Eligibility Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Eligibility Specialist will apply professional expertise and oversight in the ERSEA area of compliance, to ensure programs adhere to the Head Start Act, Performance Standards and all other guidance and regulations set forth by (OHS) Office of Head Start to meet requirements regarding ERSEA and program operations.

All employees and volunteers are expected to be sensitive to our clients cultural and socioeconomic characteristics, reflect Sunbeam Family Services core values and to perform at Sunbeams standards of excellence at all times.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

* Promote, encourage and display examples of leadership for the agency in accordance with the agency mission.

* Demonstrate capacity for providing developmentally appropriate and evidence-based practice, for exemplifying the values expected within the program, and for promoting the mission of the organization.

* Implement timely application processing according to enrollment procedures.

* Verify income and eligibility qualifications of children and families, and ensure applications are complete and data is accurately entered into Child Plus according to entry protocols.

* Prioritize tasks in order of deadlines, importance and program performance requirements.

* Maintain confidentiality of all program records and information.

* Maintain eligibility files and documents ensuring information is current, correct, and disseminated to all necessary staff to meet program requirements.

* Partner and collaborate with family services staff as needed to assist and encourage parents in gathering necessary information to complete the application process.

* Provide in person, phone, and written contact with families and staff for follow-up as needed.

* Document all communications and family updates as necessary.

* Determine the need for recruitment activities to provided information and enrollment opportunities to children and families.

* Collaborates with OKDHS and Tribal Child Care Division to establish child care assistance.

* Established and maintains enrollment rosters to meet compliance of federal grants and Head Start Program Performance Standards.

* Attend annual and ongoing trainings as it pertains to ERSEA.

* Obtain and maintain current ERSEA certification and re-certification.

* Partner and collaborate with family services staff, health services, and all other program content areas as needed to assist and encourage parents in gathering necessary information to complete the enrollment application process.

* Facilitate and establish Prospective Enrollment Meetings (PEMs) as needed.

* Represent Sunbeam in community collaborations and events as directed by supervisor.

* Promote culturally sensitive practice.

* Travel locally as required in the performance of responsibilities.

* Perform other appropriate and related responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor or Executive Staff.