POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

*Note:

For applicants with extensive qualifications and/or years of experience, hiring range may be exceeded with approval. If approval is granted, it will be based upon careful review of the applicant's qualifications, experience, internal equity and budgetary considerations. The final rate approved will typically never be at a rate equal to or above the established midpoint of the pay range for the position.

Community Action Organization reserves the right to modify, interpret or apply this job description as needed. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties (including essential duties), and skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not a contract implied or otherwise and the employment relationship remains at-will. The aforementioned requirements may be subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified persons with disabilities. All positions are contingent upon funding and successful passing of all required background checks, required registry checks, and physical screenings if required.

All staff in positions which regularly require driving either company or personal vehicles while performing work on behalf of Community Action are required to provide Human Resources proof of a valid driver's license for a motor vehicle record check both at hire and annually thereafter. Human Resources will conduct a motor-vehicle record. These records will be held as confidential records in Human Resources. All accidents will be reported to Human Resources within 48 hours.

This job posting is for the 2024-2025 program year and starts on August 26, 2024.

To be eligible to apply for this position, you must be a current active employee of Community Action!

Special Note on Central Background Registry Requirement:

In order to be offered any position within our Head Start program, you must be currently enrolled in Oregon's Central Background Registry. If you are not currently enrolled, you may still be considered for this position, but no offer of employment may be extended to you until this requirement has been completed. For information on how to enroll in Oregon's Central Background Registry, please visit www.childcareinoregon.org or call the Office of Child Care at 1.800.556.6616.

Benefits: All regular full-time (RFT) status positions of 20 hours per week or more year round or part year of .50 FTE or higher are eligible for our outstanding benefits package including:

• Individual Medical with premium covered at 90%
• Free Dental insurance for the employee
• Health care waiving employees are eligible for a health care waiver benefit of $100 per month
• Employer matched retirement dollar for dollar for the first 3%
• Generous paid sick and vacation time
• 13 paid 0bserved holidays
• Free life and long term disability insurance
• Medex travel assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Rich and diverse mission-based working environment
• Possible student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Staff meeting program criteria for use of a second language in their position may apply for and if approved qualify for a bilingual pay benefit of $100 per month

Position Summary:

In support of the Agency's mission and in collaboration with classroom staff, the Classroom Aide is responsible for assisting the classroom teaching team with the implementation of a high-quality preschool program for children that is consistent with Head Start policies and performance standards. Works in collaboration with other classroom staff to provide a high-quality education service in a learning environment which includes meaningful experiences that prepares children ages 3-5 years for success in school environments. The Classroom Aide works with children and parents in a sensitive manner which respects individual differences, cultural backgrounds, and current circumstances.

The Classroom Aide is responsible for serving meals and snacks to children according to the Food Service program Policy and Procedure. Responsibilities also include compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Agency/Head Start Policies and Procedures, Department of Early Learning and Care regulations, and Spark/QRIS standards.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate meal service delivery in accordance with Food Services Policies and Procedures and Department of Early Learning and Care Licensing Rules.
• Work with classroom staff to create a learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging, community, purpose, and agency. The community creates caring relationships that value each member, interacting with and among children and families.
• Use Creative Curriculum to create an environment conducive to learning, reflective of the different stages of child development, responsive to cultural backgrounds, and inviting to children and families. Develop and implement weekly lesson plans; collecting and recording objective child observations; support with the planning and implementation of the curriculum and individualized education services to the children in the class.
• In collaboration with all classroom staff, engage in active supervision of the children in accordance with the Active Supervision Policy and Procedure; ensure the required adult-child ratio is always maintained; and strictly adhere to all safety Policies and Procedures, responding/correcting any at-risk safety issues immediately. Collaborate with the Teacher in using Creative Curriculum to create an environment conducive to learning, reflective of the different stages of child development, responsive to cultural backgrounds, and inviting to children and families.
• Support the Teacher in developing and implementing weekly lesson plans; collecting and recording objective child observations; support with the planning and implementation of the curriculum and individualized education services to the children in the class.
• Provide successful inclusion of children with mental health and/or special needs and work with Early Childhood Special Education staff and partners to identify and provide appropriate services.
• Collaborate with classroom staff to ensure children and families receive comprehensive services from all components within our program in accordance with policies and procedures.

Marginal Functions and Responsibilities:

• Use CLASS observations and feedback to inform teaching practices and enhance child/teacher interactions, as well as identify areas for professional development.
• Bilingual staff may be required to provide interpretation or translation services on occasion.
• Work occasional evenings.
• Complete screenings, assessments, and applications with families as required.
• Attend or participate in home visits as directed.
• Other duties as assigned to meet program and/or business needs.

Required Education/Training/Experience:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to successfully pass applicable background and Oregon Central Background Registry checks prior to new hire processing and beginning actual employment.
• Completion of appropriate Fit for Duty and TB Testing according to Head Start regulations prior to date of hire.
• Access to reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and proof of vehicle insurance.

Preferred:

• Bilingual in English/Spanish, written and verbal.
• Current Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) OR enrolled in a program leading to an associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education OR enrolled in a Child Development Associate credential program (Preschool) to be completed within two years.
• 16 or more hours of volunteer work in a Head Start classroom; or three (3) months or more experience at a community based child care center or home child care center.

Required Licensing or Other Special Certifications:

• Current Oregon Registry Step Certificate (or acquired within 90 days from date of hire).
• Current First Aid/CPR certification (or acquired within 30 days from date of hire).
• Current Oregon Food Handler Card (or acquired within 30 days from date of hire).
• All state licensing requirements for classroom staff (or acquired within 30 days from date of hire).

Required Physical Demands of Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Working conditions include indoor preschool classrooms and periodically in a home setting.
• In a normal workday, may bend, squat, and/or climb frequently. Frequent kneeling, stooping, bending and sitting on the floor or in small chairs.
• Work is light in nature and requires the physical ability to frequently lift and/or carry objects weighing up 40 lbs, and occasionally lift a child with developmental and/or medical needs who may weigh 60 lbs. or more.
• Willingness and physical ability to move quickly to redirect children for the purpose of ensuring a child's safety or the safety of others in the environment and respond appropriately to a crisis situation.
• Working Conditions may include unpredictable situations of child and family behavior, cleaning chemicals, contagious conditions.
• Working with office equipment.
• Driving and riding in motor vehicles.
• In a normal workday, may stand/walk __6_ hrs/day; may sit _2_ hrs/day; may drive __2_ hrs/week; may use hands for repetitive grasping, pushing and pulling, typing and fine manipulation 2__ hrs/day; may use hands at or above shoulder level for _1_ hrs/day.

How to Apply for this Position:

• To be considered we must receive a completed Community Action Employment Application form. You are welcome to also include a cover letter and resume at your option. Transcripts may be required for certain positions. Applications can be completed on our internal website: caowash.org, log into the intranet and follow this link: Community Action Internal Job Application Link

Click Above link to be taken to Internal only posted Community Action jobs.

Be sure to submit your application by April 14, 2024.

All application submissions will be acknowledged with a receipt notification. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you. Only all current Community Action employees are eligible to apply for this position. For current employees, some qualifications may be met by an equivalent combination or education and experience at the discretion of the employer.

COMMUNITY ACTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Community Action is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state equal employment opportunity laws. Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and selection process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.

Note: Community Action Organization reserves the right to modify, interpret or apply this job description as needed. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties (including essential duties), and skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not a contract implied or otherwise and the employment relationship remains at-will. The aforementioned requirements may be subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified persons with disabilities. All positions are contingent upon funding and successful passing of all required background checks, required registry checks and physical screenings if required.

All staff in positions which regularly require driving either company or personal vehicles while performing work on behalf of Community Action are required to provide Human Resources proof of a valid driver's license for a motor vehicle record check both at hire and annually thereafter. Human Resources will conduct a motor-vehicle record. These records will be held as confidential records in Human Resources. All accidents will be reported to Human Resources within 48 hours.