Head Start Enrollment and Attendance Specialist

Action Pathways•Fayetteville, NC

44d•$19

About The Position

The Head Start Enrollment and Attendance Specialist, also known as an ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) Specialist, is responsible for managing and implementing the full enrollment cycle for children and families in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The role involves ensuring compliance with the Office of Head Start ERSEA Head Start Performance Standards and state regulations while coordinating with families and other program staff.

Requirements

A minimum of an associate's or bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or a related field is often required
Prior experience working in a social services or early childhood setting, preferably with Head Start programs, is highly valued.
Experience working with low-income families is essential.
It is the employee's responsibility to obtain and keep current all certifications, licenses, physicals, etc., at all times.
The employee must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
The employee must be in good health as evidenced by an annual physical and TB test with negative results.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are necessary for effective interaction with families, staff, and community partners.
Proficiency with data systems, including experience with Head Start-specific software like ChildPlus, is strongly preferred.
Thorough knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and federal and state regulations related to ERSEA is crucial for ensuring program compliance.
Demonstrates productivity and efficiency.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for the position.
Good organizational and time management skills.
Background check with state and Federal law enforcement agencies required.
Selected applicants must submit to a pre-employment substance abuse screening test and receive a negative result for the use of drugs and alcohol as specified in agency policies. Must submit and receive negative results for random testing of same.
The employee must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License.
Must be able to pass a post-offer physical examination.
The employee must be able to complete a criminal background check and maintain an active Criminal Background Check (CBC) Qualification letter through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development.

Nice To Haves

Licensed in Clinical counseling, preferred.
The employee is encouraged to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid Certifications.
Fluency in Spanish as a second language is a plus.

Responsibilities

Recruitment and outreach : Develop and execute recruitment strategies to identify and attract eligible children and families for enrollment. This may involve distributing flyers, participating in community events, and collaborating with local agencies.
Eligibility determination : Review and verify family applications and financial information to determine eligibility for Head Start services in accordance with federal poverty guidelines.
Selection and enrollment : Manage the enrollment waiting list and apply a formal selection process to enroll the most vulnerable families into the program. This includes coordinating with families to complete all necessary enrollment paperwork.
Attendance tracking : Monitor and analyze daily and monthly attendance records to ensure the program maintains a high average attendance rate, as required by Head Start Performance Standards.
Case management and support : Work with families and Family Social Workers and other program focus areas to identify and address any issues that may prevent consistent attendance, such as scheduling or health concerns.
Data and record-keeping : Maintain accurate and confidential records and data within the program's management information systems (e.g., ChildPlus). This includes generating reports for program monitoring and audits.
Reporting : Prepare and submit required reports, including the annual Program Information Report (PIR), to funding sources and agency leadership.

Benefits

Zero-cost Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (Employee only)
Retirement plan with 100% employer matching
Paid Vacation/Sick/Personal leave
13 Paid Holidays
Spring Break (for Head Start)
Paid professional development training
Education assistance
Auto mileage reimbursement for official travel
Employee discounts
Bragg Mutual Credit Union Membership
Employee Recognition Events