What Does an Enrollment Specialist Do?
An enrollment specialist manages the intake, application, and enrollment processes for individuals signing up for programs, services, or benefits. These professionals serve as the primary point of contact for applicants, guiding them through forms, documentation, eligibility checks, and system updates. They work in various sectors, including healthcare, education, insurance, and human resources, to ensure accurate and timely onboarding.
Enrollment specialists verify personal information, explain policies and plan options, respond to inquiries, and monitor each applicant’s status through completion. Their work supports compliance with regulations and ensures seamless access to programs such as health plans, academic programs, or employee benefits.
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Enrollment Specialist Core Responsibilities
- Review applications and verify eligibility for services, programs, or benefits
- Assist individuals with completing enrollment forms and submitting documentation
- Enter and update personal and plan information in enrollment systems or databases
- Track enrollment progress and follow up with applicants as needed
- Resolve discrepancies, denials, or system issues related to enrollment status
- Respond to phone, email, or in-person inquiries about enrollment options and timelines
- Communicate with internal departments (e.g., HR, admissions, billing) to ensure alignment
- Maintain organized records and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in enrollment or CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HRIS, healthcare portals)
- Ability to interpret benefits, policy documents, or program requirements
- Accurate data entry and documentation management
- Knowledge of HIPAA, FERPA, or other compliance standards (based on industry)
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Clear and empathetic communication with applicants or enrollees
- Customer service mindset and problem-solving ability
- Time management and task tracking in deadline-driven settings
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare administration, or related field preferred
Certifications
- None required
HIPAA certification may be preferred for healthcare roles; FERPA training is relevant in education settings
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in enrollment, admissions, benefits administration, or customer support
- Familiarity with public or private benefits systems (e.g., Medicaid, ACA, university portals)
- Bilingual language skills (especially Spanish) for diverse populations
- Experience working in high-volume call centers or enrollment campaigns
National Average Salary
Enrollment specialist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Enrollment Specialist is:
$48,222
Sample Job Description Templates for Enrollment Specialists
Enrollment Assistant
Position Overview
The enrollment assistant provides administrative support to enrollment operations by collecting documents, scheduling appointments, and ensuring applicant files are complete and accurate. This entry-level role is ideal for candidates looking to grow into a full enrollment specialist role.
Responsibilities
- Assist with intake of applications and required documentation
- Enter applicant data into enrollment or CRM systems
- Schedule calls, meetings, or enrollment deadlines
- Maintain organized digital or physical records
- Provide basic information to applicants or refer inquiries to senior staff
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic computer proficiency and data entry accuracy
- Familiarity with spreadsheets or customer databases
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and task follow-through
- Friendly and professional communication
- Ability to work collaboratively and take direction
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in clerical, customer service, or administrative roles
- Exposure to healthcare, HR, or academic environments
Enrollment Specialist
Position Overview
An enrollment specialist manages the end-to-end enrollment process, ensuring applicants are properly registered for services, programs, or benefits. They serve as the primary contact for enrollment inquiries and troubleshoot application issues.
Responsibilities
- Guide applicants through the enrollment process and answer program-related questions
- Verify eligibility, review documentation, and update enrollment records
- Communicate enrollment status and resolve incomplete applications
- Ensure compliance with privacy and policy standards (HIPAA, FERPA, etc.)
- Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., HR, admissions, billing)
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in CRM, HRIS, or enrollment platforms
- Ability to understand and explain policies or program requirements
Soft skills
- Strong customer service and conflict resolution abilities
- Organizational and time management skills
Education
- High school diploma required
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred
Certifications
- None required
HIPAA or FERPA training preferred depending on the industry
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of enrollment or administrative experience
- Familiarity with benefits systems or academic portals
Senior Enrollment Specialist
Position Overview
A senior enrollment specialist handles high-volume or complex enrollment cases, supports process improvement, and mentors junior staff. They often serve as a subject matter expert on program guidelines, eligibility rules, and system workflows.
Responsibilities
- Process escalated or sensitive enrollment cases
- Review data accuracy and assist with quality assurance
- Provide guidance to entry-level staff or answer process questions
- Train team members on new tools or policy changes
- Coordinate with leadership on special enrollment periods or system updates
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level use of enrollment platforms and data tools
- Strong understanding of eligibility criteria and regulatory policies
Soft skills
- Leadership presence and ability to train others
- Problem-solving and judgment in complex situations
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of enrollment experience
- Background in regulated industries like healthcare or education
Enrollment Team Lead
Position Overview
The enrollment team lead oversees daily activities of an enrollment team, managing workload distribution, supporting compliance efforts, and serving as the escalation point for operational issues. This role balances administrative duties with team supervision.
Responsibilities
- Assign cases and monitor progress across enrollment staff
- Review documentation for accuracy and policy alignment
- Serve as the point of contact for interdepartmental collaboration
- Support employee onboarding and performance feedback
- Resolve applicant issues that require team-level escalation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep familiarity with enrollment systems and procedures
- Workflow management and reporting capabilities
Soft skills
- Team coordination and leadership under deadlines
- Conflict resolution and interpersonal communication
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare administration, HR, or related field preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 4–6 years of enrollment experience, including leadership exposure
- Experience with compliance tracking and KPI monitoring
Enrollment Manager
Position Overview
The enrollment manager oversees all enrollment operations, driving process efficiency, ensuring compliance, and managing team performance. This strategic role supports executive goals, reporting, and continuous improvement in service delivery.
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and evaluate enrollment staff at multiple levels
- Develop and refine workflows to improve processing times and accuracy
- Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness
- Analyze data trends and produce executive-level reports
- Coordinate with other departments to align enrollment with organizational goals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Leadership in enrollment operations, quality control, and compliance
- Advanced data analysis and process improvement skills
Soft skills
- Strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration
- People management and performance development
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred (depending on industry)
Preferred Qualifications
- 6+ years of experience in enrollment or benefits administration
- 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial role
- Familiarity with HIPAA, FERPA, or state-specific compliance mandates