Position Summary
Appalachian Council Head Start is seeking a highly organized and motivated Program Support Specialist to provide cross-functional support in transportation, health and nutrition services, family engagement, staff wellness, and program operations.
This position plays a key role in assisting program specialists with compliance monitoring, workforce development, onboarding and training support, transportation coordination, health and safety initiatives, and family engagement activities across multiple Head Start service areas.
The Program Support Specialist works collaboratively with the Transportation & Facilities Specialist, Health & Nutrition Specialist, Family Services/ERSEA staff, Human Resources, and other program personnel to ensure high-quality services for children and families while maintaining compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Essential Duties
Health and Wellness Support
- Assist with recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and training of Cook staff.
- Support tracking and monitoring of child and staff health requirements.
- Assist with USDA/CACFP compliance and health-related Head Start requirements.
- Coordinate health, wellness, and nutrition education activities for families and staff.
- Monitor health, sanitation, and nutrition supply inventories.
- Assist with health and safety observations and documentation.
Transportation and Safety Support
- Assist with recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and training of Bus Drivers.
- Coordinate CDL training requirements and compliance tracking.
- Maintain transportation documentation and records.
- Support transportation scheduling and communication.
- Assist with safety drills, transportation monitoring, and facility safety initiatives.
- Serve as a substitute Bus Driver as needed to ensure continuity of transportation services.
Family Engagement Support
- Provide onboarding and mentoring support to newly hired Family Service Workers.
- Assist with family engagement activities, community outreach, and parent education events.
- Support consistency of family services practices across program locations.
- Assist families in connecting with community resources and support services.
Training and Professional Development
- Assist with onboarding plans and employee development activities.
- Provide peer mentoring and job-shadowing opportunities.
- Participate in required Head Start training and professional development activities.
- Maintain required certifications and credentials.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree in Health, Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Business, Social Services, Transportation Management, or a related field.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within six (6) months of hire.
- Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within sixty (60) days of hire.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database systems.
- Ability to pass required background checks.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Head Start, family services, transportation, health services, or related human service programs.
- Knowledge of family-centered practices and community resource coordination.
Benefits
Appalachian Council offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, professional development opportunities, and participation in a mission-driven organization serving children and families throughout our communities.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
