Eligibility Specialist

Company: Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County
Location: Fort Pierce
Posted on: January 26, 2023

Job Description:

*SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES: * This position requires individuals possessing exemplary people skills and demeanor. Bilingual ability is a positive asset for the position. Attention to detail and a high degree of organization will be required to lead people through the eligibility determination, registration and income verification processes. Computer/information system technology capabilities are required for the online registration of clients. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Family Services and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and performance evaluations. This is a position of special trust or responsibility. *SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * * Determine client program eligibility and eligibility group for the school readiness program. * Determine program eligibility for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program. * Verify income and determine parent fees accurately. * Complete client application and all required client file documentation, both initially and at re-determination. * Assist with childcare placement. * Provide child care site information and documents on how to select a quality child care provider in order to facilitate an educated parent choice. Specialist must be able to facilitate parental choice through the identification of all available services, and provision of information and assistance to help parents evaluate the appropriateness of different child care settings and make a choice of what is best for their needs. * Provide to parent/guardian information on child health and safety issues. * Assist in the completion of Family Needs Assessment and make appropriate referrals to community service agencies. * Maintain accurate and complete files within the EFS Mod system. * Responsible to answer the main phone in the absence of the Receptionist. * Stay abreast of all local, state, and federal rules & regulations relating to child care and early learning programs. * Adheres to the Coalition's standards of attendance and punctuality by being consistently present at the workstation and uses time wisely. * Ability of adjust to new situations resulting from new laws, decisions or circumstances with the flexibility needed to adapt and operate. * Ability to establish priorities, schedule workloads and use of other resources to complete goals and tasks. * Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Family Services. *KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: * * Knowledge of the eligibility rules governing school readiness programs. * Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and procedures governing the school readiness programs. * Knowledge of office procedures and equipment, including the application of electronic data processing and working in a web-based environment. * Knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the field of subsidized child care and Head Start. * Ability to express ideas effectively verbally and in writing. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with general public, co-workers, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, religion, age, gender, or disability. * Ability to read and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. * Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. * Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients and the general public. * Bilingual ability, Spanish or Creole preferred. *QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor or Associate Degree with 2 years casework/social work experience or a high school diploma with 6 years experience in social services related work preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience. A satisfactory outcome from a criminal background check and drug screening is required for employment. *PHYSICAL ACTIVITY/WORKING CONDITIONS: * While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is also required to sit at a desk and use a computer. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $13.39 - $19.00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday COVID-19 considerations: Social distancing observed; temperature taken upon building entry ; hand sanitizers throughout office area and provided on each desk; sanitizing wipes in common areas; office is open based on appointment only. Application Question(s): * Do you have experience in determining eligibility for a program? * Are you willing to undergo a background screening prior to employment? * Are you bilingual? Education: * High school or equivalent (Preferred) Experience: * heavy volume phone: 2 years (Preferred) Work Location: One location

Keywords: Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County, Fort Pierce , Eligibility Specialist, Other , Fort Pierce, Florida