Family Eligibility & Needs Specialist

Kidango • San Jose, CA

26d

About The Position

Kidango is an early learning nonprofit that provides child care and family resources, particularly for low-income families, and advocates for improvements in early childhood education. The Family Eligibility & Needs Specialist ensures Kidango program enrollments comply with operational procedures, policies, and state and federal regulations. The role works with Center Directors, Early Head Start/Head Start Family Advocates, other specialists, and AP programs to maintain enrollment and compliance and to support families’ needs and continuity of services.

Under the supervision of the Director of Enrollment, the specialist assesses family eligibility and need, completes enrollment documentation, maintains ongoing eligibility, and monitors enrollment and services. The position also supports audits, mass-enrollment efforts, referrals, and family certification for the federal meal program. The role requires professional interaction with diverse clients and cooperative working relationships with colleagues and community contacts.

Requirements

• Associate degree or two years of equivalent experience.
• Five years of experience providing customer service and detailed administrative support.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and autonomously.
• Experience with computerized databases; web-based database experience preferred.
• Organizational agility, including knowledge of how organizations work, how to get things done through formal channels and informal networks, the reasoning behind policies and procedures, and organizational cultures.
• Ability to travel efficiently throughout the assigned area.
• Valid California Driver’s License, a clear driving record, and use of an insured personal vehicle throughout employment.
• Must pass a health screening and TB test.
• Must pass background fingerprint clearance.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds may be needed for some job duties.
• Ability to use hands for computer work and answering phone calls.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of state and federal programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to subsidized and Head Start child care services.
• Assess full-day and part-day family needs in assigned areas.
• Analyze data to certify families as eligible for state and federal subsidy programs, as applicable.
• Schedule and complete enrollment documentation with private-pay and subsidy families.
• Maintain confidentiality of information about children, families, and staff.
• Maintain subsidy families’ continuing eligibility through recertification.
• Develop and implement plans with families for current and future eligibility and need.
• Project and plan child transitions due to aging up to support continuity of services.
• Monitor and evaluate family eligibility and need daily to help families continue receiving services.
• Monitor child intake based on all relevant variables.
• Refer families to internal and external resources based on identified needs and observations.
• Identify and proactively resolve potential issues in areas of responsibility.
• Complete assigned special projects within designated time frames.
• Serve as a member of the strike team leading mass enrollments.
• Certify families for the federal meal program.
• Assist with Contract Monitor Reviews and other audits.
• Attend training as needed, including training involving state consultants, conferences, and seminars.
• Promote the agency’s mission and philosophy as a member of the team.
• Represent Kidango professionally when interacting with diverse clients and others.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with people contacted through the course of work.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Enrollment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package.
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous work environment with engaged colleagues.
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world.
• Opportunity to improve lives and contribute to the organization’s mission.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree