Human Resources Associate at 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
- Reports To: Executive Director
- Location: McHenry, Illinois
- Position: Full-Time, Exempt
- Annual Salary: $57,000–$60,000
Make a Difference at 4-C
Are you an experienced Human Resources professional who enjoys being a trusted resource for employees, supporting leaders, and helping build a strong workplace culture?
4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care is looking for a Human Resources Associate to join our growing team!
This is an exciting opportunity to play an important role in shaping the employee experience at an organization dedicated to supporting children, families, child care providers, and communities throughout our service area.
The Human Resources Associate will oversee and coordinate the day-to-day HR functions of the agency while partnering closely with the Executive Director and leadership team. This position will have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on recruitment, employee engagement, benefits, compliance, professional development, performance management, policies, and organizational growth.
We are looking for someone who is organized, approachable, discreet, solution-oriented, and passionate about creating a positive and equitable workplace.
What You’ll Do
Recruitment & Talent Management
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates.
- Coordinate job postings, applicant screening, interviews, reference checks, and selection processes.
- Partner with supervisors and department leaders to identify staffing needs and develop accurate job descriptions.
- Monitor vacancies and recruitment timelines.
- Support employee retention efforts and identify trends affecting turnover.
- Maintain relationships with recruitment resources, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and community partners.
Onboarding & Offboarding
- Coordinate the agency’s employee onboarding process from offer through orientation.
- Ensure required employment documents, background clearances, training, and other requirements are completed.
- Coordinate new employee orientation and HR training.
- Maintain onboarding checklists and personnel documentation.
- Coordinate employee resignations and terminations.
- Conduct or coordinate exit interviews and identify opportunities to improve retention.
- Work with IT and leadership to ensure appropriate employee access is established and terminated.
Employee Relations
- Serve as a confidential and professional resource for employees and supervisors.
- Assist supervisors with performance, attendance, conduct, corrective action, and disciplinary matters.
- Investigate employee concerns and workplace issues as appropriate.
- Promote consistent and fair application of agency policies.
- Assist leadership with conflict resolution and workplace problem-solving.
- Escalate significant employee relations, legal, or compliance concerns to the Executive Director.
HR Administration & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records.
- Monitor employee certifications, licenses, background clearances, and other required credentials.
- Maintain accurate employee information in HR and payroll systems.
- Coordinate and monitor required background checks and employment clearances.
- Monitor changes to employment laws, regulations, and applicable Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) requirements.
- Assist with audits, monitoring visits, grant reviews, and other compliance activities involving personnel records.
- Prepare HR reports and workforce data for leadership as requested.
Benefits & Leave Administration
- Coordinate employee benefits administration in partnership with benefit providers and agency leadership.
- Assist employees with questions regarding health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and other benefits.
- Monitor benefit eligibility and enrollment requirements.
- Coordinate extended leave requests with employees and leadership.
- Maintain accurate PTO, sick leave, vacation, and other leave records.
- Support compliance with applicable federal and state leave requirements.
Performance Management
- Develop and maintain the agency’s performance management process.
- Coordinate annual and probationary employee evaluations.
- Provide supervisors with tools and guidance for effective performance management.
- Assist supervisors with performance expectations and improvement plans.
- Track completion of required evaluations.
Compensation & Classification
- Assist leadership in maintaining equitable and competitive compensation structures.
- Conduct or coordinate salary and market analyses.
- Review job descriptions and position classifications as organizational needs change.
- Make recommendations regarding salary ranges and compensation practices.
- Assist with grant-funded salary allocations and personnel budgeting.
- Monitor compensation practices for internal equity and applicable funding requirements.
Training & Professional Development
- Coordinate agency-wide HR-related training.
- Maintain required training records.
- Assist leadership in identifying professional development opportunities.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Policies & Procedures
- Recommend personnel policies and procedures.
- Monitor HR policies for consistency with applicable federal and state requirements.
- Partner with leadership and the Executive Board when policy approval is required.
- Communicate policy changes clearly and consistently.
- Maintain the employee handbook and related HR materials.
- Assist with implementation of new policies and organizational procedures.
Employee Engagement & Organizational Culture
- Assist leadership in reviewing employee survey results and developing action plans.
- Help foster a culture centered on professionalism, respect, accountability, collaboration, and inclusion.
- Support employee recognition and engagement initiatives.
- Promote clear and consistent communication between employees and leadership.
Strategic HR Support
This position will also have the opportunity to contribute to the future growth of 4-C by:
- Supporting organizational restructuring and new staffing models.
- Developing workforce plans based on programs, funding, staffing needs, and strategic priorities.
- Supporting workforce planning, compensation analysis, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Serving as a member of the agency leadership team when appropriate.
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
- At least three years of progressively responsible human resources experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Demonstrated experience with employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and HR compliance.
- Strong knowledge of employment practices and applicable federal and Illinois employment laws.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and HR-related technology systems.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees, supervisors, leadership, contracted workers, vendors, and community partners.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Human services
- Early childhood
- Education
- Grant-funded organizations
- State-regulated or government-funded programs
- Illinois employment requirements and background clearance processes
- Developing HR policies, employee handbooks, and procedures
- Compensation and salary market analysis
- Organizational restructuring and change management
What Success Looks Like
In this role, success means being more than an HR administrator. You will become a trusted partner to employees and leadership—someone who can answer questions, navigate challenging situations, improve processes, and help 4-C continue to build a strong and supportive workplace.
The ideal candidate will bring a balance of HR knowledge, professionalism, compassion, organization, discretion, and good judgment.
Work Environment
This position may work effectively in an office and/or remote environment and will communicate regularly through telephone, email, video conferencing, and other technology.
The position may require attendance at agency meetings, trainings, and events at various 4-C locations and occasional travel within the agency’s service area. Occasional evening or weekend attendance may be required for agency meetings, trainings, or events.
About 4-C
4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care is committed to supporting children, families, early childhood professionals, and the communities we serve.
Our employees are at the heart of our work. We believe that creating a workplace where employees feel respected, supported, valued, and equipped to succeed is essential to fulfilling our mission.
If you are an HR professional looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping an organization grow, we would love to hear from you!
Equal Employment Opportunity
4-C Community Coordinated Child Care is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Please send resume and cover letter to:
Kim Lamz (kiml@four-c.org) or mail to:
4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
Attn: Kim Lamz
667 Ridgeview Dr.
McHenry, IL 60050
Quality Specialist
- Job Status: Full time, field-based position with minimal in-office work required
- Annual Salary: $45,000-$47,000
4-C Community Coordinated Child Care currently has a vacancy for a full-time Quality Specialist. The Quality Specialist serves as a main point of contact for child care providers (within a six-county area) interested in participating in ExceleRate Illinois Quality Recognition & Improvement System (QRIS). The Quality Specialist develops strong, working relationships with child care providers to improve program quality through coaching, consultation, training, and technical assistance. This position supports providers in implementing continuous quality improvement practices and adopting evidence-based practices such as the Pyramid Model.
Summary of Job Duties:
- Build collaborative relationships with child care providers by providing training, coaching, and technical assistance to providers pursuing participation in ExceleRate Illinois.
- Offer resources and information to child care providers in person, via phone &/or email.
- Plan, facilitate and deliver training and informational sessions to providers and community organizations regarding ExceleRate Illinois and quality improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with other CCR&R staff and partners to provide coordinated, comprehensive support services for child care providers.
- Attend job specific training including training on specific assessment scales used in ExceleRate Illinois and attain required score threshold on each scale.
- Maintain accurate documentation and enter required data into the statewide data system, as well as prepare programmatic reports within required timeframes.
- Participate in agency meetings, committees, professional development activities, and other workgroups relevant to the Quality Specialist role.
- Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and outreach activities, including occasional evening or weekend events with supervisory approval.
- Travel within McHenry, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, Carroll, and Whiteside Counties required, with occasional statewide travel necessary.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (from an accredited college/university) in:
- Early childhood education or child development OR
- One of the following related fields: Child Psychology/Behavioral Sciences, Family Consumer Sciences, Social Work, Elementary Education, Child Welfare, Family Services, Psychology, Sociology, or Human Development. If degree is in a related field, applicant must have a minimum of 18 hours in early childhood coursework.
- At least 2 years paid experience in a child care setting as a family child care provider, center-based administrator, center-based teacher or teacher assistant of Illinois Preschool for All teacher.
- Due to job-related travel, valid driver’s license and insurance are required.
Please send resume and cover letter to:
Kim Lamz (kiml@four-c.org) or mail to:
4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
Attn: Kim Lamz
667 Ridgeview Dr.
McHenry, IL 60050
Family Support Specialist (Home Visitor)
- Reports To: FEP Director
- Job Status: Full Time (35 hours) in DeKalb Office.
- Annual Salary: $36,000-$40,000
We are seeking a dedicated and relationship-focused Home Visitor to support families with young children through parent education, developmental guidance, and community connection.
Position Overview
The Home Visitor partners with families to strengthen the parent-child relationship and promote healthy child development. This role provides individualized support through home visits, parent consultations, and educational workshops.
Fluency in both Spanish and English preferred.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct regular home visits with families of young children.
- Provide parent consultations regarding child development, behavior guidance, and parenting strategies.
- Facilitate parent workshops and offer one-on-one instruction tailored to family needs.
- Partner with families to set goals and support positive parent-child interactions.
- Maintain accurate documentation and records in accordance with program standards.
- Collaborate with community partners and internal team members to support family needs.
- Some evening and weekend work is required to accommodate family schedules.
Qualifications
- Associate Degree or Specialized Certificate in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, or a related field (required).
- Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Social Work, Early Childhood Education, or related field (preferred).
- Experience working with diverse communities and families.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusting, respectful relationships with families.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively within a team.
- Commitment to supporting families in a strengths-based, culturally responsive manner.
To apply send resume, cover letter and transcripts to:
Rose Malloy (rosem@four-c.org)
Mail to:
Rose Malloy, FEP Director
4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
444 E Hillcrest Dr., Ste 300, DeKalb IL 60115
Child Care Assistance Program Health & Safety Coach
Job Status: Full Time | 35-hours/week, Monday – Friday
Job Purpose
The Health and Safety Coach partners with license-exempt child care providers to ensure compliance with health and safety training requirements and promote safe, high-quality care environments for children. This role provides technical assistance, resources, and guidance to providers participating in the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program, supporting continuous improvement and adherence to state standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Know, understand, and adhere to “License Exempt Monitoring Policies and Procedures”.
- Maintain accurate provider listings and records.
- Review state and INCCRRA reports when they are released.
- Coach providers through Corrective Action Plans when needed.
- Confirm providers have completed required trainings and assist with self-reporting into Gateways.
- Deliver ongoing technical assistance and resources to support provider compliance and quality improvement.
- Ensure annual training requirements are met, and providers are following emergency preparedness protocols.
- Monitor homes or centers for health & safety compliance.
- Report abuse, neglect, or illegal childcare operations as required.
- Regularly review and maintain INCCRRA reports
Skills and Abilities
- Expert level of skill with Microsoft 365, databases, and internet usage.
- Self-starter with the ability to multi-task.
- Strong ability to work independently.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to successfully handle challenging interactions.
- Strong written and verbal skills.
- Ability to build and support relationships.
- Work effectively as a team member.
- Bilingual candidates preferred.
Qualifications
An associate degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent education; and/or experience in social work, customer service or related field.
College credits and/or work hours must equal 2 full years of education and/or full-time work.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to:
Tracy Carls
Child Care Assistance Program Coordinator
4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
444 East Hillcrest Drive, Suite 300
DeKalb, IL 60115
McHenry Office Assistant and Referral Client Specialist
- Reports to: CCR&R Director
- Job Status: Full Time (35 hours) in McHenry Office, Hybrid schedule (in-office and remote work are required for this position)
- Salary: $33,000-$35,000
Job purpose
The purpose of the McHenry Office Assistant and Referral Client Specialist is to support efficient operations and timely customer service to those seeking Child Care Resource and Referral services in McHenry County. This position will work directly with families to provide consumer education and child care referrals, answer questions regarding the Child Care Assistance Program, accept child care complaints, and provide referrals to outside agencies as needed.
Duties and responsibilities
- Greet and direct visitors/clients and answer incoming calls to the McHenry office, utilizing excellent customer services skills to assist clients with empathy and compassion.
- Coordinate with staff in DeKalb to serve clients who contact the McHenry office as needed.
- Accept paperwork from clients and providers and process as required.
- Assist director with preparing reports, letters and other documents as needed.
- Coordinate planning for internal meetings, training or other events held at 4-C McHenry including room set up and ordering food, etc.
- Distribute incoming faxes, process incoming and outgoing mail and coordinate bulk mailings.
- Ensure all office equipment is maintained and serviced as needed (copy machines, phones, postage meter, etc.).
- Take and distribute meeting minutes.
- Maintain the common areas of the office to ensure a welcoming professional environment organized for maximum efficiency and easy access to supplies, office equipment and other materials.
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of the McHenry office furniture and equipment and work with your DeKalb office counterpart to ensure all CCR&R equipment is inventoried and accurate.
- Order and maintain a workable level of all office supplies.
- Keep workable amount of postage on the postage meter and in bulk mail account.
- Change main voice mail, as needed;
- Maintain up to date and accurate records in the statewide Data Tracking Program (DTP) and the referral database.
- Assist families seeking child care with referrals, consumer education, information and resource materials regarding quality child care and community resources.
- Provide technical assistance to parents regarding complaints against child care programs, in accordance with the 4-C CCR&R Policy.
- Complete monthly referral follow up calls as prescribed by the CCR&R IDHS Contract.
- Work in accordance with the IDHS contract deliverables to ensure standards are being met and reported as required by the contract.
- Participate in community events, with the approval of your manager, during and outside of traditional work hours as a representative of 4-C.
- Other duties as assigned by the CCR&R directors and/or 4-C Executive Director.
Qualifications
- Associate degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following related fields (ECE, Child Development, Child Psychology/Behavioral Sciences, Family Consumer Sciences, Social Work, Elementary Education, Child Welfare, and Family Services.
- Knowledge and experience in office procedures.
- Detail oriented and organized.
- Excellent computer and customer service skills.
- Able to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
- Proficient in word processing and data entry.
- Spanish speaking preferred but not required.
Working conditions
- Occasional travel and overnight to meetings, trainings and conferences
- Membership in Gateways Registry required within 30 days of employment.
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours of professional development each fiscal year.
Please send resume and cover letter to:
Kim Lamz (kiml@four-c.org) or
mail to:
4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
Attn: Kim Lamz
667 Ridgeview Dr.
McHenry, IL 60050