Program Assistant (Anticipated Opening)

Southern Seven Health Department•Mounds, IL

5d•$15 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

Southern Seven Health Department is seeking a Program Assistant for the Head Start Program. This is a full-time position (10 months per year) located at the Mounds Head Start in Mounds, Illinois. The role offers a great working environment, high-caliber employees, and is a family-friendly employer. The position comes with a benefit package including vacation, personal, and sick time accrual, holidays, health and life insurance, and an employer-sponsored cafeteria plan.

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.
DCFS Criminal background check.
DCFS physical assessment.
Mandated Reporter.
DCFS licensing required courses.
CPR/First Aid certification.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
Riding a Head Start bus while adhering to all safety rules and policies and procedures.
Encouraging and assisting children in all personal and hygiene activities, including special medical and/or feeding issues if assigned to a specific child.
Maintaining responsibility for ensuring the safety of an assigned child during safety evacuations and/or drills.
Working cooperatively with the Teacher and other staff using a team approach to classroom management.
Maintaining a modified appropriate daily schedule for an assigned child, with flexibility based on the needs of the child or children.
Incorporating goals from the IEP or IFSP into the daily routine and attending therapy sessions as appropriate.
Observing each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs to facilitate learning and growth.
Assuring that all children are supervised at all times.
Participating in family style meals and snacks with children.
Developing a partnership with parents and caregivers and encouraging their active role in the child's Head Start experience.
Providing assistance in the kitchen with tasks such as dishes and meal preparation/serving.
Providing assistance in cleaning the center, including vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms.
Providing assistance in the office with tasks such as copying newsletters, filing, and answering the phone.
Participating in staff meetings, center activities, and staff development.
Maintaining child, family, and employee confidentiality.
Participating in the federal and annual program review.
Recruiting Head Start eligible children for enrollment, in coordination with other staff.
Carrying out best practices for safety procedures concerning children, staff, families, and community individuals, and assessing current practices for improvement.
Participating in activities and attitudes that promote positive public relations and a positive image for the program and agency.
Complying with and being familiar with HIPAA requirements.
Reporting potential problems and concerns to the Site Supervisor.