Eligibility Counselor

Hillsborough County School Readiness•Tampa, FL

2d•$39,228 - $53,081

About The Position

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

High school diploma or equivalent
Ability to exemplify our Core Values
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 years’ admin support work experience in educational setting, social services, non-profit or a closely related field

Nice To Haves

Associate degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education, Social Services, Business Management, or closely related field preferred

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.
Process VPK applications based on federal, state, and local program requirements, rules, and responsibilities.
Collect required documentation to verify client’s eligibility for VPK certificate
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 reenrollment 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 abuse, 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.
Specialization area may be assigned by leadership as needed (Waitlist, Referral, VPK, Redetermination, etc.)
Support the Intake team as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.