Head Start Eligibility Specialist

The Eligibility Specialist will work as part of a team of Eligibility Specialists who, in collaboration with the ERSEA Manager and ERSEA Coordinator, will support all aspects of the recruitment and application process to identify eligible families and ensure full enrollment for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. 

ABOUT US
MARC, the association of local governments and metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region, promotes and supports cooperation on regional issues, including transportation, the environment, our workforce and economy, aging services, community development, quality early learning, public safety communications and emergency services. MARC has a collaborative work environment with a culture based on integrity, innovation, diversity and inclusion, excellence in performance and service leadership.

ABOUT THIS POSITION
This position is responsible for assisting in the scheduling process and completing the Head Start/Head Start application process with all prospective families to assess eligibility and provide appropriate community resources or referrals as needed.  The Eligibility Specialist will keep detailed, accurate records of each application using the ChildPlus database system.

What you’ll do

• Support the scheduling process for applications of prospective new families.
• Support clients and/or collaborate with site staff as needed during the documentation gathering phase. This may include sharing a list of relevant items to bring and/or answering questions through multiple modes of communication prior to the application appointment.
• Review all information provided by families prior to appointments.
• Contact clients at a minimum within one business day prior to confirm intake appointments, answer questions, and assist with changes in scheduling preferences.
• Provide an individualized face-to-face interview application with clients.
• Treat clients with compassion, respect, and dignity to provide the highest customer service experience throughout the process.
• Promote a consistent exchange of information in a professional manner while maintaining confidentiality during application appointments and phone calls.
• Provide resources and referrals to prospective families as needed throughout the application process.
• Maintain the highest attention to detail during the data entry and full completion of each application to ensure precise recordkeeping and reporting information in accordance to MARC Head Start policies & procedures.
• Complete all MARC Head Start paperwork with the client during the application appointment to ensure a smooth transition to designated programming.
• Use the information gathered to determine whether a family is eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start services and support the family in identifying which location best fits their needs.
• Make corrections as needed based on feedback provided by the Eligibility Coordinator/ERSEA Manager within the required timelines.
• Attend and participate in MARC Head Start staff meetings and other internal collaborations.
• Participate in community events and any required training provided by MARC.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of Head Start Performance Standards, the Head Start Act and related regulations regarding Eligibility.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of all MARC Head Start program options and site-based details within Clay, Jackson and Platte counties to provide an overview for clients seeking assistance to locate the best fit for their specific needs.
• Other related duties as needed.

• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully (verbally, in writing and non-verbally) with a wide range of constituents and diverse populations, including diverse socio-economic, ability/disability, rural/urban, racial, ethnic, age, gender, family make-up and education levels.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies in a professional manner.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Displays thoroughness and attention to detail as evidenced through prior experience.
• Ability to set priorities, organize time efficiently and handle multiple demands.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with internal staff and outside organizations to successfully present information, respond to general questions, and consult with others.
• Manage own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals.
• Diligently attend to details and pursues quality in accomplishing tasks.
• Listen to others and communicates in an effective manner.
• Focuses on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them to get the job done.
• Ensures that work is complete and accurate; independently follows up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled.

• Minimum of high school diploma / GED is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human service field such as early childhood education, family services, or social work preferred.
• Experience working with computers, including Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Experience in Head Start is strongly preferred.
• Experience with the ChildPlus database is strongly preferred.

• Occasional need to lift typical office items, including small furniture, some equipment, boxes, etc.
• May be required to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required associated with attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Must be available, as requested, for a variety of evening and weekend meetings as well as social and community events.