Support Services Specialist

About the Role

Protect the physical and mental health and safety of children, ensuring no child is left alone or unsupervised while under our care. Implement culturally and developmentally appropriate nutrition services, accommodate special dietary needs, and maintain clean, safe facilities and materials. Follow hygiene practices, including safe food preparation, toileting, hand washing, and diapering procedures, as well as handling exposure to blood and body fluids. Ensure child safety during all activities, report suspected child abuse or neglect, and maintain appropriate supervision standards. Support staff development, respond to classroom requests promptly, and maintain regular communication with teachers about student behavior and progress.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily cleaning of facilities, including classrooms, offices, bathrooms, common areas, and playgrounds.
• Maintain inventory control of cleaning supplies, including ordering and receiving.
• Perform or arrange seasonal deep cleaning and maintenance (e.g., floor waxing, carpet cleaning, pressure washing).
• Implement hyper-sanitation protocols as directed.
• Ensure compliance with safety and health procedures per federal and agency policies.
• Prepare and serve classroom meals; assist with family-style meal activities.
• Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils using approved sanitation methods.
• Conduct routine inspections and upkeep of interior and exterior areas to eliminate safety hazards, trash, weeds, and other foreign materials.
• Perform daily inspections and grounds-keeping of outside areas, including lawns, playgrounds, and parking lots.
• Notify supervisor of any safety or health concerns.
• Assist with moving or transporting office and classroom furniture, fixtures, supplies, and equipment.
• Launder clothing and linens for classroom activities as requested.
• Assist with classroom supervision, set-up, and tear-down for activities, training, meetings, and special events.
• Assist with repair and maintenance of buildings, storage facilities, machinery, and equipment.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or state-awarded certificate meeting or exceeding CDA requirements, or enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within 18 months of hire.
• One year of related work experience.
• Ability to respond sensitively and competently to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population.
• Communicate in writing and verbally in English; Spanish proficiency preferred.
• Maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times.
• Working knowledge of all INK policies and procedures.
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Pass health examination, driving history check, and criminal background check.
• Confirm work eligibility status.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, hazards (e.g., cigarette smoke, pets), and at-risk neighborhoods.
• Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train for conferences, meetings, or other duties; may require overnight travel.
• Occasional evenings and weekend work for events such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, field trips, or community events.

Benefits

INK is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. Candidates whose experience and education do not perfectly align with every requirement are encouraged to apply.

All employees must receive an annual Influenza vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption as a condition of employment.