Front Desk Receptionist

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Educare DC is growing to serve over 300 children from birth to five years – and their families – through our state-of-the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 24-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal childcare funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Front Desk Receptionist is a highly visible position and is the first point of contact for children, families, and guests. The Front Desk Receptionist is responsible for providing essential front desk duties including greeting all families and guests, answering, and directing phone calls, handling, and assisting with all program related inquiries, and receive and sort daily mail. The Front Desk Receptionist provides clerical support to the Leadership Team and Administrative Coordinator in a fast-paced early childhood environment-serving child (birth to 5 years old) and their families – ensuring that systems of support are functioning in the service of program work.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Receptionist is supervised by the Director of Administration but reports to Administrative Coordinator for daily work tasks.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Welcome Desk / Customer Service

• Welcome families, visitors, and partners.
• Maintain security by following Educare DC procedures; monitoring logbooks, issuing visitor badges, and notifying appropriate staff members when visitors arrive.
• Receive, screen, and direct all incoming calls in a professional manner.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information in relation to the program and/or community.
• Maintain and update all front desk binders and logs.
• Under the direction of the Administrative Coordinator receive and sort daily mail, packages and deliveries ensuring all are received in a timely manner and stored properly.
• Maintain and monitor office supplies at the front desk.

Parent Resource Area

• Maintain the parent resource area tidy and effective by managing computer equipment and printer
• Proactively assist Family Engagement with updating resources flyers and announcements
• Produce/design notices for the Parent Resource area or other communication as directed by the Leadership Team and/or Administrative Coordinator
• Enforce all policies and code of conduct for the parent resource area

Administrative

• Provide back up support to the Facilities team and Administrative Coordinator
• Assists in meeting preparation, mailing and communication on behalf of the school and/or managers
• Assist Leadership team with calendar management: importing all important school calendar dates and holidays into Microsoft Office calendar.
• Assist with inventory, unpacking and organizing school/office supplies
• Support the Educare Team with photocopying, faxing, filing and collating.
• Assist with meetings and events set up and break down
• Keeps computers, copiers, fax machine, and other office equipment in good working condition with supplies
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

• Experience in an early childhood or school environment preferred.
• Proficient with computer applications understanding of Microsoft Outlook, word processing (Microsoft Word), and ability to learn and master other computer technology /software programs as needed. Good command of Internet usage and experience using general business office equipment.
• Excellent verbal (including professional telephone skills) and written English communication.
• Must have excellent communication, writing (includes grammar and punctuation), and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable and able to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and exercise independent judgment in repeated and routine responsibilities and accomplish assignments in a timely manner.
• Organized with attention to details.
• Ability to work in a team environment and communicate appropriately with a diverse staff and external constituents.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure
• Ability to provide support when requested
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Provides departmental support to the Director of Administration and/or Administrative Coordinator to maintain seamless operations of the department.
• Assist with maintaining records associated with the department and communication amongst several department.
• Assists in preparation of department needs, supplies, clerical and administrative tasks.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High School and two (2) years of comparable experience;

Associate degree preferred

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Clearance of background checks as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
• Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
• A biannual physical exam, drug screen, COVID19 vaccine and TB test are required as a condition of continual employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must be able to manually operate a computer and all office equipment including but not limited to multiple phone lines, fax, and copiers.
• Must be able to bend to access files and materials at floor level and use a stool to reach materials on high shelving.
• Must be able to move around the kitchen and use food service equipment.
• Finger dexterity sufficient for typing, filing, handling documents, and other Food Service equipment
• Must be able to clearly hear and understand telephone conversations.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write in fluent English.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds at a time and have sufficient upper body strength to push a wheeled cart with hospitality and office supplies (food, beverages, and copy paper, classroom materials)

About EducareDC

Educare DC is a leading early childhood education source for preparing children for success in school and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and continuous improvement, the Educare DC work environment is safe, fun and challenging. Come join our team and partner with us to provide the highest quality care and education to families.