Overview
Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council is hiring a full-time (40 hrs/week) Family Advocate/Classroom Aide.
The role is split between:
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Classroom support (approx. 4 hrs/day): Assist teachers and parents in Head Start Pipestone classrooms, help with activities, and support safe transportation of children.
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Family advocacy (approx. 4 hrs/day): Support families’ health, safety, financial stability, and life goals; strengthen parent-child relationships; connect families with community resources; and coordinate services as part of the program team.
Specific Skills
Strong organizational skills with a high attention to details. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual skills are highly preferred, or capacity to work with interpreters. Ability to work effectively with individuals from a variety of economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Adhere to privacy and confidentiality. Familiar with Outlook, Excel, Word. Means of transportation and valid Minnesota Driver’s License and valid vehicle insurance. Able to sit on the floor, lift up to 50 lbs and carry 25 lbs, standing and walking.
Responsible For
Assisting parents and supporting the classroom teacher with various activities. Assisting with the transportation of children to and from the center and on field trips, including helping the driver and adhering to the transportation guidelines. Supporting families’ safety, health, financial stability, life goals, and aspirations; enhancing parent-child relationships and supports parents’ role as the first and lifelong educators of their children; supporting families in using community resources that enhance family well-being and children’s learning and development.
Additional Requirements
Submit a SMOC application to Karie Bursell, HR Director (kbursell@smoc.us). Application forms are available at SMOC, 1106 3rd Avenue, PO Box 787, Worthington, MN 56187 and online at www.smoc.us.
The posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Educational Requirements
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
· High School Diploma or equivalent required
· Infant-Toddler CDA, Family Service Credential, or willingness to obtain within first year of hire is required.
· Growing Great Kids/Growing Great Families certification or willingness to obtain.
· One or more years’ experience working with young children and parents.
· Parent or past parent of Head Start child preferred.
· Have a valid driver’s license and up-to-date insurance on their vehicle (a driver report will be requested with our insurance company).
· CPR/First Aid certified or willingness to obtain
Experience Requirements
One or more years’ experience working with young children and parents.
Salary
Starting hourly rate $17.44-21.80 based on skill, education and experience.
Other Benefits
Benefit package includes PTO, paid holidays, and available health, life, dental and vision insurance.