Policy Consultant
Date Posted: Dec 22, 2025
Requisition ID: 470063
Location:
Elkhart, IN, US, 46514
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Family & Social Services Administration:
The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) within the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) oversees early childcare, education, and out-of-school-time programs. OECOSL's vision is that every Indiana community will have a strong network of Early Care and Education and Out-of-School Time programs that support the child, the family and local schools. Programs will be high quality, affordable and accessible to enable families to work effectively to obtain economic self-sufficiency. Children will thrive in programs that meet their developmental and educational needs and make them feel welcome, encouraged, and supported. Professionals teaching and caring for children will have the resources, including training and education, needed to operate and maintain high quality programs.
Role Overview:
This role supports the implementation and oversight of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and On My Way Pre-K programs by ensuring compliance with CCDF policies and procedures. The role also supports the administration and oversight of State School Age Child Care (SACC) and Agreement Centers. The position works closely with and supports the Senior Policy Consultant by monitoring child care programs, assisting with voucher and payment questions and providing technical assistance around attendance tracking and reporting. The role requires familiarity with Indiana childcare programs and the childcare licensing field, as well as the ability to use multiple technology systems, shift priorities, and select the appropriate tools to meet program needs. As part of a collaborative team, the position provides leadership, policy interpretation, reporting, and compliance support to state and contracted staff to ensure effective and accountable CCDF program administration.
This position is based in the St. Joseph and Elkhart areas and requires regular travel.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Establish program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
Develop, update, and monitor all policies and procedures related to the program area.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to leadership or customers.
Implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.
Analyze, prepare, and disseminate monthly and annual program reports.
Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grant compliance.
Assist in the development and train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
Coordinate and deliver communication plans and communications.
Serve as a liaison between the agency and other state and federal agencies.
Set expectations, measure progress, and provide ongoing feedback to support the Senior Policy Consultant role. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
Support child care programs in voucher and payment questions.
Reconcile attendance records to ensure accuracy of payment.
Support fraud & Audit investigations.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either
a Master's Degree with 1+ years of experience, or
a Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years of experience, or
a Associate's Degree with 5+ years of experience, or
at least 7+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role.
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education.
Specialized knowledge of program area including pertinent rules and regulations.
Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Working knowledge of accounting and budget principles.
Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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