Program Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Ability to work and communicate effectively (written and verbal) with a broad range of individuals and groups
• Ability to collaborate effectively within all program areas of MFS, as well as with external agencies and community partners
• Ability and commitment to work effectively within a team-dependent environment, including receiving and applying guidance from supervisors in a respectful and professional manner
• Ability to connect position responsibilities to the broader mission and goals of the agency
• Ability to effectively manage and maintain confidential and sensitive information in accordance with agency policies and procedures
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to critical situations, including adherence to mandatory reporting laws and responsibilities
• Models appropriate, developmentally informed behavior for children and adults in alignment with early childhood development principles
• Ability to work effectively within a team-dependent environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to changing program needs and priorities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and at least one additional language
• Excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement, learning, and program innovation
• Ability to understand, support, and implement the Ready, Set, Go! (RSG!) philosophy in daily practice
• Demonstrates respect for supervisory direction and is able to follow guidance, apply feedback, and collaborate effectively to support program goals.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with MFS staff, volunteers, and program participants while modeling effective teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in partnership with school staff and collaborate effectively with Reynolds School District departments.
• Demonstrates a cooperative, flexible, and solution-focused approach within a team-dependent environment.
• Must have reliable personal transportation to travel throughout the Portland metropolitan area in a timely manner. If using a personal vehicle for work-related travel, the employee must maintain a valid driver's license in their state of residence, current personal automobile liability insurance, and a driving record that meets the requirements for coverage under the agency's auto liability policy.
• MFS requires all employees and volunteers to complete a criminal background check. We review the results of all background checks individually and consider all of the circumstances of any issues that arise in a background check during the hiring process.
• Work is performed in classroom and office settings, at community events, and at other locations as needed to support program activities.
• The position may require occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work.
• This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods, as well as stand, walk, bend, kneel, lift, and actively engage with infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and their caregivers during program activities.
• The position requires frequent use of a computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office equipment and may require accessing locations by using stairs.
• Employees must be able to lift and carry program materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Training and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in early childhood education, social services, parent education, and/or social service program development
• Ability to read, write, speak, translate, and interpret fluently in a language(s) in addition to English is required
• Ability to provide strength-based resource and referral services to families
• Experience working in a public school setting and/or within the early learning community
• Experience collaborating with a variety of agencies, programs, and community partners
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-dependent environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups
• Ability to maintain appropriate, professional, and culturally responsive relationships with clients, families, and volunteers
• Ability to translate and interpret fluently in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear, culturally responsive communication in all aspects of program implementation
• Commitment to working in a multicultural, diverse environment and supporting equitable and inclusive practices
• Knowledge and competency in operating a personal computer, telephone, and standard office equipment
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Workspace, Canva, and database systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Excellent time management, organizational, and prioritization skills

Nice To Haves

• Ability to read, write, speak, translate, and interpret fluently in a language(s) in addition to English is required
• Ability to translate and interpret fluently in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear, culturally responsive communication in all aspects of program implementation

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of Parent-Child Interaction Groups (PCIGs), including set-up, facilitation support, and clean-up
• Support facilitation of parent education classes in both English and Spanish
• Assist in co-creating and implementing activities planned in collaboration with Program Coordinators
• Support the development and implementation of programming with a health and wellness focus, including physical activity sessions
• Assist with purchasing needs for RSG!/e’RSG programming using MFS-provided funding in accordance with agency guidelines
• Support communication, coordination, and scheduling of developmental screenings and assessments
• Maintain a high-quality early learning and preschool environment aligned with Ready, Set, Go! program standards
• Assist in planning and facilitating community outings and events by coordinating with partner organizations and community agencies
• Support outreach, engagement, networking, and recruitment of program participants for RSG programs
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and training support for program volunteers
• Attend regularly scheduled supervision meetings with Program Coordinators, program staff, and agency leadership
• Organize, maintain, and update program files and required documentation
• Maintain accurate and timely data entry in the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database

Benefits

• Paid holidays