Eligibility Counselor

Job Type

Full-time

Description

POSITION TITLE: Eligibility Counselor FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt PAY GRADE: N1 PAY RANGE: $18.86 to $ 25.52 per hour DEPARTMENT: Family Services

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Manager, Eligibility, the Eligibility Counselor will educate families on quality childcare opportunities through childcare listings, provide referrals to community resources, and communicate with clients to determine eligibility for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) and the School Readiness (SR) Programs.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to requests for information regarding Childcare Resources and Referral (CCR&R) on rules, policies and procedures and community resources for the SR and VPK programs.
• Provide clients with resources such as provider listing if requested.
• Resolve issues and concerns by providing solutions to customers.
• Identify and escalate priority issues to appropriate leader.
• Process determinations for the Wait List; initial eligibility for placement and redetermination based on federal, state, and local program requirements, rules and responsibilities.
• Collect required documentation to verify client's eligibility such as partner agency referrals; the purpose of care; residency; child's age and citizenship; and any other required eligibility documentation.
• Process requests via the Division of Early Learning Coalition Portal to change providers, transfer in/out of county; suspension of care; classroom transfer; parent/household income changes, purpose of care; enrollment and re-enrollment of children; and termination of services.
• Deliver exceptional internal and external customer service.
• Review and verify information in the Division of Early Learning Coalition Portal to ensure accuracy.
• Record and communicate updates with both clients and childcare providers in the Division of Early Learning Coalition Portal and the WebAuthor Portal
• Record contact with clients and case processing to reinforce transparency of the agency and keep a history to assist other caseworkers who are contacted by the client.
• Safeguard all client information to ensure compliance with confidentiality policies.
• Immediately report claims of child abuse and/or neglect to the appropriate leader
• Assist walk-ins with the online registration process and ensure that the lobby area is neat and properly stocked with current resources and educational materials.
• As a state mandated reporter, immediately report any suspected fraud or misrepresentation along with supporting documentation to the appropriate leader.
• Communicate with partner agencies of any changes in policies and procedures.
• Follow up with clients and childcare providers regarding child absences.
• Assist across departments with any childcare enrollment and eligibility issues.
• Attend meetings, trainings and/or conferences pertaining to SR, CCR&R and VPK as essential.
• Attend community outreach and sponsored events representing the ELCHC as needed.
• Support the Intake team as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education, Social Services, Business Management or closely related field preferred
• Ability to exemplify our Core Values of Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation, Transparency, Consistency and Benevolence
• Proven ability to connect with a diverse population.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a friendly, professional and timely manner.
• Knowledge of Best Practices regarding customer service skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Minimum 2 year's admin support work experience in educational setting, social services, non-profit or a closely related field
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to achieve CCR&R certification within 4 months of employment.
• This position requires successful completion of the level 2 background screenings as set forth in s. 435.04, F.S

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Work Environment: This job operates in a general office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers/fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently interacts with team members, providers and the public in person and via telephone and email.
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit for prolonged periods, at a desk, utilizing a computer and reviewing online and paper documents. The employee will also be required to lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

The statements in this Job Description are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required to meet the criteria for this position. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County does not discriminate against employees or clients 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).

We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implies or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

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