Eligibility Specialist

Job Description

Position Title:

ELIGIBILITY SERVICES SPECIALIST

Classification:
Non-Exempt

Dept./Program:
Eligibility Services Department

Reports to:

Eligibility Services Manager

Last updated:
June 2021

Bilingual (Spanish) applicants may receive preference.

Applicants must live in Duval County, FL or surrounding areas.

This position will be responsible for:

• determining the eligibility of families who have applied for child care services
• providing customer service, resources and information
• performing a needs assessment of family clients
• providing information for reports of statistical data as requested
• contributing to and assisting with the CCR&R database and Community Resource guide
• following the School Readiness and VPK eligibility process
• representing ELC of Duval and CCR&R at various community visibilities and events

The Eligibility Specialist determines the eligibility of parents for financially assisted child care/School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) services according to funding guidelines. The role involves face-to-face interviews with prospective clients, data entry, maintaining records and files, client updates, and making telephone calls as required. The Specialist will also communicate with child care providers for approval of services, transfer of clients, and termination of services.

The position requires excellent organization skills, advanced computer literacy, and flexibility to work occasional weekends/evenings and in different locations.

• Attendance as a front-line staff person is critical to job performance and effectiveness.
• Actively engages parents in addressing all their needs by including referral services to partner community resource agencies.
• Routinely shares resources, websites, information, etc. in a collegial way with other team members.
• Determines eligibility for SR and VPK services according to funding and state guidelines.
• Arranges enrollment in SR and VPK services according to funding, state, and Coalition guidelines.
• Re-determines eligibility at predetermined periods and before the child care end date.
• Arranges provider transfers requested by parents/providers.
• Terminates child care services according to funding and Coalition guidelines.
• Ensures that all case action is documented in the database.
• Manages and maintains assigned caseloads.
• Completes tracking forms and any other data required by the Coalition.
• Waits on customers in person and takes phone calls from families and providers seeking resources or referrals related to child care.
• Attends and represents ELC Duval and CCR&R network at visibilities and events as needed.
• Must be reliable, able to be at work on a consistent basis with regular attendance and punctuality, and be willing and able to handle all duties and responsibilities of the position daily.
• Committed to empowering themselves and others to solve their own problems.
• Responds appropriately and effectively to the diversity of co-workers, customers, and stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned by Manager.

• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities in a professional manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact with all levels of personnel, families, and child care providers.
• Self-starter and proactive approach in resolving problems and issues.
• Demonstrated exemplary customer service, networking, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience and proficiency as a team player.
• Proficiency with computer hardware and software programs used by ELC of Duval.

• High School Diploma required;
  Associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience in social work, children’s or educational advocacy, and/or educational and DCF standards for VPK and child/early learning care preferred.

• Primarily works in an office setting; able to sit for extended time.
• Travel required for meetings, training, and visibility events.
• Some nights and weekends for trainings and special events.
• Some bending and stooping.
• Able to lift 30 lbs.