Program Assistant - Child Development Center bei Goodwill Gulf Coast

Description

TITLE:                Program Assistant - CDC                              DATE WRITTEN:      08/2025

DEPARTMENT:  Children and Family Services                       SUPERVISED BY:      CDC Director 

SUPERVISES:       n/a                                                              STATUS:                     Part-time or Full-time, Hourly

Mission Contribution:

Supports the Children’s Services staff in the provision of children’s services that strengthen families.      

Function:

To perform the administrative assistant and childcare duties at Child Development Center.

Essential Functions: (must be able to perform these functions, with or without a reasonable accommodation).

1. Develops, types and distributes correspondence as assigned by the Child Development Center Director or other program management staff.
2. Inputs information into the agency database in an accurate and timely manner.
3. Answers the telephone, provides basic information concerning the agency and programs, takes messages and/or transfers calls to the appropriate individual.
4. Greets parents and visitors, providing information and assistance as needed.  
5. Assists in classrooms and/or daycare as needed or scheduled during staff absences.
6. Maintains clean and orderly office area, including regular vacuuming, emptying trash, storing, and organizing materials.
7. Maintains and monitors student’s records, including attendance, in accordance with regulatory agency (DHR, CCS, MCPSS, CACNP, etc.) and center guidelines.
8. Assists in various program documentation and record-keeping procedures in compliance with agency, DHR standards and requirements of program funders (CCS, EHS, OSR and Child Care Food Program).
9. Maintains current mailing lists for distribution of program newsletters, flyers and other announcements.
10. Follows proper accounting procedures for receiving and posting payments, preparing deposits and other financial transactions as assigned.
11. Maintains inventory of office, housekeeping, and breakfast and snack items.
12. Assists in preparations for special events for the Child Development Center, such as hosting Parent Education Meetings, parties and guest presentations.
13. Assists with training and staff development activities.
14. Ensures confidentiality of information concerning the children and children’s families.
15. Acts as staff person in charge at center during director’s absence unless otherwise designated.
16. Offers every child physical affection, verbal praise and acceptance to promote a strong, healthy, self image. 
17. Stays informed of program information by reading daily news, minutes of staff meeting, monthly newsletters and other memos distributed through the center and main office.  In addition, participates in scheduled meetings and in-service trainings.
18. Acts as a positive role model for employees and students, and trainees in all aspects of professional performance.
19. Observes all safety procedures and personnel policies and ensures compliance by employees and students.
20. Regular attendance, as outlined in Goodwill policy, is required.
21. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills, knowledge and abilities: (these are required to enable job holder to perform the essential functions of the job).

1. Must be able to market Goodwill and explain the mission to the general public.   
2. Must be able to keep information confidential.
3. Must be able to interact cordially and productively with a variety of people.                             
4. Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly in English.
5. Must be able to work Monday though Friday including occasional early mornings or late afternoons.
6. Ability to function in a hectic work environment with occasional periods of high stress.
7. Must be proficient in English grammar, composition and spelling.
8. Must be able to operate basic office equipment and have basic skills using Microsoft office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel and Access).
9. Ability to use a multiple line telephone and Must have a pleasant telephone voice.
10.  Must have a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years, liability automobile insurance and be insurable through the agency’s insurance carrier.  Must be at least 21 years of age.
11. Must obtain and retain First Aid/CPR/AED certification and respond to and manage a first aid, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergency at the worksite according to Goodwill Safety Policies & Procedures.

Experience and Education Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must meet all DHR standards for staff assigned to child care duties.
• Experience working in Early Childhood Setting preferred.
• Experience and/or knowledge of persons with disabilities preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to use hands, fingers and wrists, repetitively while using computer keyboard.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to stand, bend,  sit on the floor, stoop, walk, talk, hear, use hands to grip, and reach with arms, and carry items weighing up to 40 lbs. Occasionally spend 2 to 4 hours a day in strenuous physical activity

Critical Performance Factors:

1. Proficiently uses a computer to create documents, input data, and compose correspondence.
2. Consistently maintains accurate and timely recordkeeping, documentation, and organization of center files.
3. Respects the individuality of each child and shows sensitivity to, an acceptance of, each child’s feelings and needs.
4. Provides attentive supervision of children at all times and ensures that an authorized adult is always present.
5. Ensures that children experience a nurturing environment and learning activities are developmentally appropriate and engaging.
6. Implements a positive approach to behavior management which includes setting simple, clear and consistent guidelines for behavior while providing assistance and support.
7. Is knowledgeable of the Department of Human Resources Minimum Standards for daycare centers and complies with guidelines.
8. Respectfully and clearly communicates pertinent information to co-workers, parents, and service providers on a daily and/or weekly basis.
9. Maintains integrity at all times by immediately reporting suspicions of child abuse or neglect, coworker inappropriate conduct, and all other instances of behavior deemed unacceptable within Goodwill’s Children and Family Services Policies.

Working Conditions:

Adequately lighted and ventilated building. Some work will be performed in early childhood classroom setting, requiring walking, standing, bending and carrying of items weighing up to 40 lbs. At times, the employee will be required to sit on the floor, stand, stoop, bend, walk, talk, hear, use hands to grip, type, and reach with arms.