Senior Program Eligibility Specialist

Company Overview:

If you are looking to join a social services organization where you can impact the lives of children, then this position may be the right fit for you. Programs for Parents is a non-profit organization that ensures children get the best possible start in life. We do this by supporting children, families, and childcare providers in Essex County through advocacy and action, providing education and referrals, sharing best practices, and helping families access available financial resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Subsidy Programs Department provides financial assistance to eligible parents, guardians, and foster parents to assist with the costs of childcare. As a Senior Eligibility Program Specialist, you will provide superior customer service to families and child care providers seeking information regarding program eligibility, payment, and child care options in accordance with standard procedures outlined in the Subsidy Operations Manual. Applications that are assigned for review are expected to be completed and returned at the end of each work day. Specific duties may include:

• Reviewing eligibility documents and calculating household income to determine initial and continuing eligibility for child care services in accordance with federal, state, and agency regulations with a minimum 90% accuracy rate.
• Operating various computer systems to conduct searches for initial applications, redetermination, and/or updating information.
• Communicating with families and providers in person, by phone, and through written correspondence.
• Informing program participants of childcare options,
• Explaining program requirements and procedures to families and childcare providers
• Providing community referrals.
• Linking participants to childcare resources and referrals.
• Assisting childcare providers with payment and eligibility inquiries.
• Entering data into internal and external databases with high standards of accuracy.
• Counseling participants regarding program eligibility requirements and their responsibilities, rights, and program availability including how to choose quality child care.
• Participating in staff meetings and training workshops.
• Providing quality customer services to clients and providers.
• Coordinating, preparing, and distributing appropriate communications to parents and programs.
• Maintaining, securing, and safeguarding confidential information.
• Gathering and analyzing documents received for authenticity, validity, and accuracy; making referrals to fraud as required.
• Providing coverage to the customer relations unit on an as-needed basis.
• Providing other related duties as requested, assigned, or directed to meet the needs of the Department.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
• Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to perform intermediate-level math
• Ability to enter data with a high degree of speed and accuracy
• Ability to meet productivity standards within established timelines
• Knowledge of program eligibility for all subsidy programs
• Knowledge of internal and external databases and systems
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required; associates degree preferred
• Experience in human services or child development industry (preferred)
• Bilingual, Spanish/Creole a plus