Enrollment Specialist

Every Child Deserves a Head Start

We are hiring an Enrollment Specialist for our Head Start Program - Paterson, NJ

Greater Bergen Community Action’s (GBCA) Head Start Preschool program is a rewarding place for individuals passionate about helping others who seek to grow their careers while making a difference. Our mission is to provide a quality, comprehensive educational program that prepares children and their families for kindergarten and life beyond. With its origins in the War on Poverty, Head Start is one of the longest-running federally funded programs. The Head Start model has been praised and emulated throughout the country. 

At GBCA, our Head Start Preschool program collaborates with local school districts.  Our compensation package is competitive. We offer a supportive work environment that recognizes the value of every employee, and our focus is continually on staff wellness.  

If you are new to the human service or social work field or are an experienced professional, we welcome you to work in our Head Start preschool program. Come make a difference. Learn what it is like to teach children and reach families the Head Start way. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of an associate degree with two (2) years of prior administrative experience
• Preferred: bachelor’s degree in social work or related field with similar experience
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Must demonstrate English proficiency - both oral and written, 
• Preferred: Multi-lingual ability, Spanish a plus
• Demonstrates good computer skills. 
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including recruitment and community outreach efforts during evening hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to physically care for the needs of the children in the classroom. This includes sitting, standing, bending, and lifting to fifty (50) pounds. 
• Valid NJ driver’s license preferred and use of own vehicle for self-transportation; local travel is required.

 Responsibilities include:

• Learn and adhere to the philosophy and mandates of Head Start and Early Head Start as outlined in the Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and the Policies and Procedures of Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA).
• Explain the program to applicants to help them understand the application process requirements and realize the benefits of HS/EHS programming.
• Provide application, enrollment, selection, and tracking processes to Head Start and Early Head Start families.
• Accept, review, and analyze all documentation to determine enrollment eligibility.
• Verify applications for income eligibility and follow through on incomplete applications.
• Maintain and monitor waiting lists, child transfer lists, and pending lists based upon regulations established by Performance Standards.
• Provide prompt follow-up with families to ensure that applications are complete.

• Actively participate in recruitment events throughout the school year, including at least two (2) recruitment events each semester that occur outside of traditional working hours, perform community outreach, and is responsible for program option transitions. Schedules may be flexed at the supervisor's direction to accommodate hours worked for events.
• Update children’s classroom roster regularly.
• Work closely with the Social Service and Special Services staff to ensure full site enrollment.
• Complete weekly enrollment reports to provide up-to-date information to Head Start/GBCA leadership.
• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

Pay rate based on credentials: Associate degree - $22.49, Bachelor's degree - $27.34