Early Learning Enrollment Specialist

About Akin

Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well-being so everyone can thrive. Through our early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

Position Summary

The Early Learning Enrollment Specialist leads recruitment and enrollment activities designed to inform families and community partners of the availability of Akin Early Learning program services and ensure continuous full enrollment. Will implement services to meet or exceed Head Start and ECEAP Program Performance Standards and Akin policies and procedures. Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Designs and implements recruitment plans and actively participates in the recruitment of children and families
• Attends networking meetings, coalitions, and events throughout service area to promote Akin Early Learning programs
• Networks with community agencies and service providers who can serve as referral partners
• Supports families in applying for admission to Early Learning programs
• Determines, verifies, and documents eligibility for Head Start/ECEAP programs based on state and federal guidelines
• Completes enrollments for Head Start/ECEAP programs, ensuring continuous full enrollment
• Maintains complete, objective, timely, and confidential records for children and families
• Attends required Akin and Early Learning trainings, as well as community-based trainings as needed
• Provides on-the-job technical support for new staff members and volunteers
• Participates in weekly team meetings and regular team-building activities
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Establishes positive, goal-oriented relationships with individuals and families
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for recruitment activities
• Exercises judgment and handles stressful circumstances
• Plays a role in planning, organizing, scheduling, record keeping, and oral and written communications
• Knows effective communication techniques, conflict resolution skills, and adult education practices
• Knows community resources and the ability to establish and build collaborative partnerships with community agencies and their staff
• Proficient in Office 365 and data entry
• Adapts to new technology
• Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; and experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds
• Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment

Working Environment

This job is performed in families’ homes, an Akin office environment, and personal vehicle. Home environments may include pets, residual smoke, pests, and other typical household hazards like dirt and other spills. (Note: we do not allow smoking during visits)

Office environment includes moderate noise and typical office lighting and temperatures. Travel for visits occurs daily; work is often done off-site between home visits

Hybrid Work Arrangements Hybrid work is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace but cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Hybrid work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

Physical Demands While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work

Ability to sit on the floor, crouch, or kneel regularly during home visits

Ability to sit in car frequently

Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds and push/pull up to 30 pounds

Minimum Qualifications

• AA, credential or certificate in social work, human services, family services, or a related field
• Minimum of three years' experience working with low-income families
• Access to a reliable, insured vehicle for work-related travel
• Proof of physical exam within past 12 months (updated every three years)
• One-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless has written proof of a negative test within past 12 months. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting

Required Within 30 Days Of Hire

• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne pathogen training
• Food Handler’s Permit

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Hindi, Oromo, Pashto, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, or Urdu