Teacher's Aide / Food Prep

Who we are looking for: The ideal candidate will be mission-driven with a desire to make a difference for families and communities served by LCS Northwest.
 
The Role: This position serves to support the therapeutic early childhood classroom and Parent Education classes through duties such as meal preparation, classroom assistance and driving.  The ideal candidate will have the ability to work effectively with team members as well as with children.  This is a part-time position working about 20-22 hours per week. Bilingual preferred.
 
Enrollment in the Central Background Registry is beneficial if you are even considering working with children in the State of Oregon, since it will be required before you can start a position. Enrollment is free and it is recommended that you start now as the process can take time. Start enrollment online at: oregonearlylearning.com  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Apply principles of diversity, equity, and racial justice for all families
• Assist Relief Nursery Staff as needed including tasks such as assistance with child guidance and set up and clean-up of classroom
• Menu plan adhering to USDA guidelines, providing detailed menus for each age group to include item and quantity
• Purchase food as needed within budget guidelines for the Relief Nursery classrooms and ongoing Parent education classes 
• Collaborating with Willamina School District Food Services team regarding preparation and delivery of food to the Relief Nursery
• Preparing food for classroom and parent education classes, adhering to USDA guidelines, and dietary restrictions for individual children
• Assist with the transportation of children as needed
• Assist in documenting classroom notes and progress and maintaining daily attendance, status reports, USDA meal counts and all required tracking and reporting forms.
• Provide a calm demeanor in crisis situations
• Maintain open, positive communication and promote individual/group problem solving skills with children, families, co-workers and the community
• Model and encourage direct, professional communication among staff members and facilitate development of a positive staff support network
• Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served
• Attend all-staff meetings, team meetings, other meetings, and trainings as requested by supervisor
• Adhere to guidelines for mandated reporter status
• Complete other tasks as assigned by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 

• Excellent communication skills, written, verbal, and non-verbal
• Ability to work effectively with data and computers systems, work independently, and work closely as a team member
• Ability to adapt, work effectively under pressure, and work with children who have a variety of stresses/challenges 
• Ability to work with parents and their children in a warm, calming, respectful, encouraging and patient manner
• Must be able to work in a multicultural setting
• Requires strict adherence of HIPAA standards in the office workspace to ensure client confidentiality

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED required.  Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, or another related field is preferred.  Ability to attain an Oregon Food Handler’s card and valid Oregon Driver’s License required.
 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: A current clearance from the Central Background Registry.  Ability to obtain current CPR card, Oregon Food Handler’s Card, Annual Mandatory Reporter/Child Abuse, and Neglect training.  Must have a current driver’s license, car insurance, and access to a vehicle.
 
BENEFITS: We offer Vacation Leave, with up to 2 weeks per year (based on hours worked). Up to 2 weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family ( based on hours worked). 10 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year. A 403(b) Retirement plan with matching after meeting eligibility requirements. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you. Mileage and expense reimbursement is also provided.