Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to unleash your purpose and potential? 

Come join our dynamic social service enterprise as we help over 200,000 individuals across the Chicagoland area. 

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is the oldest and largest women’s organization in the region, with a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. To learn more about the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, please visit our website at https://ywcachicago.org.   

The Eligibility Specialist’s overall responsibility is to support and assist child care seekers, child care assistance services seekers, and child care providers in completing the processes mandated by the State of Illinois to reach a speedy determination as to whether or not they meet the state-mandated requirements.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Member Contact:

• Respond in a timely manner to requests for services via calls, emails, and walk-in’s with screening to evaluate need for immediate intervention and to facilitate referral and linkage to appropriate community services, including additional YWCA services, in compliance with IL DHS and YWCA policies and procedures.
• Determine member’s provider eligibility.
• Obtain all pertinent documentation, including required fingerprints and background checks.
• Determine new client-member’s eligibility for the Child Care Assistance Program.
• Counsel parents on child care choices and quality child care arrangements.

Administrative Duties:

• Perform data entry, report and statistics functions in an accurate and timely manner.
• Manage and monitor cases to include all updates, approvals, cancellations, denials, and payments, in addition to investigating files missing needed documentation.
• Track and investigate problem certificates, overpayments, and supplemental payments.
• Update each member’s eligibility as required by Illinois DHS to perform as home-based child care providers.
• Manage information in the database regarding provider eligibility and/or follow-through in submission of documentation, including the entry of W-9 forms for new providers and billing certificates for providers in the system.
• Manage and review important documentation that is part of the IL DHS system, including: welcome of new providers by letter stating the process of how to become certified and offering TA as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or Two years of customer service experience
• Current knowledge of the field of Early Childhood and of issues relevant to the position, supported by fifteen (15) hours of continuing education in the field annually.
• One - three years of prior customer service experience
• Keen problem-solving skills
• Strong relationship skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• Intermediate level skills with MS Office and Outlook

Discretion is required for handling of documents and for member concerns. Demonstrated respect and appreciation for working in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural work environment must be evident. The Client Relations Specialist must be able to work effectively with members who may show stress and impatience.

Professional Training Required:  A minimum of fifteen (15) hours of professional training related to Early Childhood and/or to the responsibilities of the position is required annually.

*Note: A bilingual Eligibility Specialist who works with a foreign language speaking community must demonstrate cultural competency with that community and fluency in both English and the community’s language (oral and written).

EDUCATION REQUIRED: A High School diploma, or GED, is required. An Associate’s degree or a progress toward completion of a degree is preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency.

Pay Range:  $40,000 - $40,000                         

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Generous amount of PTO & Sick Leave,12 Observed holidays, & Floating Holidays
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short & Long Term Disability Insurance, & 401(k) 
• Flexible Benefits - employee, dependent, commuter & HSA
• Employee Assistance Program (24/7)
• YWCA Retirement Fund (after completion of 2 years of service)
• Pet Insurance
• 37.5 hour work week

MANDATORY VACCINATION POLICY DISCLOSURE: YWCA Metropolitan Chicago requires all staff to be “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. An individual is considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after receipt of the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna) or two weeks after receipt of a one-dose vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson). Candidates who are offered a position must provide proof of full vaccination prior to their start date. Individuals in need of an exemption from this policy due to a medical reason or because of a sincerely held religious belief, or as otherwise required by law, must submit a completed Request for Accommodation form to HR. 

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

***This job description is not intended to represent a complete list of all duties and responsibilities. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.***