ELRC – Lead Eligibility Specialist

Position Type:
Secretarial & Administrative Support/Registrar

Date Posted:
5/4/2026

Location:
ESC

Closing Date:
05/15/2026
At this time two vacancies exists for a full-time Lead Eligibility Specialist within the Early Learning Resource Center department in the Division of Student Services of the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

Are you motivated to create brighter futures for students, families, and the entire community? If so, we want you on Team CCIU! At the CCIU, we pride ourselves on the creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit that our employees bring to their work every day, and we know that achieving success together takes a team approach!

We strive to hire exceptional, motivated, and passionate individuals that help us achieve our vision of acting as educational leaders who contribute to a better Chester County and beyond.

If you are looking for an exciting, challenging opportunity to grow your career, don't wait - apply today to make Team CCIU even stronger tomorrow!

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of childcare subsidy policies, regulations, and procedures (PA Code 3041) strongly preferred
• Prior experience as an Eligibility Specialist or in a similar human services role required
• Bilingual preferred
• Strong organizational, coaching, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret policy, support staff, and manage complex eligibility situations
• Current PA Child Abuse History, PA Criminal History, and FBI Fingerprint clearances required

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Eligibility & Family Services
  • Assess the needs of low-income working families and families receiving TANF and SNAP benefits through the County Assistance Office (CAO), supporting family stability and movement toward independence.
  • Conduct and review eligibility determinations (initial, ongoing, re-determinations) for childcare subsidy services in accordance with OCDEL regulations and procedures.
  • Assist families in identifying and accessing quality early care and education programs.
  • Provide comprehensive resource and referral services to children and families, regardless of subsidy eligibility status.
  • Maintain a reduced or complex caseload and manage high-level or escalated eligibility cases.
• Program Support
  • Serve as a lead worker and subject-matter expert for Eligibility Specialists.
  • Provide day-to-day guidance, mentoring, and technical assistance to staff regarding eligibility policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
  • Support onboarding and training of new Eligibility Specialists, including review of work for accuracy and compliance.
  • Assist supervisors and managers with workflow coordination, coverage, and case assignment as needed.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
  • Utilize state-prescribed software systems to review, maintain, and monitor client files and eligibility determinations for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
  • Conduct case reviews and quality monitoring to ensure adherence to OCDEL policy, procedures, and performance standards.
  • Assist staff with client appeals, including pre-hearing conferences, consultation, and resolution prior to, or in lieu of, hearings with the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals (BHA).
  • Complete and review documentation related to suspected fraud, waste, and abuse, and coordinate referrals to the Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) as appropriate.
• Community & Professional Engagement
  • Participate in routine community outreach activities and support the childcare provider community.
  • Attend OCDEL-facilitated trainings and disseminate relevant updates or policy changes to eligibility staff.
  • Attend meetings, supervision sessions, and leadership briefings as required.
  • Demonstrate strong customer service skills and professional telephone etiquette.
• Other Duties
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support ELRC operations and program goals.

Hours/Days Per Week
7.5 hrs per day, 5 days per week, 260 days per year

Location:
455 Boot Road, Downingtown PA 19335

Hourly Rate for 2025-26 School Year:
Support, Level 12
$26.55 - $33.19
*placement on range is directly related to previous comparable experience

Support Staff Benefits:

• Ability to purchase excellent medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement through PSERS, PA's Public School Employees Retirement System
• Board paid Worker's Compensation
• New employees are granted 2 personal days annually in addition to pro-rated sick leave based upon FTE; unlimited accumulation on sick days
• Tuition reimbursement - Pro-rated amount of 80% of 6 credits per year based upon FTE
• ...and much more!

CS

Equal Opportunity Employer
Chester County Intermediate Unit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Chester County Intermediate Unit ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Chester County Intermediate Unit has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources at 484-237-5085.