Early Learning Coalition of The Big Bend Region

Eligibility Specialist I
Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida is seeking a detail-oriented and service-driven Eligibility Specialist I to join our Operations Team. The ideal candidate is highly organized, resourceful, and committed to helping families access quality early learning services. This position is an administrative and eligibility determination role responsible for reviewing applications and documentation to determine family eligibility for early learning programs in accordance with state guidelines.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance with program policies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality customer service to families in assisting them through the eligibility and enrollment process.
• Review and verify supporting documentation to accurately determine family eligibility for the School Readiness program.
• Calculate household income and determine parent co-payments and appropriate billing groups in accordance with program guidelines.
• Maintain clear, concise, and accurate case notes for each client file to ensure program compliance and audit readiness.
• Utilize the Coalition's database systems and software to complete eligibility determinations, enrollments, and case management activities.
• Maintain and monitor the School Readiness Wait List, ensuring families are properly notified and processed as funding becomes available.
• Process Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) registrations, enrollments, and transfers for eligible children.
• Review uploaded documentation such as proof of address, income verification, birth certificates, school schedules, and government-issued identification to confirm eligibility requirements.
• Compile and report family services, eligibility, and enrollment data accurately and within required timeframes.
• Process referrals and communicate with families, employers, childcare providers, and community partners as needed via phone or email.
• Provide guidance to families on program requirements and refer families to Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) services when assistance locating childcare providers is needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information and ensure compliance with all program policies, procedures, and state regulations.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in eligibility determination, case management, social services, or public assistance programs preferred.
• Or HS diploma or equivalent with 2 years of experience
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to review documentation and make accurate determinations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in database systems, data entry, and Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Requirements
Employment in this position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining satisfactory:

• Verification of required education and/or credentials
• Level II Background Check
• Drug Screen
• Valid Florida Driver License
• E-Verify authorization
• High-speed internet access (minimum 50 Mbps) when working from a secure home location

Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
Benefits Offered
Our compensation package includes the following options (subject to plan terms and policy changes):

• Eligibility for health and dental insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Paid time off (PTO) accrued on an ongoing basis
• Company-paid holidays
• Eligibility for participation in the company incentive bonus program (subject to Board approval and plan terms)

Job Details
Job Type: Full-time Salary Range: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour Closing Date: Open until filled
Employment Conditions
Job offers are contingent upon completion of the following:

• Successful Level II background screening
• Passing a drug test
• Satisfactory reference checks
• Verification of highest level of education completed
• Completion of all onboarding documents including the ELCNWF employment application and employment/noncompete/confidentiality agreements

Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.