Support Services Specialist

Support Services Specialist at Innovative Network of Knowledge

• Education
  :
  High School diploma or GED, and Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or enrollment in a CDA credential program to be completed within 18 months of hire.
• Experience
  :
  One year of related work experience.

• Protect the physical and mental health and safety of children, ensuring no child is left unsupervised while under our care. (HSPPS 1302.90)
• Implement nutrition services that are culturally and developmentally appropriate, meet nutritional needs, and accommodate special dietary needs and disabilities. (HSPPS 1302.44)
• Ensure facilities, equipment, and materials are kept clean and safe for children’s use in accordance with federal policies and agency protocols. (HSPPS 1302.47)
• Implement hygiene practices that ensure proper toileting, hand washing, diapering procedures, safe food preparation, and handling of blood/body fluids consistent with OSHA standards. (HSPPS 1302.47)
• Follow appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities, including reporting suspected or known child abuse/neglect, supervising appropriately, and upholding conduct standards. (HSPPS 1302.47, 1302.90)
• Support staff development, completing minimum training requirements per state/federal standards, continuing professional development, and staff wellness initiatives. (HSPPS 1302.91, 1302.92)
• Respond to classroom requests for support swiftly, compliant with Office of Head Start and agency regulations.
• Establish regular communication with teachers about student behavior and progress.
• Monitor classrooms to ensure they are free from physical and environmental hazards.
• Report all incidents within program-designated time frames.
• Conduct daily cleaning of facilities: classrooms, offices, bathrooms, common areas, playgrounds.
• Maintain inventory control of cleaning supplies, ordering and receiving supplies.
• Perform or arrange seasonal deep cleaning and maintenance of building interior and exterior.
• Implement hyper‑sanitation protocols when directed.
• Ensure safety and health procedures follow federal and agency policy.
• Prepare and serve classroom meals; assist with family‑style meal activities.
• Wash dishes, pots, pans and utensils using approved sanitation methods.
• Conduct routine inspections and upkeep of interior and exterior areas to ensure safety.
• Inspect grounds: lawns, landscaped beds, playgrounds, parking areas.
• Notify supervisor of any safety/health concerns.
• Assist with moving/transporting furniture, fixtures, supplies, equipment.
• Launder clothing and linens as needed.
• Assist with classroom supervision and set‑up/tear‑down for activities, training, meetings, recruitment fairs, and special events.
• Assist with repair/maintenance of buildings, storage facilities, machinery, equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Respond sensitively to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Communicate in English and Spanish (preferred).
• Maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times.
• Knowledge of INK policies and procedures.
• Organize and prioritize duties in a fast‑paced environment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Pass health examination.
• Confirm work eligibility status.
• Pass driving history check.
  
  Clear criminal background check.
• Lift up to 60 lbs.
• Stand, sit on floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, engage with children.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, etc.

• Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train for conferences, meetings, and duties at distant locations; overnight travel may be required.
• Occasional evenings and weekends for events such as home visits, parent‑teacher conferences, parent committee meetings, community events, field trips.

INK requires all employees to receive an annual Influenza vaccination or obtain an approved exemption as a medical or religious accommodation. Proof must be provided to the new hire.

INK is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We cannot sponsor employment visas at this time.