PROGRAM ASSISTANT - RSG

Program Assistant - RSG

Under the supervision of the Program Site Coordinators for the Ready, Set, Go! (RSG!) and Early Ready, Set, Go! (eRSG) programs, the Program Assistant provides direct support for the day-to-day operations of Early Learning and Family Engagement programs at Margaret Scott Elementary School.

The Program Assistant supports the planning, implementation, and facilitation of in-person Parent-Child Interaction Groups (PCIGs), parenting education classes, workshops, community events, and family engagement activities. Responsibilities include assisting with lesson planning and curriculum implementation, leading physical activity sessions, coordinating volunteers, supporting participant recruitment and outreach, and building trusting, culturally responsive relationships with children, caregivers, and community partners. The Program Assistant also helps maintain a high-quality early learning environment, supports screenings and assessments, and ensures accurate program documentation and data entry in accordance with agency standards.

Agency Culture:

• We use creative and proactive problem-solving to build and sustain dynamic community-based programs and quality services.
• We believe in the potential of families and individuals at all life stages and focus on prevention, wellness, and independence.
• We build strong relationships by collaborating with our funders, partners, and highly trained volunteers, always striving for an extensive commitment to diversity.

Collaboration

• Ability to work and communicate effectively (written and verbal) with a broad range of individuals and groups
• Ability to collaborate effectively within all program areas of MFS, as well as with external agencies and community partners
• Ability and commitment to work effectively within a team-dependent environment, including receiving and applying guidance from supervisors in a respectful and professional manner
• Ability to connect position responsibilities to the broader mission and goals of the agency

Program Implementation

• Ability to effectively manage and maintain confidential and sensitive information in accordance with agency policies and procedures
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to critical situations, including adherence to mandatory reporting laws and responsibilities
• Models appropriate, developmentally informed behavior for children and adults in alignment with early childhood development principles
• Ability to work effectively within a team-dependent environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to changing program needs and priorities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and at least one additional language
• Excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement, learning, and program innovation
• Ability to understand, support, and implement the Ready, Set, Go! (RSG!) philosophy in daily practice

Teamwork

• Demonstrates respect for supervisory direction and is able to follow guidance, apply feedback, and collaborate effectively to support program goals.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with MFS staff, volunteers, and program participants while modeling effective teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in partnership with school staff and collaborate effectively with Reynolds School District departments.
• Demonstrates a cooperative, flexible, and solution-focused approach within a team-dependent environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of Parent-Child Interaction Groups (PCIGs), including set-up, facilitation support, and clean-up
• Support facilitation of parent education classes in both English and Spanish
• Assist in co-creating and implementing activities planned in collaboration with Program Coordinators
• Support the development and implementation of programming with a health and wellness focus, including physical activity sessions
• Assist with purchasing needs for RSG!/e'RSG programming using MFS-provided funding in accordance with agency guidelines
• Support communication, coordination, and scheduling of developmental screenings and assessments
• Maintain a high-quality early learning and preschool environment aligned with Ready, Set, Go! program standards
• Assist in planning and facilitating community outings and events by coordinating with partner organizations and community agencies
• Support outreach, engagement, networking, and recruitment of program participants for RSG programs
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and training support for program volunteers
• Attend regularly scheduled supervision meetings with Program Coordinators, program staff, and agency leadership
• Organize, maintain, and update program files and required documentation
• Maintain accurate and timely data entry in the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database

Core Values

Equity & Social Justice

• Values working in a multicultural, diverse environment
• Values and supports inclusion and program access for clients
• Supports agency goals for reducing disparities in outcomes for communities of color and marginalized communities
• Adopts anti-racism approaches to services byValues and actively supports a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive environment
• Promotes equitable access to services and programs for all clients and families
• Supports agency goals to reduce disparities in outcomes for communities of color and other marginalized communities
• Demonstrates commitment to anti-racism by recognizing, understanding, and addressing systemic and individual racism, bias, and privilege in service delivery and professional practice understanding and acknowledging systemic and individual racism and privilege

Other Requirements:

• Must have reliable personal transportation to travel throughout the Portland metropolitan area in a timely manner. If using a personal vehicle for work-related travel, the employee must maintain a valid driver's license in their state of residence, current personal automobile liability insurance, and a driving record that meets the requirements for coverage under the agency's auto liability policy.
• MFS requires all employees and volunteers to complete a criminal background check. We review the results of all background checks individually and consider all of the circumstances of any issues that arise in a background check during the hiring process.
• Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
• Work is performed in classroom and office settings, at community events, and at other locations as needed to support program activities. The position may require occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work.
• This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods, as well as stand, walk, bend, kneel, lift, and actively engage with infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and their caregivers during program activities. The position requires frequent use of a computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office equipment and may require accessing locations by using stairs. Employees must be able to lift and carry program materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Metropolitan Family Service is committed to building a diverse workforce to broaden and deepen our work in the communities we serve. We strongly urge candidates from communities of color, disability, LGBTQIA2S+, linguistically diverse populations, older adults and military veterans to consider application to our positions. MFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Training and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in early childhood education, social services, parent education, and/or social service program development
• Ability to read, write, speak, translate, and interpret fluently in a language(s) in addition to English is required
• Ability to provide strength-based resource and referral services to families
• Experience working in a public school setting and/or within the early learning community
• Experience collaborating with a variety of agencies, programs, and community partners
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-dependent environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups
• Ability to maintain appropriate, professional, and culturally responsive relationships with clients, families, and volunteers
• Ability to translate and interpret fluently in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear, culturally responsive communication in all aspects of program implementation
• Commitment to working in a multicultural, diverse environment and supporting equitable and inclusive practices
• Knowledge and competency in operating a personal computer, telephone, and standard office equipment
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Workspace, Canva, and database systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage