Family Advocate ERSEA

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Family Advocate

Application and Eligibility Specialist

Cheyenne, Wy

This role supports the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) process at the site level. Responsible for timely and accurate follow-up with families who submit applications, both in person and online. Conducts application interviews, assists families in identifying the simplest available documentation to verify age, income, and other eligibility criteria, and collaborates with Eligibility Specialists during the review and verification process.

Works closely with other Family Advocates, Center staff, and program personnel to ensure applications are processed efficiently, and enrollment paperwork is completed promptly. This position does not maintain a family caseload.

All duties will comply with Head Start/Early Head Start standards, DFS licensing, NAEYC guidelines, Wyoming Division of Disabilities regulations, and WCFD policies. All employees will adhere to the mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures of WCFD.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for families during the application and eligibility process, ensuring courteous and timely communication.
• Conducts application interviews with families to gather required information and help determine eligibility for Head Start and Early Head Start.
• Helps families identify the simplest acceptable documentation to verify age, income, and other eligibility requirements.
• Reviews applications for completeness and accuracy, collaborating with the Eligibility Specialist to verify and determine eligibility.
• Facilitates the acceptance and enrollment process, including scheduling annual paperwork and enrollment appointments.
• Enter and maintain accurate, current family and eligibility data in Child Plus, ensuring completeness and confidentiality.
• Works collaboratively with Family Advocates, Teachers, and Center staff to ensure a coordinated approach to family services and enrollment.
• Ensure timely follow-up on pending applications and maintain organized tracking systems.
• Participates in family engagement activities such as orientations, family committee meetings, and family events, as assigned.
• Assists with community outreach efforts to promote awareness of Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
• Recruit children for the program in compliance with guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human Services and Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.
• Foster positive parent-child relationships and facilitate connections to peers and the community.
• Understand the impact of trauma on participants, supporting their health, healing, resilience, and well-being.
• Establish and maintain secure child and family records in Child Plus, ensuring all data is accurate and complete.
• Keep data current in Child Plus, including notes regarding contact, enrollment paperwork, etc.
• Organize and facilitate family engagement activities, family committee meetings, and training with input from families.
• Support parent participation in Family Committee, Policy Council, and other leadership or advocacy efforts on behalf of children and Head Start.
• Encourage family and community member participation in children’s education through volunteering and engagement.
• Informs other staff members of health and/or social service needs for the child or family.
• Assists with monthly screenings at the center and within the community, as needed.
• Works to ensure family engagement is present and active in all areas of the program and is central to their approach of partnering with children and families.
• Ensure the ability to perform job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Attends…