommendations based upon the applicants’ BRC findings utilizing the criteria outlined in EEC's statute, regulations, policies and procedures and additional information submitted by the applicants for consideration.

• Work closely with regional office staff to share information and facilitate completion of the BRC process. Review all adverse information and disseminate adverse information in accordance with EEC’s regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Provide technical assistance to EEC licensed programs, EEC staff and BRC applicants regarding the application of EEC’s BRC regulations, policies and procedures, reading and understanding BRC reports and assist with drafting trainings, policies, procedures, and communications as needed. Respond to inquiries regarding BRC issues from EEC stakeholders to ensure appropriate resolution and follow-up.

• Assist with general administrative support to the BRC unit, such as checking mail, data-entry, answering phone calls, filing and working on special projects as assigned.

• Assist with general administrative duties such as opening and sorting mail, data-entering information, answering phone calls, maintaining filing systems, drafting correspondence and responding to e-mail and voice mail inquiries.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A post-secondary degree in Criminal Justice or professional experience in related work.
• Professional experience in the childcare field, including early childhood education, social work, human services, investigative, or law enforcement.
• Ability to understand, interpret, explain and apply the Federal and State Fiscal Laws, rules, regulations, policy and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written expressions.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Strong data-entry skills.
• Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulation, policies, procedures, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong writing skills.
• Strong Organizational skills.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to establish harmonious relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Substantial experience working with Microsoft Office applications; excellent computer skills - working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, Word, Excel and Access.
• Ability to adjust to varying or changing working situations.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to: Jacqueline.A.Thistlewood@mass.gov