SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Eligibility & Family Services Lead is responsible for developing, supporting, monitoring, and strengthening effective eligibility, identification and recruitment, family partnership, family support, and community services at Head Start service locations within a multi-service area. The Lead assists the Family & Community Services Manager in planning and implementing eligibility and family services systems and provides resources, training, technical assistance, coaching, mentoring, and monitoring support to local staff.
The Lead assists service locations in assuring compliance with federal, state, professional, and program standards; supports accurate eligibility determinations and enrollment; promotes effective family engagement and partnerships; and helps ensure families have access to appropriate resources and community supports. The position also supports identification and recruitment efforts, including migrant and seasonal program services, and works collaboratively with schools, centers, LEAs, community agencies, and other partners to identify and respond to the needs of children and families.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Resource Development & Community Partnerships
Identifies and utilizes appropriate resources to enhance the quality of program services for children and families.Proactively establishes and maintains contacts and connections with public and private community agencies to facilitate effective program operation, referrals, follow-up, and family support.Builds and maintains internal and external professional relationships with community, state, and national groups that support staff work with families.Participates in the development of systems of communication that ensure staff and families are aware of community groups, learning opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and available resources.Provides opportunities for representatives of trusted community organizations to meet with and present their services to families.Supports community awareness of Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant & Seasonal Head Start, and other applicable program services and benefits.Eligibility, Identification, Recruitment & Enrollment
Defines and coordinates recruitment areas and maps with recruitment staff.Maintains knowledge of migrant patterns, needs, issues, and changes that may affect recruitment, eligibility, and service delivery; communicates identified needs and recommendations to management.Identifies, recruits, and supports enrollment of eligible children and families in comprehensive child and family programs, including Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant & Seasonal Head Start, Migrant Child Care, Migrant Education Program, and/or other applicable programs.Fully understands federal and program guidelines related to eligibility, selection, enrollment, and recruitment and applies them consistently.Maintains knowledge of all forms and documentation associated with eligibility and enrollment and ensures forms are completed accurately and timely.Determines family eligibility based on required interviews, documentation, and program requirements.Assigns, tracks, and completes follow-up on MSIX Move Notifications and Data Requests, as applicable.Completes final checks of Head Start eligibility documentation and supports accurate, complete, and timely enrollment records.Contacts local growers, employers, community agencies, schools, LEAs, and other partners as appropriate to support identification and recruitment of eligible children and families.Works with Center Managers, Recruiter Family Advocates, and other program staff to establish effective communication and recruitment procedures.Supports recruitment activities and family outreach through community contacts, local advertising, and other approved strategies.Family Partnership & Parent Engagement
Assists centers in providing effective parent involvement, parent engagement, and family partnership activities.Advocates for the well-being of children and families and supports meaningful parent engagement.Assists local management/supervisory, educational, health, and family services staff in effectively meeting child and family needs through on-site consultation and meetings.Assists centers in planning parent meetings and monitors implementation of required site parent meetings.Creates and supports systems for planning, implementing, and evaluating Parent Involvement, Fatherhood Initiative/Male Involvement, and parent…
