Support Services Specialist

Innovative Network of Knowledge•Monroe, LA

About The Position

The Support Services Specialist supports a child-focused program by maintaining safe, clean, and healthy facilities and assisting with classroom needs. The role includes daily cleaning and grounds upkeep, managing cleaning supplies, preparing and serving meals, washing dishes, handling laundry, supporting classroom supervision, and helping with setup, events, repairs, and maintenance. The specialist helps ensure children are supervised and safe, classrooms are free of hazards, hygiene and sanitation practices are followed, and incidents and concerns are reported in accordance with program policies and applicable standards. The position also requires staff development and regular communication with teachers about children’s behavior and progress. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or qualifying state certificate, or enrollment in a CDA program at onboarding with completion within 18 months of hire. One year of related work experience is required. A valid driver’s license, health examination, work eligibility confirmation, driving history check, and criminal background check are also required. The position may require travel of up to 50%, occasional evening and weekend work, and overnight travel. Employees must receive an annual influenza vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) 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 service population.
Ability to maintain emotional control and professional composure.
Working knowledge of INK policies and procedures.
Ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Valid driver’s license.
Successful completion of a health examination.
Confirmation of work eligibility status.
Successful driving history check.
Clear criminal background check.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
Ability to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children.
Ability to work with exposure to communicable diseases and other hazards, including cigarette smoke, pets, and at-risk neighborhoods.
Ability to travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train; some overnight travel may be required.
Availability for occasional evening and weekend work for events such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community and social events, and field trips.
Receive an annual influenza vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption as a condition of employment.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English and Spanish (preferred).

Responsibilities

Protect children’s physical and mental health and safety, ensuring they are supervised at all times.
Implement culturally and developmentally appropriate nutrition services that accommodate children’s nutritional and feeding needs, including special dietary needs and disabilities.
Keep facilities, equipment, and materials clean and safe for children’s use in accordance with federal policies and agency protocols.
Follow appropriate toileting, handwashing, diapering, food-preparation, and blood and body-fluid safety practices.
Follow child-safety practices, including reporting suspected or known child abuse and neglect and adhering to supervision and conduct standards.
Participate in staff development, required training, continuing professional development, and staff wellness initiatives.
Respond to classroom requests for support promptly and in compliance with applicable regulations and policies.
Communicate regularly with teachers about students’ behavior and progress.
Monitor classrooms for physical and environmental hazards.
Report incidents within timelines established by program policy and protocol.
Clean facilities daily, including classrooms, offices, bathrooms, common areas, and playgrounds.
Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies, including ordering and receiving supplies.
Perform or arrange seasonal deep cleaning and building maintenance, such as floor waxing, carpet cleaning, and pressure washing.
Implement hyper-sanitation protocols when directed.
Follow safety and health procedures in accordance with federal and agency policies and protocols.
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 interior and exterior areas to keep them free of safety hazards, trash, weeds, and other foreign materials.
Inspect and maintain outside areas, including lawns, landscaped beds, playgrounds, and parking areas, between contracted site services.
Notify the supervisor of safety or health issues and concerns.
Assist with moving or transporting office and classroom furniture, fixtures, supplies, and equipment.
Launder clothing and linens for classroom activities as requested.
Assist with classroom supervision as needed.
Assist with setup and teardown for classroom and center activities, trainings, meetings, recruitment fairs, and special events.
Assist with repair and maintenance of buildings, storage facilities, machinery, and equipment.
Perform other assigned duties.