Support Services Specialist

Innovative Network of Knowledge•Monroe, LA

12d

About The Position

The Support Services Specialist helps maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children and staff. The role supports classroom operations, including child supervision, meal preparation and service, sanitation, and communication with teachers about students’ behavior and progress. The specialist also monitors classrooms and indoor and outdoor areas for hazards, reports incidents and concerns, and follows federal requirements and agency policies and protocols. Additional duties include cleaning and maintaining facilities and grounds; managing cleaning-supply inventory; arranging or performing seasonal deep cleaning; laundering classroom clothing and linens; assisting with furniture and equipment moves, repairs, and event setup; and traveling for work-related meetings and events when required. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and a CDA credential or qualifying state certificate, or enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within 18 months of hire. One year of related work experience is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, plus a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements; alternatively, be enrolled in a CDA credential program at onboarding and complete it within 18 months of hire.
One year of related work experience.
Ability to respond sensitively and competently to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served.
Ability to maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times.
Working knowledge of INK policies and procedures.
Ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Valid driver’s license.
Complete and pass a health examination.
Confirm eligibility to work in the United States; applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer, and visa sponsorship is not available.
Successfully pass a driving-history check and criminal-background check.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds and to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children.
Ability to work in settings with exposure to communicable diseases and other hazards, including cigarette smoke, pets, and at-risk neighborhoods.
Willingness to travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train for conferences, meetings, and other duties, including out-of-state and occasional overnight travel.
Availability for occasional evening and weekend work for events such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community events, and field trips.
Receive an annual influenza vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious accommodation exemption, as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English and Spanish; Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

Protect children’s physical and mental health and safety, ensuring they are never left alone or unsupervised while in the organization’s care.
Implement culturally and developmentally appropriate nutrition services that accommodate children’s nutritional needs, special diets, and disabilities.
Keep facilities, equipment, and materials clean and safe for children in accordance with federal policies and agency protocols.
Follow hygiene practices for toileting, handwashing, diapering, food preparation, and handling exposure to blood and body fluids in accordance with OSHA standards.
Follow child safety practices, including appropriate supervision, standards of conduct, and reporting suspected or known child abuse and neglect.
Participate in staff development, required training, continuing professional development, and staff wellness initiatives.
Respond promptly to classroom requests for support in accordance with Office of Head Start and agency requirements, policies, and protocols.
Communicate regularly with teachers about students’ behavior and progress.
Monitor classrooms for physical and environmental hazards.
Report incidents within the timeframes established by program policy and protocol.
Clean facilities daily, including classrooms, offices, bathrooms, common areas, and playgrounds.
Maintain cleaning-supply inventory, including ordering and receiving supplies.
Perform or arrange seasonal deep cleaning and maintenance of building interiors and exteriors, such as floor waxing, carpet cleaning, and pressure washing.
Implement enhanced sanitation protocols when directed.
Prepare and serve classroom meals and assist with family-style meal activities as directed.
Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils using approved sanitation methods.
Inspect and maintain indoor and outdoor areas to keep them free of safety hazards, trash, weeds, and other foreign materials.
Inspect and maintain lawns, landscaped beds, playgrounds, and parking areas between regular contracted site services.
Notify a supervisor of safety or health issues or concerns.
Assist with moving or transporting office and classroom furniture, fixtures, supplies, and equipment as requested.
Launder clothing and linens in support of classroom activities as requested.
Assist with classroom supervision as needed.
Assist with setup and teardown for classroom and center activities, training, meetings, recruitment fairs, and special events.
Assist with repairs and maintenance of buildings, storage facilities, machinery, and equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.