CCAP Eligibility Specialist

Description Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions. The Eligibility Specialist works within the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to provide support and assistance to parents and guardians who are requesting child care services while they work, attend school or seek employment. As an Eligibility Specialist, you will work directly with income eligible families and child care providers to help them complete and submit the required documentation to receive child care assistance, and then maintain an ongoing supportive relationship with them through the eligibility and annual re-determination process. The Eligibility Specialist also offers assistance to child care providers to ensure proper completion of required forms and linking them additional services for training and support as needed, as well as reviewing billing forms and verifying payment processing, and acting as a liaison with the Illinois Department of Human Services. Core Responsibilities: Receives parent/guardian applications for participation in Child Care Assistance Programs, reviews and verifies eligibility for child care services based upon state mandated criteria. Re-determines eligibility and follows through to assist parents/guardians in submitting the required documentation. Assists in preparing all documents, including required State of Illinois forms and correspondence related to parent/guardian and provider eligibility with notification to parents/guardians and the Illinois Department of Human Services about eligibility. Verifies eligibility and approves payment of subsidized care for eligible individuals in assigned caseload. Maintains an assigned caseload; may assist other Specialists with their caseloads, as assigned. Verifies provider eligibility for each assigned case. Ensures that all appropriate forms are sent to providers on a timely basis under program policies and procedures. Reviews billing forms and verifies payment processing. Offers assistance to child care providers to ensure proper completion of necessary forms. Performs data entry functions related to assigned caseload. Maintains accurate and complete records and statistics on cases with assigned caseload. Provides additional services to parents regarding child care arrangements, and resources by referring them to a Brightpoint Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Referral Specialist. Links interested providers with the CCR&R system for training, support and technical assistance. Assists the CCAP Manager and/or Supervisor in the development of the program and adapts to program changes as needed. Reviews and monitors special cases including re-determining cases and requesting information monthly, quarterly, or as needed. Performs follow–up including email and telephone contact to parent(s)/ guardian(s), provider, or other persons involved with the identified special cases. Candidate qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework preferred. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in bookkeeping, customer service, clerical work, and/or data entry strongly preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional phone and email communication. Proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based platforms. Strong organizational and time-management abilities with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to review information, solve problems, and make sound decisions in accordance with program policies and procedures. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations while maintaining confidentiality at all time. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment; able to meet deadlines and follow established policies and procedures. Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation strongly preferred. Willingness to participate in ongoing training and program updates. Job details: Compensation: Hourly Range: $16.60-$18.00 per hour; offers are commensurate with experience and bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation. The salary range provided represents our current estimate for this role at the time of posting and is subject to change. The final salary will be determined based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate's relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to fostering a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all candidates. Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, 3+ weeks paid time off in the first year including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day (PTO increases with tenure); 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match ( more benefits details here). Location: ( Granite City ) with opportunities for hybrid (1-2 days per week remote) following a 6–8-week orientation and training period. Schedule: Full-time, hourly; general business hours. We don’t just hire talent—we grow it: Emerging Leaders will have access to leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship. Student Loan Forgiveness : Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) .