Client Services/Eligibility Specialist

Job description

Client Services/Child Care Resource & Referral Specialist

This position assists families in determining their eligibility for School Readiness (SR) child care financial assistance, child eligibility for the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program (VPK) and provides child care resource and referral services (CCR&R). Candidates must have strong math and customer service skills.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Eligibility Functions:

• Receives, reviews, and acts upon applications and documents submitted by clients and/or external referral sources to determine eligibility for child care assistance or VPK.
• Assists clients with completion of all necessary documents.
• Reviews all submitted documents with clients and explains program parameters and requirements.
• Enters all enrollment and demographic information into database.
• Verifies child care openings with providers, confirms fees, and communicates enrollment with chosen provider.
• Ensures that clients, providers, and referral sources, as applicable, receive copies of relevant documents.
• Redetermines eligibility at predetermined periods, arranges provider transfers as requested, and terminates services according to regulations.
• Manages and maintains caseloads assigned.
• Enters case notes in database for each action performed.

Child Care Resource & Referral Functions:

• Achieves and maintains Child Care Resource and Referral Specialist status within four months of employment.
• Provides CCR&R services to clients as well as others upon request.
• Provides excellent customer service and develops positive relationships.
• Collaborates with community partners to promote the importance of quality early care and education services in the community.
• Participates in community outreach events and special CCR&R projects.
• Assists in recruiting and supporting individuals and programs that care for and educate children.
• Assists child care providers with completion of provider profiles.

Miscellaneous Functions:

• Ensures confidentiality of data.
• Completes required reports.
• Serves as back-up in reception area, as needed.
• Responds appropriately and effectively to the diversity of co-workers, clients, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Supports the mission of the Coalition.
• Maintains strong working relationships with directors and staff.
• Collaborates with staff to set departmental and organization-wide goals.
• Actively participates in professional conferences, trainings, and other related events to stay current on local, state, and federal rules and regulations related to areas of responsibility.
• Performs other job-related functions that may be necessary to maintain the success of the organization, as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's degree or at least 60 college credit hours with courses in finance, public administration, non-profit management, or closely related field preferred. Will consider applicants with High School Diploma or equivalent with 4 years related work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an office environment with related work experience in eligibility determination, social services, non-profit services, and/or provision of services under a government contract preferred.
• An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the requirements above as approved by the CEO.
• Computer skills to include high-level of experience in detailed data entry, MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams with the ability to learn the current statewide data system for early education.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS

• Highly organized and detailed oriented.
• Ability to understand applicable policies, procedures, rules, statues, and financial and legal documents.
• Proficient in mathematics/finance.
• Focused on customer service with excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Spanish, preferred.
• Professional appearance, including appropriate attire and proper hygiene and grooming.
• Must adhere to an environment free from smoking, vaping, and alcohol and/or drug use.

ENVIRONMENT AND HOURS OF WORK:

• Typically a professional office setting.
• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
• Typically, Monday through Friday day shift, with occasional schedule adjustments for special projects and events.
• Initial job training will be conducted at the Milton office; position will be located in the Gulf Breeze office.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Regularly required to speak and hear.
• Regularly required to walk and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate keyboards and other office equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made for an otherwise qualified individual with a disability.

SCREENINGS AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Employment in this position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining satisfactory:

• Level II background check
• Drug screening
• E-verify
• Educational verification
• Valid Florida’s driver license and proof of automobile insurance with access to reliable transportation

BENEFITS AND PAY:

Employer-paid benefits for employee:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Paid holidays

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The Early Learning Coalition of Santa Rosa County does not discriminate against any individuals based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal and State law. The Coalition will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as Amended (ADAAA).

The Early Learning Coalition is a Drug Free workplace. In addition, the Coalition is an environment free from smoking, vaping, and alcohol use both inside the office and on all agency property.

EOE

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $20 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• related: 2 years (Preferred)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20