Eligibility and Recruitment (ERSEA) Specialist

About the role

The ERSEA Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance processes, with a primary focus on intake completion, application processing, ChildPlus data entry, and waitlist management. This role plays a key function in supporting the program’s enrollment pipeline by ensuring families move efficiently from referral → intake → enrollment. The position also actively participates in community outreach and recruitment efforts, engaging directly with prospective families and community partners. The ERSEA Specialist ensures that all data is accurate, timely, and compliant with Head Start Program Performance Standards while identifying and communicating barriers impacting enrollment.

Responsibilities

• Implement eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance processes
• Complete intake processes and process applications
• Manage ChildPlus data entry and waitlist management
• Support the enrollment pipeline from referral to enrollment
• Engage in community outreach and recruitment efforts
• Interact directly with prospective families and community partners
• Ensure data accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Identify and communicate barriers impacting enrollment

Requirements

• Associate's degree, or equivalent, in human services or related field (Bachelor's Degree preferred)
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and regular access to a reliable vehicle
• Strong organizational, administrative, and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable engaging prospective families and community members; able to confidently explain program services and support enrollment
• Experience with data entry and database systems (ChildPlus or similar preferred)
• Experience with intake processes, eligibility determination, or enrollment systems preferred

Qualifications

• Experience working with families preferred
• Early Head Start/Head Start experience preferred
• Multilingual candidates preferred

Pay

• Associate's Degree: $21.44/hour
• Associate's Degree with bilingual language skills: $22.40/hour
• Bachelor's Degree: $22.18/hour
• Bachelor's Degree with bilingual language skills: $23.14/hour

Schedule

Full Time, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. with occasional evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Comprehensive, high-quality health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Flexible Spending Accounts – both medical and dependent care
• Eleven paid holidays
• Separate accruals for vacation (increases with tenure), personal, and sick time
• Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Employee Assistance Plan / Travel Assistance Plan
• Employee bonus for referrals resulting in hiring
• Discounts to movie theaters, sporting, and entertainment events
• Employee YMCA discount: 10% off a YMCA monthly membership and 50% off the joiner’s fee