Program Assistant

Southern Seven Health Department•Metropolis, IL

82d•$15 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

Southern Seven Health Department is seeking a Program Assistant for the Metropolis Head Start in Metropolis, Illinois. This is a full-time, 10-month position that offers a family-friendly work environment and a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, personal, and sick time accrual, holidays, health and life insurance, and an employer-sponsored cafeteria plan. The role involves making a difference in the lives of children and families within the Head Start program.

Requirements

Must be at least eighteen years of age.
Possess a High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Knowledge and use of modern office practices and procedures, including basic computer skills.
Knowledge and capability 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.
Must have a DCFS Criminal background check.
Must have a DCFS physical assessment.
Must be a Mandated Reporter.
Must complete DCFS licensing required courses.
Must have CPR/First Aid certification.
Ability to lift/carry up to 40 pounds on occasion and 20 pounds frequently.
Ability to sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level.
Ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.

Nice To Haves

Some experience working with children.
Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Head Start Teacher Aide Qualified.

Responsibilities

Providing a safe and nurturing environment for children, including those with special needs.
Offering extra support in the classroom under the guidance of the Teacher.
Assisting with kitchen duties, custodial tasks, or office work as needed.
Riding the Head Start bus and adhering to all safety rules and procedures.
Encouraging and assisting children in personal and hygiene activities, including specific medical and feeding issues for assigned children.
Ensuring the safety of assigned children during evacuations and drills.
Working cooperatively with the Teacher and other staff using a team approach.
Maintaining and adapting daily schedules for assigned children.
Incorporating goals from IEP or IFSP into daily routines and attending therapy sessions as needed.
Participating in IEP/IFSP meetings when appropriate.
Observing children daily to assess skills, interests, and needs to facilitate learning.
Supervising all children at all times.
Participating in family-style meals and snacks with children.
Developing partnerships with parents and caregivers to encourage active participation in the Head Start experience.
Assisting with cleaning duties such as vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms.
Assisting with office tasks such as copying, filing, and answering the phone.
Participating in staff meetings, center activities, and staff development.
Maintaining child, family, and employee confidentiality.
Participating in federal and annual program reviews.
Recruiting eligible children for enrollment into the Head Start program.
Carrying out best practices for safety procedures and assessing current practices for improvement.
Participating in activities that promote positive public relations for the program and agency.
Complying with HIPAA requirements.
Reporting potential problems and concerns to the Site Supervisor.