Preschool Program Specialist

Description

Purpose, Vision, and Value Statement

The Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM) is a faith-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer God’s help, hope, and healing to our neighbors in need. We are proud to have served the Tacoma and Pierce County communities since 1912. For over 100 years we have continued to serve in the name of Christ, while emphasizing the dignity of each person who enters our doors. We value the needs of our immediate community, and continually adapt to the changing needs of those who come to us for help.

We strive to cultivate a culture built on love and truth, where our integrity is never compromised. Our services and programs are continually measured for efficiency and effectiveness, are committed to quality, and operate through a trauma-informed, person-first, and grace-based approach.

Job Purpose

Leads the preschool program for children living at TRM. Develops and implements preschool programming, which will emphasize social-emotional learning, academic progress, and overall wellness. Assists in the provision of trauma-informed, person-first, and grace-based program services to meet the need of all who seek TRM’s care.

Tacoma Rescue Mission Competencies

Client Relationships and Interactions: Connect clients, volunteers, donors, team members, and guests to the mission and vision of The Tacoma Rescue Mission and its programs. Establish rapport and build relationships through effective communication, making all feel understood and valued. Assess needs and share appropriate resources, boosting client confidence in The Tacoma Rescue Mission and its team members.

Creativity and Expansion: Cultivate an environment that constantly seeks growth and adaptation, enhancing services offered. Research and develop new insights and strategies that improve Mission functionality and performance. Embrace the unknown and uncharted territory, pushing limits to increase skill, knowledge, and resources.

Leadership and Culture: Champions the Tacoma Rescue Mission’s core values and pillars, ensuring a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Creates a platform that empowers those within the Mission and the community to establish and take ownership of a culture founded on team, trust, and truth.

Professionalism: Carries the current knowledge and operational skills required to perform well, utilizing best practices and demonstrates the desire to grow professionally. Helps create a safe space for Team Members to hold others accountable for behavior and performance, empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Setting the standard of quality, providing staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Meets parents of new participants and obtains necessary preschool paperwork.
• Offers daily preschool class Monday-Friday and checks in with parents on an ongoing basis.
• Ensures safety and accountability by having two staff always present with children.
• Develops, plans, and implements safe and appropriate preschool program curriculum and activities.
• Updates parents and students on preschool programming, working with the team to create and distribute program calendars.
• Records attendance hours and demographic data. Completes daily and monthly outcome/output reports for youth programs and volunteers.
• Engages with the family to address student progress on a case-by-case basis. Identifies student needs and connects to appropriate resources and providers.
• Completes student assessments and tracks progress.
• Networks and partners with other agencies working with children within the community.
• Supervises volunteers and interns as needed.
• Coordinates and collaborates with TRM staff.
• Facilitates Youth Program policies and supports all youth programming as needed.
• Operates Rescue Mission vehicles in accordance with TRM Policies.
• Assists in cleaning and supplying Youth Program facilities.
• Provides data, photos, and anecdotes for social media and grant-writing/reporting.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support others and ensure an efficient and effective work environment..

Working Conditions

Office and classroom environment. Constantly moving about the classroom. May be required to be outdoors in inclement weather and work irregular hours to coordinate activities for the youth.

Schedule and Work Location

Schedule: *This is a part-time position working 29 hrs a week

Monday-Friday 8am-1:30pm

Primary Location of Work:

Adams Family Campus

Requirements

• Degree or certificate in Early Childhood Education or related field, or equivalent experience of 3 years.
• Experience working with children and serving alongside marginalized communities required.
• Experience working in a setting utilizing a trauma-informed approach preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment using effective and thoughtful interactions and communication.
• Skilled in clear and effective written, verbal, and electronic communication.
• Basic operating knowledge of office equipment, computers, and Microsoft Office Suites.
• Washington state COVID-19 vaccination requirement for childcare workers applies to this position. Must provide proof of vaccination or apply for religious or medical exemption.
• Ability to operate TRM vans for the purposes of supporting the needs of the program.
• Valid Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability.
• Acceptable driving record.
• Successful completion of TRM driving test.

Certificates & Licenses

• Degree or certificate in Early Childhood Education preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, classroom materials, etc.
• Frequently moves to respond to urgent situations.
• Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Communicates information and ideas so others will understand. Exchanges accurate information in these situations.
• Observes details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Occasionally lifts up to 50 lbs. to support the safety of children.
• Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions.
• Operates a vehicle (12-passenger van).
• Wears proper PPE (personal protective equipment) when necessary for exposure control.

Benefits

We offer comprehensive benefits:

• Sick Leave Accrual
• Participation in 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Family First Culture

The Rescue Mission is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, national origin, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age.

Please note, applicants should describe their experience meeting minimum qualifications (and preferred qualifications if applicable) in cover letter and resume as part of the application process.

Salary : $19 - $23