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.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all data is accurate, timely, and compliant with Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Identify and communicate barriers impacting enrollment
• Manage multiple tasks and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment
• Manage detailed documentation processes and maintain high levels of accuracy and compliance
• Engage prospective families and community members; confidently explain program services and support enrollment
• Work with families and community partners to facilitate enrollment
• Support community outreach and recruitment efforts

Requirements

• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and regular access to a reliable vehicle
• Associate's degree, or equivalent, in human services or related field required; Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Experience working with families preferred
• Early Head Start/Head Start experience preferred
• Experience with data entry and database systems required (ChildPlus or similar preferred)
• Experience with intake processes, eligibility determination, or enrollment systems preferred

Qualifications

• Multilingual candidates preferred
• Strong organizational, administrative, and time management skills
• Ability to manage detailed documentation processes and maintain high levels of accuracy and compliance
• Comfortable engaging prospective families and community members; able to confidently explain program services and support enrollment

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Benefits

• Comprehensive, high-quality health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Flexible Spending Accounts – both medical and dependent care
• Ten 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

Pay

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

Schedule

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