Eligibility Recruitment Selection Enrollment and Attendance Specialist - Upbring

Starting at $22.26/hour

About Us

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.

About Our Head Start Centers

Upbring Head Start Preschool provides a safe, inclusive place to learn, grow and thrive. The families receive support and services to complement the child’s education as the kindergarten transition nears.

What You'll Do

The Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) Specialist ensures that the program maintains full enrollment serving children within the community with the highest need.  This position will act as an ERSEA Head Start Performance Standards internal subject matter expert and be responsible for maintenance and continued implementation.

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.

This position is year-round and scheduled accordingly.

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Education

Work Standards 

• Ensure timely follow up on program inquiries and maintain updated tracking system of potential enrollees, inclusive of maintenance of tracking system for program phone and walk-in inquiries
• Develop recruitment plans consistent with the program and community goals
• Ensure adherence to Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and Upbring policies and procedures
• Determine eligibility of children/families, ensuring all family documentation is accurate and complete
• Maintain funded enrollment level and update waitlist of eligible children for enrollment and analyze enrollment data to inform planning process
• Ensure tracking system is set up for the program year
• Conduct daily, weekly, monthly, monitoring of data tracking system as it relates to ERSEA ensure accuracy
• Responsible for intake of applicants upon enrollment and assignment to appropriate stakeholder
• Ensure all Program Information Report (PIR) data is current and accurate in the data management system
• Staff must not use/impose corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment as a method to discipline children
• Comply with company policies, procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards Always ensure the health and safety of each child in care, and support the overall well-being of children
• Use discretion and confidentiality in all matters related to families, staff and Head Start/Early Head Start programs as appropriate
• ERSEA Specialist will assume all duties and responsibilities in the absence of the Family Engagement Advocate
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

Communication

• Responsible for input of applications, ERSEA information and documents in data system for children who are enrolled or placed on the waitlist
• Maintain ERSEA records, inclusive of recruitment plans and required attendance action plans with Family Engagement Advocates
• Maintain program inquiry tracking through database or other tracking reports
• Data reporting and metrics as needed and requested, such as weekly and monthly summary tracking reports, etc.
• Immediately communicate with supervisor with all concerns related to child health and safety

We Are Servants | We Help Others

Teamwork

• Seek guidance and support from supervisor for any workplace concerns: inclusive but not limited to classroom management, behavior management, child health and safety, child development, and any other concerns that may require intervention
• Assist program leadership with scheduling, planning, and coordinating recruitment activities throughout program year
• Maintain internal stakeholders' information of children allergies, chronic health conditions or special needs to ensure medical documentation is received, and case conferences occur prior to enrollment
• Work closely with the Family Services Coordinator, Family Engagement Advocates, other Head Start leadership and staff to maintain focus on enrollment, recruitment, attendance, family engagement, health, and nutrition
• with program goals and objectives that meet the needs of the  children and families
• Work closely with parents, staff, and administration to ensure policies and procedures are supporting and meeting program goals and objectives and learning outcomes
• Work as part of the team and always show professionalism by modeling and demonstrating a positive attitude and working relationships, while maintaining strong ethical boundaries

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Participates in Community Outreach events and program recruitment across all sites
• Conducts research and encompasses canvassing techniques to help meet program goals
• Engages in community events, public speaking opportunities, and other stakeholder events to help maintain ongoing enrollment of the program
• Develop/Implement Recruitment Plan(s)
• Collaborate with local school districts and childcare agencies, alongside Family Engagement Advocates to distribute flyers, brochures, and other program information
• Exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external parties that reflect positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community
• Review applications and work directly with families to ensure all necessary enrollment/intake forms are completed within required timelines
• Actively participate in collaborative and cooperative efforts and activities with the Head Start/Early Head Start leadership, education team and cross-functional teams, such as education, mental health, medical providers, disabilities services and nutritional services
• Work with the Family Engagement Advocates, Principals and Center Directors to enroll children and families based on selection criteria
• Maintain ERSEA Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards when enrolling children and families and adhere to the agency’s selection criteria
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with classroom teachers, Center Directors, Principals, administrative staff and families  to ensure the children are receiving a quality learning experience 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Family and Child Services, Psychology, or related field
• 2 years’ experience in Early Head Start and/or Head Start related experience, with 1 year being direct ERSEA or Family Engagement Advocate related experience
• Ability and willingness to obtain Family Development Credential (FDC) within 12 months of date of hire

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team and interact with diverse groups of people, communicate effectively both orally and in writing and receive and apply feedback
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to successfully manage and support programs
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other relevant programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Education, or related field
• 2 years’ experience in direct ERSEA related experience preferred
• Family Development Credential (FDC)
• Prior experience working in low-income diverse communities
• Knowledge and experience with ERSEA Head Start Performance Standards
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) based on service population and area

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more! 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted Gym Memberships 

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging  

We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.