General Description:

The Center Aide is under the direct supervision of the Site Administrator and is responsible for meal preparation, all center and bus cleaning duties, and assisting the staff with classroom supervision.

With the approval of the Director of Early Childhood and Family Services, this job description may be modified as appropriate for individual centers. The supervisor of this position will specify any variations in job responsibilities.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for purchasing and preparing food following USDA guidelines and participating fully in mealtime activities.
• Responsible for assisting classroom staff in carrying out daily classroom routines.
• Completes documentation (travel, food purchases, etc.) and submits all appropriate paperwork as required.
• Must complete medication administration training and is responsible for administering medications following MAT procedures. Actively participates in opportunities that lead to completing their individualized professional development plan.
• Promote parental involvement in the Head Start program.
• Works as a team player with center staff, NRCA staff, parents, and other community organizations to ensure all service area requirements are met to carry out the goals and objectives of the Head Start program.
• Maintains confidentiality of family records and information.
• Works within required state and federal guidelines and follows agency policies and procedures in all areas.
• Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served in the community.
• Professionally represents one’s self, as well as NRCA, in the community supporting the agency’s customer services beliefs.
• Personally reports to the Department of Social Services all suspected child, aged or incapacitated adult abuse and neglect as required by law and document accordingly. The Commonwealth of Virginia mandates the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect within 24 hours to the local DSS. Informs Site Administrator and Family Services and Community Specialist of all reports to the Department of Social Services.
• Supports the day-to-day operation of the center. Performs all other duties that advance the philosophy and goals of the program and NRCA as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Special Requirements:

Must:

• Be friendly, positive, responsible, and capable of exercising good judgment in dealing with children and adults.
• Have the capacity to problem solve, handle crises, and work with families and children of various cultures from at-risk backgrounds.
• Maintain regular attendance and perform job duties and responsibilities in a satisfactory manner. Notifies supervisor by 6:00 am if unable to report to work. Is responsible for securing classroom substitutes.

Prior to employment, the applicant must sign authorizations for NRCA to perform DMV and Criminal Record Checks. These will be used to demonstrate that a satisfactory driving record and no pending or found charges or convictions related to abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children or adults are present. This information can also be used to determine if any other felonies or misdemeanor charges which would conflict with the mission and philosophy of the agency are present.

Driving is an essential function of the job. Must possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record. Must be able to drive up to 4 hours per day, but may be required to drive more than 4 hours in a given day. Some night/overnight driving may be required for training or meetings.

If an agency vehicle is unavailable, must have a vehicle with valid inspection and insurance meeting minimum state requirements available for transporting individuals, families, meals/food/groceries within the New River Valley, and in pre-approved cases outside the New River Valley. Mileage reimbursed by NRCA.

Must pass a physical exam in which a physician documents the employee's capability of transporting clients. The physical must also include a TB test and document that the employee can perform essential duties specified in his/her job description.

Must be capable of lifting, pushing, or pulling 50 pounds, occasionally lifting 80 pounds.

Must be willing to abide by the following Code of Conduct:

• Respects and promotes the unique identity of each child and family and refrains from stereotyping based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability.
• Follows program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members. Maintains strict confidentiality of family records and information.
• No child will be left alone or unsupervised while in the care of Head Start staff.
• Uses positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse or humiliation. Will not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.

Education and Experience Requirements:

High School diploma or GED required. Experience working with preschool children preferred.

Must be a minimum of 18 years old.

Classification:

Wage, non-exempt position. This position may be a full or part-time position as determined by management.

9-month position (academic calendar)

Full-time, 40 hours per week, full benefits. Eligible to apply for unemployment in the summer when not working. Starting pay range is between $11.25 and $13.91 per hour, based on education and experience

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NRCA conducts pre-employment criminal backgrounds (including fingerprints), a child abuse and neglect check, and driving record checks. Possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record is required. Pre-employment drug testing, TB testing or screening, and an employment physical are required (all costs covered by NRCA).

Application Deadline: November 24, 2022, at 5pm or until the position is filled. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. EEO/AA