Background Record Check Specialist II

This position offers some flexibility of office location within the hybrid work model currently being observed.
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 by performing functions that include:

Screening applicants for employment in EEC licensed, approved and funded programs;
Applying EEC's regulatory criteria to determine an applicant's suitability to work in a position within an EEC licensed, approved and funded program;
Working within various information technology (IT) systems and inputting decisions after analyzing relevant information;
Utilizing 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;
Upon receipt of the BRC information, determining applicants' eligibility by reviewing adverse criminal and child welfare information, and sending appropriate correspondence to the applicant and the requesting program;
Investigating and obtaining documentation used to determine an individual's suitability for employment in EEC licensed, approved or funded programs;
Approving or denying a BRC applicant's request to work in a position within the oversight of the Department;
Making recommendations based upon the applicants' BRC findings utilizing the criteria outlined in EEC's statute, regulations, policies and procedures;
Working closely with regional office staff to share information and facilitate completion of the BRC process;
Providing technical assistance to EEC licensed programs, EEC staff and BRC applicants regarding the application of EEC's BRC regulations, policies and procedures;
Responding to inquiries regarding BRC issues from EEC stakeholders;
Assisting 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;
Other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:

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.
Ability to adjust to varying or changing working situations.
As a condition of employment, you must be deemed suitable to access criminal data by Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) based on an extensive criminal background verification conducted by DCJIS.
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:

A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.
A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.
A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.
Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.
We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
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