Program Assistant

COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERHIP OF STRAFFORD COUNTY

PROGRAM ASSISTANT (I)

POSITION DESCRIPTION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Early Care and Education Program Assistant (I) is responsible for providing administrative support within daily operations of the Early Education and Care Department. This position's responsibilities include front desk reception, family engagement, clerical and data entry support, food service assistance, and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for children, families, staff, and visitors. This position works closely with multiple departments and assists wherever needed to ensure smooth daily program operations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum High School diploma or GED. Bilingual (Spanish) skills a plus. Minimum of two years of related clerical/administrative experience, with strong emphasison customer service.
• Basic computer literacyincluding:Excel,Wordand Outlook.
• Possessesbasic cooking skills.
• Experience in food service, such as food preparation or hospitality, is a plus, but notrequired.
• Ability to obtain a Serv-Safe Certification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIES

• Attends meetings as requested to record meeting minutes.
• Answer incoming calls professionally and promptly and direct them to theappropriate employeeand/or answergeneral questionsabout the Head Start Program and any CFS Program.
• Assistwith applications for Head Start/Early Head Start services, as needed.
• Receive and distribute deliveriesfor CFSdepartment.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail.
• Greet and Manage pick up and drop off process for children.
• Enters Data in various systems for ages andstagesscreening, assessments, Healthy Families America, Comprehensive Family Support, and Family Resource Center.
• Participates in active supervision of children, following active supervision policies and procedures, asappropriate.
• Assistsin the organization of food delivery.
• Assistsin the preparation of meals and snacks for program children,staff, and volunteers according to the USDA, CACFP, ARAS and SFSP.
• Assistswith clean up after meals to include sanitation of kitchen surfaces, floors, equipment, serving utensils, carts, dishes, pots, and pans.
• Assistsin safe food storage and helpsmaintainthe kitchen to meet sanitation standards.
• Maintains and models good hygiene,appropriate dressand behavior for self, staff, and volunteers in the facility.
• Works with children in food related activities on occasion upon request.
• Assistsin record keeping of meal attendance, types of food provided, and amounts of food provided as needed.
• Assumes the cook's role and responsibilities in the cook's absence.
• Continuing education in the field of nutrition and food as opportunities arise by reading, attending workshops andtrainings, or taking courses in the related field.
• Remains aware of special dietary needs of program children, including food allergies.
• Communicates to the Kitchen Supervisor and/or Food ServicesManagerany concerns or suggestionsregardingchild nutrition or food services.
• Ability to drive food to other locations if needed.
• Any other duty or project assigned by supervisor or CFS Director for the benefit of the program.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILIES

• N/A

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong commitment tomaintainingconfidentiality.
• Adequate typing skills.
• Knowledge of multi-line phonesystem.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of spreadsheets andsome fiscal/financial education.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to unique challenges faced by families living in poverty.
• Reliable source of transportation with 100/300 liability insurance coverage.
• Physical strength/endurance/mobility to perform in a standard daily required work routine (i.e.walking, sitting,liftingand driving to various sites required).

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Pleasant,articulateand able to communicate effectively with staff,volunteersand families on a regular basis.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate instructions.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.
• Strong commitment tomaintainingconfidentiality.
• Plan, assign, coordinate,organizeand prioritize work.
• Models direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect ofworkwith children, families,staffand community members.
• Energetically engages people,issuesand work.
• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others on a daily basis.
• Supports others in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life.
• Activelyparticipatesin teambuilding, which includes sharingideas and mutual support of team members.
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that areappropriate forindividual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done.
• Practice honest,respectfuland direct communication as well as active listening.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening.

Head Start, Early Head Start, Childcare, and Home Visiting Programs are also subject to the following:

Head Start and Child Care Licensing requires a criminal record check and finger printing to be completed prior to employment. An initial physical examination record must be obtained upon hire, updated every three years and kept on file with Human Resources. If a TB screening indicates high risk, results of a TB test must be kept on file including any treatment received. An Initial driving record check will be conducted. Driver's license information will also be submitted to the agency's automobile insurance carrier.

Mission Vision & Values

Our Mission: To reduce barriers to help clients improve their economic stability and well-being through education, advocacy, and partnerships

Our Vision: To eliminate poverty

Our Values: Communication, Collaboration, Client-Focus, Accountability