Eligibility Specialist

MARC is seeking a qualified individual to serve as an Eligibility Specialist. The Eligibility Specialist will work as part of a team of Eligibility Specialists who, in collaboration with the ERSEA Manager and ERSEA Coordinator, will support all aspects of the recruitment and application process to identify eligible families and ensure full enrollment for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. 

Date posted: May 28, 2025

Position status: Accepting applications

This position is responsible for assisting in the scheduling process and completing the Head Start/Head Start application process with all prospective families to assess eligibility and provide appropriate community resources or referrals as needed. The Eligibility Specialist will keep detailed, accurate records of each application using the ChildPlus database system. 

What you’ll do 

• Support the scheduling process for applications of prospective new families. 
• Support clients and/or collaborate with site staff as needed during the documentation gathering phase. This may include sharing a list of relevant items to bring and/or answering questions through multiple modes of communication prior to the application appointment. 
• Review all information provided by families prior to appointments. 
• Contact clients to confirm intake appointments, answer questions, and assist with changes in scheduling preferences. 
• Provide an individualized face-to-face interview application with clients.  
• Treat clients with compassion, respect, and dignity to provide the highest customer service experience throughout the process. 
• Promote a consistent exchange of information in a professional manner, while maintaining confidentiality during application appointments and phone calls. 
• Provide resources and referrals to prospective families as needed throughout the application process. 
• Maintain the highest attention to detail during the data entry and full completion of each application to ensure precise recordkeeping and reporting information in accordance with MARC Head Start policies and procedures. 
• Complete all MARC Head Start paperwork with the client during the application appointment to ensure a smooth transition to designated programming. 
• Use the information gathered to determine whether a family is eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start services and support the family in identifying which location best fits their needs.  
• Make corrections as needed based on feedback provided by the Eligibility Coordinator/ERSEA Manager within the required timelines.  
• Attend and participate in MARC Head Start staff meetings and other internal collaborations. 
• Participate in community events and any required training provided by MARC. 
• Maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of Head Start Performance Standards, the Head Start Act and related regulations regarding Eligibility. 
• Maintain up to date knowledge and awareness of all MARC Head Start program options and site-based details within Clay, Jackson and Platte counties, to provide an overview for clients seeking assistance to locate the best fit for their specific needs. 
• Other related duties as needed. 

Skills you’ll need 

• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully (verbally, written, and non-verbally) with a wide range of constituents and diverse populations, including diverse socio-economic, ability/disability, rural/urban, racial, ethnic, age, gender, family make-up and education levels. 
• Demonstrated problem solving skills. 
• Ability to work with multicultural, diverse constituencies in a professional manner. 
• Strong organizational skills. 
• Ability to set priorities, organize time efficiently and handle multiple demands.  
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with internal staff and outside organizations to successfully present information, respond to general questions, and consult with others. 
• Ability to manage time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals. 
• Detail oriented and pursues quality when accomplishing tasks. 
• Effective listening and communication. 
• Focuses on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them to get the job done. 
• Ensures that work is complete and accurate; independently follows up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled. 

Basic requirements 

• Minimum of a high school diploma / GED. Bachelor’s degree in a human service field such as Early Childhood Education, Family Services or Social Work preferred.  
• Experience with Head Start strongly preferred.  
• Experience working with computers, including Microsoft Office 
• Experience with ChildPlus database is strongly preferred. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Occasional need to lift typical office items, including small furniture, some equipment, boxes, etc. 
• May be required to lift up to 20 pounds. 
• Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required associated with attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required. 
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud. 
• Must be available, as requested, for a variety of evening and weekend meetings as well as social and community events. 

Starting salary for this position is from $44,000 to $46,000 per year, depending upon qualifications. MARC offers an attractive team-oriented work environment along with a competitive fringe benefit package. MARC offers employees the flexibility to work remotely for up to two days per work week. 

MARC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex and national origin.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. MARC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.