Support Services Specialist

Requirements

Required education and credentials:

• High School diploma or GED
• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or at onboarding enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within 18 months of hire

Required experience:

• One year of related work experience

Responsibilities

• Protect the physical and mental health and safety of children; ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised while under care (HSPPS1302.90)
• Implement culturally and developmentally appropriate nutrition services that meet each child’s needs, including special dietary requirements and disabilities (HSPPS1302.44)
• Keep facilities, equipment, and materials clean and safe for children’s use in accordance with federal policies and agency protocols (HSPPS1302.47)
• Follow hygiene practices:
  • Appropriate toileting, hand washing, and diapering procedures
  • Safe food preparation
  • Handle exposure to blood and body fluids consistent with OSHA standards (HSPPS1302.47)
• Ensure child safety during all activities, including reporting suspected or known child abuse and neglect, maintaining constant supervision, and adhering to all standards of conduct (HSPPS1302.47,1302.90)
• Support and participate in staff development, including minimum training requirements, continuing professional development, and staff wellness initiatives (HSPPS1302.91,1302.92)
• Respond to classroom requests for support in a timely manner, compliant with Office of Head Start and agency regulations
• Establish regular communication with teachers regarding students’ behavior and progress
• Monitor classrooms to ensure they are free from physical and environmental hazards
• Report all incidents within designated timeframes per program policy
• Conduct daily cleaning of facilities, including classrooms, offices, bathrooms, common areas, and playgrounds
• Maintain inventory control of all 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 when directed
• Ensure safety and health procedures are followed 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 foreign materials
• Perform daily inspection and grounds-keeping of outside areas, including lawns, landscaped beds, playgrounds, and parking areas
• Notify supervisor of any safety or health issues or concerns
• Assist with moving and/or transporting office and classroom furniture, fixtures, supplies, and equipment as requested
• Launder clothing and linens in support of classroom activities
• Assist with classroom supervision as needed
• Set up and tear down for classroom and center activities, training, meetings, recruitment fairs, and special events
• Assist with repair and maintenance of buildings, storage facilities, machinery, and equipment
• Perform other job duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to respond sensitively and competently to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population
• Communicate in writing and verbally in English and Spanish (preferred)
• Ability to 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
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Pass health examination, driving history check, and clear criminal background check
• Confirm work eligibility status
• Required to lift up to 60 pounds
• Required to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children
• Exposure to communicable diseases, hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, and at-risk neighborhoods
• Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train for conferences, meetings, and other duties; may require overnight travel
• Occasional evenings and weekend work for events such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community events, and field trips

Additional Notes

INK requires all employees to receive an annual Influenza vaccination or obtain an approved exemption as a medical or religious accommodation. Proof of vaccination or exemption is a condition of employment.