4K Eligibility and Attendance Specialist

A cover letter and resume are required by the agency to be considered for this position.

The Responsibilities of the 4K Eligibility and Attendance Specialist: The First Steps 4K Eligibility and Attendance Specialist will ensure the quick and accurate processing of 4K student applications, the management of documents submitted with the applications, and both application and attendance communications with 4K families, providers, staff, and internal 4K team members. This position is committed to providing efficient and accurate data entry and a high level of customer service with First Steps 4K families and providers.

This position is supervised by the 4K Administrative Manager. The employee must possess strong organizational skills and initiative. The employee must use high level of discretion in day-to-day communications. Have the ability to multi-task, strong attention to detail, ability to maintain confidentiality of client records and information, excellent skills using the Microsoft Office Suite, excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong data entry skills.

• Process and determine eligibility of First Steps 4K student applications, verifying all documents using prescribed parameters and maintaining electronic filing of required documents in a timely fashion. Meet and exceed daily benchmarks for the minimum number of applications processed in alignment with. Review, contact, and attempt to complete all provider unknown, incomplete, not yet approved/missing document applications and district wait lists for assigned regions. Processes all re-enrollments, transfers and drops, ensuring compliance and accuracy in the student database. Ensure adherence to program guidelines, state, and federal regulations regarding data privacy and enrollment procedure.

• Communicate determination of eligibility to 4K families using email, text, and phone calls as appropriate. Field questions regarding eligibility and explanation of benefits. Provide applicants with timely updates regarding their enrollment status and any required follow-up action. Ensure quick and professional response to all communications with 4K families, providers, and internal staff as it relates to student enrollment, application status, transfers, and re-enrollments.

• Serve as an attendance liaison to First Steps 4K families and initiate communications (phone calls, text messages, and emails) when students reach specific absenteeism thresholds. Utilize established communication scripts and resource guides during family phone calls to consistently explain benchmarks, outline policies, and connect families with targeted supports and resources. Accurately document all family outreach efforts, and complete forms related to absence conversations with families. Facilitate hand-offs to the Director of 4K Family Engagement for complex needs and referrals beyond what is covered in the provided script.

• Support the 4K Administrative Manager, 4K Operations Analyst, and the Continuous Quality Improvement Manager in reviewing and processing request submissions, including but not limited to roster updates, transportation forms, calendar change requests, and tuition payment certification forms.

• Other duties as assigned.

• A high school diploma and work experience that is directly related to the area of employment. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the related work experience.

SC First Steps is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. SC First Steps offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices* • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.