The On Call, Early Childhood Education Assistant is responsible for assisting the Early Childhood Education Specialist in implementing the curriculum and related program components including; classroom and home visit planning, prevention and intervention programs for at risk children 0- 5. Knowledge of child development and ability to work effectively with teams including disciplines in mental health and early intervention and connecting with diverse families is required. Responsible for planning and preparing meals for children and families enrolled in Children's Relief Nursery program. Responsible for providing transportation for clients to and from Children's Relief Nursery.

The On Call, Early Childhood Education Assistant works closely with the Program Director to ensure compliance with federal, state and local rules and regulations. Duties involve a moderate degree of complexity due to the responsibility of planning menus, preparing food, and ensuring compliance with various regulations. Reasonable judgment, good time management and a high level of professionalism are required to provide the smooth and efficient operation of the Children's Relief Nursery food program.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Gladstone site. 

Pay: $20.30 starting hourly pay with Full benefits. 

Essential Responsibilities

• This position requires provision of services in a toddler/preschool classroom & playground setting. Position involves supervision of children with emotional and physical responsiveness and awareness of them at all times
• Assist the Early Childhood Education Specialist in implementing curriculum and daily activities and routines for children
• Assist in setting up and cleaning classrooms and materials to implement the daily activity plan
• Work with Early Childhood Education Specialist to develop goals for individual child plans and family service plans based on assessments
• Evaluate child and family progress through written records and interactions with parents
• Drive the bus providing transportation for children to and from program.
• Participate in supervision, informal training, placement and evaluation of volunteers
• Provide implementation of therapeutic principles in classroom
• Participate in staff, client and volunteer meetings and other special events as determined by staff or program
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Adhere to guidelines for mandated reporter status
• Interact respectfully, confidently, sensitively and non-judgmentally with young children and their families
• Work independently and as a team member
• Display a positive attitude toward work; instill positive, optimistic attitude in co-workers
• Problem solve and develop creative approaches to provide program services
• Calm demeanor in crisis situations
• Observe, and report significant child behavior or indicators
• Provide pertinent oral and written information for program management staff; including incident reports, child protection services reports, child illness and contagious health incidences.

Program Food Services

• Plan menu cycles according to budget guidelines, foods in season, state & federal nutritional requirements for children, and in keeping with the regulations and guidelines provided by the Clackamas County Health department.
• Select, purchase, and prepare foods that provide nutritionally balanced meals for children with consideration to their nutritional and developmental needs that reflect the diversity and cultural needs of enrolled families while keeping with the regulations and guidelines provided by the Clackamas County Health department.
• Maintain accurate records and food/equipment receipts including turning in purchase receipts to supervisor and Accounts Payable. Ensures agency grocery card maintains a positive balance for ongoing food purchases.
• Be prepared for potential regulatory audits (announced and unannounced) and implement procedures as recommended, if necessary.
• Maintain an accurate recorded inventory of kitchen supplies and equipment.
• Responsible for oversight of sanitation requirements; establish and maintain sanitation and safety practices in compliance with County, State and Federal regulations.
• Keep the kitchen and related areas clean, including dishwashing and general maintenance.

Transportation

• Must have a valid driver's license and meet LifeWorks NW driving requirements.
• Maintain sanitization of the interior of the vehicle on transportation days
• Maintain cleanliness of vehicle's exterior (taking it to the car wash as needed)
• Weekly vehicle checks and documentation.
• Vehicle oil changes are up to date.
• Documentation of mileage any time vehicle is used.
• Submission of gasoline expenses and reimbursements
• Ensuring vehicle is in good working order to operate safely.
• Reporting any concern or issue with the vehicle to supervisor and maintenance team

Working Conditions:

Staff work onsite in a Therapeutic Preschool Classroom, in a commercial kitchen for meal preparation unless transporting clients to and from Children' s Relief Nursery or to purchase food and other supplies.

Professional Development

• Apply research informed knowledge and practices in regard to early childhood development, brain development, trauma, attachment security, parent-child relationship, stress factors and learning, positive parenting and classroom approaches
• Incorporate therapeutic principles, emergent curriculum and positive behavior support in daily practices
• Attend workshops, trainings and conferences for professional development and stay current with new developments in the field
• Maintain required continuing education hours for child care division
• Life long learning model of openness to innovation, program/service improvement, flexibility and willingness to change
• Use of supervision with Program Director to advance understanding of children and families and complex family circumstances

REQUIREMENTS 

• Minimum two-year degree from an accredited college in Early Childhood Education, Education, Health, Social Services, or related field
• Minimum one-year early childhood experience
• Spanish language skill required for Bilingual Early Childhood Education position.
• Valid first aid and CPR certifications
• Valid Food Handlers card
• Must be able to pass criminal background check.
• Good computer skills including a functional knowledge of Outlook and Word
• Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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