Job DetailsJob LocationSunbeam Family Services - Oklahoma City, OKPosition TypeFull TimeEducation LevelUndergraduate DegreeDescriptionPOSITION OVERVIEWThe Lead Eligibility Specialist will apply professional expertise and oversight in the ERSEA area of compliance, to ensure the program adheres 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, always reflecting Sunbeam Family Services core values and to perform at Sunbeam's standards of excellence.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Serve as a leader of the Early Childhood Services program and being an effective role model for developmentally appropriate practice, for the values expected within the program, and for the mission of the organization.
- In consultation with the Director of Family Servies, provide oversight, monitoring and guidance to Eligibility Specialists in consultation with the Director of Family Services.
- 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 all applications are complete and all data is accurately entered into ChildPlus 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 and other program component areas 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.
- Collaborate with OKDHS and Tribal Child Care Division to establish childcare assistance.
- Establish and maintain enrollment rosters to meet compliance of federal grants and Head Start Program Performance Standards.
- Obtain and maintain ERSEA Certification.
- Travel locally, as required, in the performance of responsibilities.
- Perform other appropriate and related responsibilities as assigned
QualificationsJOB QUALIFICATIONSMinimally RequiredPreferredEducationBachelor's degree in Human Services or related field of serviceMaster's degree in Human Services or related field of serviceExperienceExperience working in Head Start / Early Start programExperience in data collection and information processes and systems5-7 years of experience working in Head Start / Early Head Start programSkillsKnowledgeAbilitiesCaring and compassionate attitude when interacting with and caring for children and familiesAccepting interpersonal approach that reflects cultural sensitivity to the unique and diverse experiences of families servedWillingness to work with high-risk, low-income communitiesInterpersonal skills including collaboration and work within multi-disciplinary teams.Excellent command of English language and grammar, both verbal and writtenIntermediate knowledge of computer operations and applications, including Microsoft, and the ability to master other computer technology / software programs as neededBasic math skillsExercise independent judgmentCommunicate in a professional manner, demonstrating dignity and respect for our internal, external and community membersProcess, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materialsSustained concentration to detail and accuracy, along with the ability to prioritize workloadMust be able to travel and work some evenings and weekends as required by the job.Valid Oklahoma driver's license and state required vehicle insurance for any vehicle used in performance of job dutiesKnowledge and understanding of Head Start Program Performance StandardsKnowledge and understanding of Child PlusBilingual Spanish/English speaking ability to interact with children and families from multilingual homesWORKING CONDITIONSPhysical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently communicate with staff and others, and must be able to exchange accurate information when doing so. The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position (up to 50% of the workday) and occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, attend meetings, etc. Must be able to detect, discern, distinguish, observe, inspect and compare. Occasionally must be able to move needed materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Work EnvironmentThe employee will work in an office environment, may work in close quarters with other staff and small children. The noise level in the work environment varies from moderate to loud; frequent chaotic situations will occur, characteristic to working with children ages 0 - 5 years. Employee must expect exposure to strong odors such as soiled diapers and clothes, and poor hygiene. May come into contact with childhood diseases and blood on occasion.OtherThe requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.The qualifications, physical demands, and work environment described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel or candidate and may be subject to change at any time.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.Sunbeam Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to fair and equal in all its employment practices for persons without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, disability or degree thereof, national origin, domestic/marital status, political affiliation or opinion, veteran status, HIV status, AIDS status, genetic information, and any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.