PROGRAM ASSOCIATE - RSG - MARGARET SCOTT ES

Agency Culture

We use creative and proactive problem‑solving to build and sustain dynamic community‑based programs and quality services. We believe in the potential of families and individuals at all life stages and focus on prevention, wellness, and independence. We build strong relationships by collaborating with our funders, partners, and highly trained volunteers, always striving for an extensive commitment to diversity.

General Function

Under the supervision of the Program Site Coordinator for the Ready, Set, Go! program, the Program Associate is responsible for providing direct support to the day‑to‑day operations of the Early Learning and Family Engagement program at Margaret Scott Elementary School. The RSG Program Associate will support in‑person Parent‑Child Interaction Groups (PCIGs), parenting groups, workshops, community events, and activities. This includes taking observations of program participants to aid in lesson planning, leading physical activity classes, maintaining a clean and safe classroom environment, coordinating volunteers, and building trusting relationships with program participants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support all needs for Parent‑Child Interaction Groups, including set‑up and clean‑up
• Support Parent Education classes in English and Spanish
• Assist in planning and co‑creating activities with the Program Coordinator
• Support development of programming with a health and wellness focus, including physical activity classes
• Support purchasing needs for RSG programming using MFS‑provided funding
• Assist with communication and scheduling of classes, assessments, and events
• Maintain a high‑quality early learning and preschool environment in accordance with Ready, Set, Go! standards
• Support co‑planning and facilitation of community outings and events by coordinating with partners and other organizations
• Assist with outreach, networking, and recruitment of participants for all RSG programs
• Recruit and support training and facilitation for program volunteers
• Attend regular supervision meetings with Program Coordinators, Program Staff, and the agency
• Organize and maintain program files and documentation as required
• Maintain up‑to‑date data entry in the agency database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO)

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year working with children and families in early childhood education, social service, or parenting education
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking in a language in addition to English (required)
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Knowledge of and ability to uphold classroom health and safety standards
• Ability to provide strength‑based resource and referral services to families
• Experience working in a public school setting and/or with the early learning community
• Experience collaborating with a variety of agencies and programs
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑dependent environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups
• Ability to maintain appropriate and professional relationships with clients and volunteers
• Values working in a multicultural and diverse environment
• Knowledge and competency in operating a personal computer and telephone
• Demonstrated competency in Google platforms, Canva, and database programs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Core Values

• Equity & Social Justice: values working in a multicultural, diverse environment
• Supports inclusion and program access for clients
• Supports agency goals for reducing disparities in outcomes for communities of color and marginalized communities
• Adopts anti‑racism approaches to services by understanding and acknowledging systemic and individual racism and privilege

Education and Experience Requirements

• Certification, Associate’s degree, or higher in Early Childhood Education, or a minimum of 2 years of classroom experience in Early Childhood Education (preferred ages 3–5) OR other related educational experience
• Experience working in a classroom with children ages 0‑5 and their families; preference for those with certification and/or advanced training in Early Childhood Education
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking in a language in addition to English (Spanish)

Other Requirements

• Personal transportation that allows timely travel within the Portland metropolitan area; if using a personal vehicle, must maintain a valid driver’s license, carry personal auto liability insurance, and have a driving record meeting agency policy requirements
• Completion of a criminal background check; results reviewed individually

Work Environment

• Work performed in a classroom/office environment, at community events, and/or other locations as needed
• May require occasional early morning, weekend, or evening work
• Requires ability to stand for extended periods and sit occasionally on the floor and child‑sized chairs
• Requires use of computer, telephone, copier; may require accessing locations via stairs