Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice and throughout Los Angeles County.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through 20+ programs in four pillars of service: Outreach and Engagement, Housing Services, Mental Health, and Education and Vocational Training.  St. Joseph Center serves more than 10,000 people each year. 

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, mental health, and housing assistance is offered through street outreach and 9 service sites throughout Los Angeles County. St. Joseph Center also provides on-site services at five permanent supportive housing developments, and will provide services at an additional six more sites in the coming year.  St. Joseph Center’s total holistic approach to services provide our clients with the help they need to regain their stability.

Under the supervision of the Early Learning Center Director the Associate Teacher/ ELC Receptionist (dual roles) will work as an essential member of the Early Learning Center’s operation.  During peak drop-off and/or pick-up, the Receptionist is responsible for providing a point of contact for walk in traffic, incoming telephone calls, and granting access to the building for enrolled families, staff, and volunteers. As an Associate Teacher, will assist the Lead Teacher in providing a stimulating, safe, and developmentally appropriate educational environment where toddlers and preschool children can develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. This role will help with implementing daily lesson plans for early childhood education classrooms.  Always adhering to professional conduct while carrying out the mission, vision, and values established by agency’s Executive Leadership and Board Members.     

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

 Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Provide general reception duties by greeting all families, children, volunteers and visitors.  
• Answer phone calls, transfer and page staff as appropriate.
• Monitor and report all emergency incidents to the Director and security staff immediately.
• Maintain order and cleanliness of the reception area, report equipment malfunctions in a timely manner.
• Relieve Teaching staff for breaks, lunch, and shift changes.
• Work with small and large groups of children in a variety of age-appropriate developmental activities both indoor and outdoor environment according to the planned schedule
• Uses best practices with the guiding principle of a dual immersion program for children ages 18 months to 5 years old.
• Always adhere to professional conduct, such as proper tone and language use in the classroom, respectful, proper for children, parents and peers always.
• Comply with all State Licensing regulations; provide state mandated reporting, as necessary, to the ELC Director and/or appropriate authorities.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Essential Duties:

• Create and disseminate information about agency programs under the guidance of the Director.
• Maintain visitor logbook.
• Assist in ordering and replenishing classroom and center supplies.
• Support classroom management in accordance with the program philosophy.
• Help with decor, appearance and learning environment of the classroom under the direction of the Lead Teacher and/or Director.
• Supervise children and share responsibility for promoting classroom dynamics.
• Assist with   center activities and with classroom activities and schedule, including:
  • Assist with complete daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of children.
  • Assist with capturing children’s developmental progress.
  • Serve food and participate in mealtime activities.
• Communicate any changes in children’s behavior that might affect their growth and development to the Lead Teacher, and the Director.
• Maintain confidentiality of program participants.
• Participate in all staff training during the year.
• Participate in local community events or meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.  

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Fluency in Spanish/English language required. Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Great problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to exercise mature and professional judgement.
• Must have excellent organizational and office skills and the capability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff.
• Observe, see, hear, and respond to children’s needs, emergencies and conflicts that may occur in the child development center or on the playground.
• Must be a team player with the ability to handle the responsibilities and routine stress often associated with providing childcare services.
• Some knowledge in Creative Curriculum and Reggio Emilia Approach
• Some knowledge of Title 22 Regulations, compliance with all state licensing requirements
• The ability to react calmly and effectively.

Experience:

• Preferred: Minimum of 6 months experience of working with children (0-12 years-old)
• Minimum of 6 months reception desk experience or related experience.

Education:

• Preferred: Enrolled in an associate degree (AA) program in early childhood education, child development or a related field OR
• Preferred (not required): Maintenance of a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit from the State Commission on Teacher Credentialing  

Direct Reports:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. 

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to learn and use ECE program software.
• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Preferred: Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or Child Development Associate Teacher Permit from the State Commission on Teacher Credentialing 
• Preferred: Valid Mandated Reporter certificate (AB 1207)
• Preferred: Valid First Aid and CPR certificate
• Preferred: Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions with valid automobile liability insurance.

Travel Requirements:

• Some travel within the community may be required.
• Possibly for Professional Development

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Special Requirements:

TB Clearance and/or TB Risk Assessment (chest x-rays) every 2 years. Proof of immunity of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Pertussis (DTaP), and Influenza (or statement declining Influenza vaccine).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, bend, kneel, sit, walk, stoop, carry, lift, talk, hear, reach above and below shoulders; use hand and finger dexterity, keyboarding and making and receiving telephone calls. 

Additional demands:

All Teachers must be able to perform the following physical, cognitive, social and mental activities:

• Lift 30 pounds from the floor to a waist-high table when necessary.
• Reach a child 20 to 30 feet away within 30 seconds without endangering the staff person’s health. 
• Crouch to a child’s height, maintain eye contact at the child’s level, sit on the floor and stand tall enough to reach children on the highest piece of equipment.
• Be aware of the cognitive, social and physical needs of children. 
• Communicate verbally in English and Spanish to the degree that child, parents and other staff members can understand and respond. 

EEO:

SJC (St. Joseph Center) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics or status as a veteran. In addition to federal law requirements, SJC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Benefits:

Excellent Benefits package available.

Status: Full-Time/Non-Exempt 

Salary: $36,000 - $38,000/yr

Employment with St. Joseph Center is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume. 

EEO:

St. Joseph Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, status as a veteran and any other characteristic protected by federal law. In addition to federal law requirements, SJC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

St. Joseph center invites you to review the current "EEO is The Law" poster as part of the application process. A link to the current poster is located below. https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/eeo-law-poster