Intake Specialist

Programs For Parents Inc; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Programs for Parents Inc. seeks an Intake Specialist for the Resource and Referral Department to help families access childcare referrals and community resources.

You will provide excellent customer service, determine program eligibility, and assist with subsidy inquiries in line with the Subsidy Operations Manual. Join a mission-driven nonprofit serving Essex County, NJ, with a 35-hour work week, competitive benefits, and a supportive team culture emphasizing respect, accountability, and

Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish or Creole required.
• High school diploma required; associate's degree preferred.
• Experience in human services or child development industry (preferred).
• Strong math skills to determine income and eligibility with accuracy.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with families and providers in person, by phone, and through written correspondence.
• Review applications and determine program eligibility with high accuracy.
• Operate various computer systems to search initial applications, redetermination, or updates.
• Provide overview of program requirements and how to choose quality care.
• Inform participants of childcare options and related requirements.
• Provide community referrals as needed and link to resources.
• Enter data into internal and external databases.
• Maintain a clean reception area and orderly front desk.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions.
• Safeguard confidential information.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/Creole

Verbal communication

Written communication

Data entry

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Make a Difference from Day One - Join Programs for Parents (PFP)

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families? At PFP, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven nonprofit that helps ensure every child gets the best possible start in life. We serve Essex County, NJ by empowering families, supporting childcare providers, and advocating for quality early childhood education. Our work encompasses providing education and referrals, promoting best practices, and connecting families with essential financial resources to help them thrive.

Our Culture & Values

At Programs for Parents, we look for team members who:

• Lead with respect and empathy.
• Communicate openly and professionally.
• Embrace change and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate across departments to solve problems.
• Take ownership and accountability for their work.
• Support our mission of strengthening children, families, and communities.

Compensation & Benefits

We believe that the people who support our mission deserve support too. That’s why we prioritize employee well-being with competitive salaries and benefits. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Mondays- Fridays, 35-hour work week. With an hourly rate of $25.83 (approximately $47,000 annually). We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 403(b) retirement with matching
• Life Insurance and Long-term Care Insurance
• Generous paid time off- vacation, sick, personal, and self-care days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parking and Transportation benefits

Requirements

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and responsible Intake Specialist for our Resource and Referral (R&R) Department. The R&R Department provides families with access to a broad selection of childcare referrals and community resources; conducts parent engagement events, community events, and parent workshops; and provides customer service to families and childcare providers seeking information regarding program eligibility and subsidy payments. As the Intake Specialist, you will provide superior customer service to families and child care providers seeking information on program eligibility, payment, and child care options in accordance with the standard procedures outlined in the Subsidy Operations Manual. Specific duties include:

• Communicating with families and providers in person, by phone, and through written correspondence.
• Reviewing applications and calculating household income to determine program eligibility with a minimum 90% accuracy rate.
• Operating various computer systems to conduct searches for initial applications, redetermination, and/or updating information.
• Providing an overview of program requirements and procedures to families and childcare providers; how to choose quality care.
• Informing program participants of childcare options.
• Explaining program requirements and procedures to families and childcare providers.
• Providing community referrals as needed.
• Linking participants to childcare resources and referrals as needed.
• Assisting childcare providers with payment and eligibility inquiries.
• Entering data into internal and external databases.
• Maintain a clean reception area.
• Participating in staff meetings and training workshops.
• Maintaining, securing, and safeguarding confidential information.
• Providing other related duties as requested, assigned, or directed.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of program eligibility for all subsidy programs
• Knowledge of internal and external databases and systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to perform intermediate-level math
• Ability to enter data with a high degree of speed and accuracy
• Ability to meet productivity standards within established timelines
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Education and Experience:

• Bilingual, Spanish/Creole required
• High school diploma required; associate's degree preferred
• Experience in human services or child development industry (preferred)