Senior Program Eligibility Specialist

Programs for Parents•Newark, NJ

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

Make a Difference from Day One — Join Programs for Parents (PFP) Are you passionate about helping employees thrive while supporting an organization that strengthens children, families, and communities? At Programs for Parents (PFP), you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven nonprofit that helps ensure every child gets the best possible start in life. We serve Essex County, NJ by empowering families, supporting childcare providers, and advocating for quality early childhood education. Our work encompasses providing education and referrals, promoting best practices, and connecting families with essential financial resources to help them thrive. Our Culture & Values At Programs for Parents, we look for team members who: Lead with respect and empathy. Communicate openly and professionally. Embrace change and continuous improvement. Collaborate across departments to solve problems. Take ownership and accountability for their work. Support our mission of strengthening children, families, and communities.

Requirements

Understand eligibility determination.
Confidently review documentation, calculate income, interpret program requirements, and apply eligibility rules consistently.
Balance speed with accuracy. Understands that productivity matters, but not at the expense of accurate determinations, documentation, or compliance.
Strong analytical judgment. Does more than simply process paperwork—they identify discrepancies, determine when additional information is necessary, and recognize documentation that may require further review.
Exceptionally detail-oriented and organized. Maintains accurate case information across multiple systems and follows assignments through completion.
Communicates complicated information clearly. Can explain eligibility requirements, missing documentation, participant responsibilities, and program decisions in language families and providers can understand.
Provides strong customer service under pressure. Remains professional and solution-focused when assisting frustrated or confused participants and providers.
Works independently and takes accountability. Manages deadlines and productivity expectations without requiring constant supervision and raises concerns before they become problems.
Technologically comfortable. Can navigate multiple internal and external databases, enter information efficiently and accurately, and use Microsoft Office effectively.
Handles confidential information appropriately. Demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment when working with sensitive family and financial information.
Contributes as a senior team member. Is flexible enough to assist with customer relations coverage and changing departmental needs while maintaining responsibility for their own workload.
High school diploma required
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use office equipment for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree preferred
Experience in human services or child development industry (preferred)
Bilingual, Spanish/Creole a plus

Responsibilities

Reviewing eligibility documents and calculating household income to determine initial and continuing eligibility for child care services in accordance with federal, state, and agency regulations.
Operating various computer systems to conduct searches for initial applications, redetermination, and/or updating information.
Communicating with families and providers in person, by phone, and through written correspondence.
Informing program participants of childcare options.
Explaining program requirements and procedures to families and childcare providers.
Providing community referrals.
Linking participants to childcare resources and referrals.
Assisting childcare providers with payment and eligibility inquiries.
Entering data into internal and external databases with high standards of accuracy.
Counseling participants regarding program eligibility requirements and their responsibilities, rights, and program availability including how to choose quality child care.
Participating in staff meetings and training workshops.
Providing quality customer services to clients and providers.
Coordinating, preparing, and distributing appropriate communications to parents and programs.
Maintaining, securing, and safeguarding confidential information.
Gathering and analyzing documents received for authenticity, validity, and accuracy; making referrals to fraud as required.
Providing coverage to the Intake Unit on an as-needed basis.
Providing other related duties as requested, assigned, or directed to meet the needs of the Department.