Program Assistant bei Hand in Hand

Description

• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with CACFP guidelines.
• Deliver meals to classrooms in a timely manner, meeting meal timelines as set by CACFP.
• Ensure appropriate serving sizes and meal components are delivered on time to each classroom.
• Perform proper handwashing and sanitation procedures.
• Perform all kitchen cleanup duties, including dishes from each classroom.
• Prepare and submit regular supply and grocery lists to ensure adequate materials on hand at all times. 

• Manage laundry services, including washing, drying, folding, and distributing linens and other materials.
• Ensure laundry areas are kept clean and orderly.

• Perform daily cleaning tasks to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Clean classrooms, bathrooms, common areas, and other designated spaces.
• Complete daily housekeeping tasks including laundry, dishwashing, floor mopping, sweeping, and the general cleaning of surfaces in shared spaces, specifically entryways, hallways, kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry facility.
• Service, clean, and supply all restrooms with necessary products.
• Ensure delivered supplies are put in their proper spot and labeled immediately. 

• Comply with all CACFP standards, including food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for meal programs.
• Accurately and fully complete all necessary paperwork, checklists, and reports before the end of each shift to meet CACFP standards.
• Ensure all classrooms follow CACFP standards, provide coaching when necessary to ensure meals are being served according to standards. 

• Ensure children and adults are greeted and welcomed into Hand in Hand programs.
• Answer the phone when necessary, transferring the call to the appropriate staff member.
• Develop menus and meal plans that meet CACFP standards and appeal to a large audience of children, ensuring new flavors and food experiences that aid in healthy child development. 

• Ensure sanitary procedures are followed by all children and adults. This includes handwashing procedures, bloodborne pathogen training and practices, diapering procedures, and soiled clothing practices.
• Immediately report all suspected cases of child abuse according to state Mandatory Reporting requirements.
• Always demonstrate respect for children, communicating with empathy and compassion at their level and near the child.
• Ensure constant compliance with state and agency-stated child-to-care provider ratios.

• Maintain a neat, organized, engaging, and safe workspace.
• Develop a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to promote feelings of security, safety, and belonging.
• Contribute to the development of an inclusive, nurturing, safe, and engaging space to promote early learning and development.

• Develop professional relationships with children, parents, volunteers, and other members of the community.
• Facilitate regular and positive communication with caregivers utilizing formal and informal communication methods approved by the agency.

•  CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporting, Universal Precautions
• Safety Care
• HIPAA Compliance
• CACFP Food Safety Approved Training Modules 1-15
• Other Trainings as Assigned

• Become knowledgeable of all services provided by Hand in Hand to promote our programs in the community.

Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual must be at least 18 years of age. 

Education and/or Experience Required

· GED or High school diploma.  

· Certified in infant, child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and Iowa’s mandatory reporting of abuse (Hand in Hand will coordinate courses for certification if not yet obtained) 

Education and/or Experience Preferred

· Experience in food preparation, cleaning, and general administrative support

· Knowledge of the State of Iowa Childcare licensing rules and regulations 

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents and policies as set by the Iowa Department of Human Services, CARF, CACFP, and other governing bodies. Ability to communicate effectively with participants, their caregivers, and other employees of the organization.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds during the routine care of children and adults. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the individual to sand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to chemicals approved for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing program space. 

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

License

Individual must maintain a valid driver’s license, insurance, possess reliable transportation or the ability to schedule reliable transportation.

Technology/Equipment 

Ability to effectively and efficiently make use of technology such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.

COMPETENCIES:

This person will possess a deep understanding of early childhood development and demonstrate the following key competencies:
 

Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately follow meal preparation guidelines and ensure compliance with CACFP standards. Meticulous in maintaining cleanliness and organization in kitchen, laundry, and common areas. Precise in managing and filing administrative documents.

Time Management: Efficient in completing daily housekeeping tasks and meal preparation within scheduled times. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Customer Service Orientation: Friendly and welcoming demeanor when interacting with children, parents, and staff. Effective communication skills for answering phones, doors, and assisting with wellness screenings.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively with teachers, administrative staff, and other team members. Provides support in a manner that enhances the overall functioning of the program.

Communication Skills: Clear and respectful communication with children, parents, and colleagues. Ability to document and report necessary information accurately.

Adaptability: Flexible in handling changing priorities and tasks. Ability to adjust to the dynamic needs of the childcare environment.

Organizational Skills: Maintains an orderly and clean workspace. Efficient in organizing files and administrative records.

Safety and Sanitation: Knowledgeable about and adheres to sanitary procedures and safety protocols. Committed to maintaining a safe environment for children and staff.

Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and address issues promptly and effectively. Resourceful in finding solutions to challenges that arise in daily tasks.

Physical Stamina: Capable of performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting, carrying, and standing for extended periods. Resilient in completing repetitive and routine tasks with consistency.

Professionalism: Demonstrates a professional attitude in all interactions. Upholds confidentiality and integrity in all job-related activities.

Empathy and Compassion: Shows empathy and understanding in interactions with children and families. Provides support in a caring and respectful manner.

Compliance and Ethics: Strict adherence to CACFP standards and state regulations. Ethical in reporting and handling any suspected cases of child abuse according to state Mandatory Reporting requirements.

Training and Development: Willingness to complete all required training programs. Open to ongoing professional development and learning opportunities. 

Technical Skills in Meal Preparation and Delivery: Proficient in preparing and delivering meals according to specific dietary and nutritional guidelines. Knowledgeable in food safety, proper handwashing, and sanitation procedures. Skilled in managing kitchen cleanup duties and ensuring timely meal delivery to classrooms.