Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment & Attendance (ERSEA) Specialist

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)
Newport, RI, USA
$19.00 - $27.00 hourly

Job Description

Description

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is seeking a detail-driven, mission-motivated ERSEA Specialist to ensure that every eligible child and family in our community has equitable access to Head Start, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and Child Care programs.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives at the intersection of data, systems, and family-centered service. As the operational backbone of Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA), you’ll turn federal requirements into efficient, compassionate processes that support families and keep programs fully enrolled and compliant.

You’ll be a key member of the Head Start management team, partnering closely with staff, leadership, and community organizations to drive continuous improvement and uphold program performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

RSEA Systems & Compliance

Own and maintain ERSEA systems to ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS 1302.12–1302.16)
Ensure accuracy, security, and completeness of ERSEA data in ChildPlus and related systems
Analyze enrollment, eligibility, recruitment, and attendance data to identify trends and drive improvement
Contribute to annual community assessment and program self-assessment processes

Eligibility, Recruitment & Enrollment

Oversee eligibility verification and documentation for applicants
Conduct eligibility appointments with families as needed
Lead development and implementation of the annual Recruitment Plan
Coordinate outreach efforts and community recruitment events
Apply selection criteria and manage enrollment to ensure vacancies are filled promptly
Communicate selection outcomes with families and connect them to community resources as needed

Attendance & Reporting

Implement and monitor attendance policies and procedures
Conduct weekly attendance reviews and lead monthly Attendance Team meetings
Collaborate with staff to address attendance barriers and support families
Prepare and share regular reports with leadership and Policy Council

Training & Collaboration

Provide training, coaching, and technical assistance to staff on ERSEA policies, procedures, and systems
Build strong partnerships with community organizations to support recruitment and engagement
Stay current on Head Start regulations and best practices

Qualifications

Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong data management skills
Confident translating complex regulations into clear, usable processes
Strong communicator who builds trust with families, staff, and partners
Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines
Commitment to confidentiality, equity, and family-centered practice

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent (relevant experience may substitute for education)
Experience with eligibility determination, enrollment management, or data systems in a federally funded program preferred
Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with ChildPlus strongly preferred
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between Head Start locations
Availability for occasional evening or weekend recruitment events

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, or related field
Experience with Head Start or Early Head Start ERSEA functions
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and DCYF licensing requirements
Bilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, or Haitian Creole

Position Details

Status: Full-Time (30–40 hours/week)
Pay Range: $19.00–$27.00/hour (based on experience)
Work Environment: In-person; travel required across Head Start sites
Funding: Grant-funded, multi-year position

Benefits

Make a real impact by expanding access to early childhood education for families who need it most
Join a collaborative, mission-driven organization rooted in the community
Competitive benefits including medical, dental, retirement match, generous paid time off, and mileage reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement, paid training, and professional development opportunities

Ready to Apply?

If you’re passionate about equity, data-driven systems, and supporting children and families, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help EBCAP build strong foundations for lifelong success.

About East Bay Community Action Program

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides high-quality, comprehensive, and accessible health and human services to people across eastern Rhode Island. Founded as part of President Johnson's War on Poverty in 1965, EBCAP now serves ten communities with over 20 distinct programs — including primary medical and dental care, behavioral health services, early childhood education, and community support programs for children, youth, families, adults, and seniors.

Our 521 employees work across more than ten locations, addressing everything from immediate needs like food and housing to long-term health and wellness. If you are looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Rhode Islanders, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

EBCAP is a federal contractor subject to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). We take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment, and otherwise treat qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans without discrimination in all employment practices.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact People Operations at peopleoperations@ebcap.org (401) 431-9870 x1615.

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