Program Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Head Start Program Assistant

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? If your answer is yes then Southern Seven Health Department may have the perfect career for you. We offer a great working environment, have the highest caliber of employees, and most importantly are a "family friendly" employer.

This position is a full time (partial year--10 months) position and is based at the
Mounds Head Start in Mounds, Illinois . It does come with a benefit package (including vacation, personal, and sick time accrual, holidays, health and life insurance, and an employer sponsored cafeteria plan). 

Qualifications: 

Education, Training and Experience:

• Must be at least eighteen years of age AND
• Possess a High school diploma or GED equivalent AND
• Prefer some experience working with children

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and use of modern office practices and procedures including basic computer skills.
• Knowledge and capable of dealing with persons of diverse socio-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge and use of appropriate telephone etiquette.
• Ability to carry out detailed but basic oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal forms.
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Self-motivated, acts independently, and initiates programmatic ideas.

Certifications and Other Requirements:

1. Required: DCFS Criminal background check; DCFS physical assessment; Mandated Reporter; DCFS licensing required courses; CPR/First Aid certification
2. Recommended: Hepatitis B Vaccine and Head Start Teacher Aide Qualified
   

Physical Requirements:

• Strength: Lift/carry up to 40 pounds on occasion and 20 pounds frequently.
• Movement: Sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods of time; Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level; Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.

Salary Range: $15.30 to $16.80 hourly

Position Summary:

This position’s duties vary upon the needs of the center but could involve any and all of the following: providing a safe and nurturing environment for a designated child (or children) with special needs, providing extra support in a classroom under the guidance of the Teacher, providing assistance in the kitchen, custodial or office work, or riding a Head Start bus while adhering to all safety rules and policies and procedures.

Job Duties:

• • Encourages and assists children in all personal and hygiene activities.  If assigned to a specific child assists with any special medical and or feeding issues as well.
  • Maintains the responsibility for ensuring the safety of child assigned to him/her in the event of a safety evacuation and/or drill.
  • Works cooperatively with the Teacher and other staff using the team approach to classroom management.
  • Maintains a modified appropriate daily schedule for child assigned to him/her but is flexible based upon needs of the child or children. 
  • Incorporates goals written in the IEP or IFPS into the daily routine.  Attends therapy session (s) with assigned child as appropriate to learn different techniques to assist the child with meeting their individual goals.
  • Participates in IEP/IFSP meetings when appropriate.
  • Rides Head Start bus as assigned and follows all safety rules and policies and procedures.
  • Observes each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and uses this information to facilitate learning and growth.
  • Assures that all children are supervised at all times.   
  • Participates in family style meals and snacks at table with children.
  • Responsible for developing a partnership with parents and caregivers in the Head Start program and encourages each parent/caregiver to take in active role in their child’s Head Start experience. 
  • Provides assistance in the kitchen as needed with items such as dishes and preparing and serving meals.
  • Provides assistance in cleaning the center as needed with items such as vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms.
  • Provides assistance in the office as needed with items such as copying newsletters, filing, and answering the phone and taking messages.
  • Participates in staff meetings, center activities, and staff development.
  • Maintains child, family, and employee confidentiality.
  • Participates in the federal and annual program review.
  • Responsible for recruitment of Head Start eligible children, in coordination with other Head Start staff, for enrollment into the Head Start program.
  • Responsible for carrying out best practices for safety procedures concerning children, staff, families, and community individuals and for assessing current practices and finding ways and areas needing improvement.
  • Responsible for participating in activities and attitudes that promote positive public relations and positive image for the program and agency.
  • Complies and is familiar with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  • Reports potential problems and concerns to Site Supervisor.

"Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled "