PROGRAM ASSOCIATE - EARLY RSG - Cherry Park

Metropolitan-Family-Service; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

Metropolitan Family Service is seeking a Ready, Set, Go! Program Associate at Cherry Park Elementary School. You will support day-to-day operations, assist in Parent-Child Interaction Groups, and help plan activities to engage families and children.

You will coordinate volunteers, maintain a safe learning environment, and help with outreach and scheduling while working closely with the Program Site Coordinator to implement RSG! philosophy and equity-focused programming.

Qualifications

• Certification, Associate’s degree, or higher in Early Childhood Education, or 2+ years of classroom experience in Early Childhood Education.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish is required.
• Experience with children ages 0-5 and families in school or community settings.
• Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Support Parent-Child Interaction Groups, including setup and cleanup.
• Assist in planning and co-creating activities with the Program Coordinator.
• Support programming with a health and wellness focus, including physical activity classes.
• Maintain program files and data entry in the agency database (ETO) and coordinate with partners.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Verbal and written communication

Time management

Child development knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education

2+ years of classroom experience with children 0-5

Tools

Google platforms

Canva

ETO database

Job description

Metropolitan Family ServicePosition DescriptionPosition Title: Ready, Set, Go! Program AssociateReports To: Program Site Coordinator– Ready, Set, Go!Location: Cherry Park Elementary SchoolDept/Program: Ready, Set, Go! - e’RSG FTE: .75 FTE (30 hours/week)Status: Non-exemptCreated: September 2026 Job Number: RSGCP0922General Description:Metropolitan Family Service position descriptions are guidelines. They are not intended to identify every task that an employee will be asked to complete. They are intended as a general outline of the essential work responsibilities and qualifications of the position.Agency Culture:We use creative and proactive problem-solving to build and sustain dynamic community-based programs and quality services.We believe in the potential of families and individuals at all life stages and focus on prevention, wellness, and independence.We build strong relationships by collaborating with our funders, partners, and highly trained volunteers, always striving for an extensive commitment to diversity.General Function:Under the supervision of the Program Site Coordinator for the Ready, Set, Go! program, the Program Associate is responsible for providing direct support to the day-to-day operations of the Early Learning and Family Engagement program at Cherry Park Elementary School. The RSG Program Associate will support in-person Parent-Child Interaction Groups (PCIGs), parenting groups, workshops, community events, field trips and activities. This includes taking observations of program participants to aid in lesson planning, leading physical activity classes, maintaining a clean and safe classroom environment, coordinating volunteers, and building trusting relationships with program participants.CollaborationAbility to work and communicate effectively (both in writing and verbally) with a broad range of individuals and groupsAbility to collaborate across all program areas of MFS, as well as with other agencies and partnersAbility and commitment to work effectively in a team-dependent environmentAbility to connect position responsibilities with the agency’s missionProgram ImplementationAbility to effectively manage and maintain confidential and sensitive informationAbility to recognize and respond to critical situations, including adhering to mandatory reporting regulations and responsibilitiesAbility to model appropriate behavior for children and adults, guided by principles of child developmentAbility to work effectively in a team-dependent environmentAbility to manage multiple projects and deadlines successfullyDemonstrated flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and responsibilities based on program and participant needsStrong verbal and written communication skills in a language in addition to EnglishExcellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skillsCommitment to continuous quality improvement and innovationAbility to understand and implement the RSG! philosophy in day-to-day dutiesAbility to provide input to the Program Coordinator regarding programming, classroom environment, and program logisticsTeamworkAbility to work independently and to collaborate with other MFS staff and volunteers and to model effective teamwork skillsAbility to work in collaboration with school staffAbility to collaborate with Reynolds School District departmentsEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupport all needs for Parent-Child Interaction Groups, including set-up and clean-upSupport Parent Education classes in English and SpanishAssist in planning and co-creating activities with the Program CoordinatorSupport development of programming with a health and wellness focus, including physical activity classesSupport daily classroom routines, transitions, and preparation of class invitationsCommunicate program needs, concerns, and updates to the Program Coordinator in a timely mannerComplete assigned program tasks and responsibilities within established timelinesSupport purchasing needs for RSG programming using MFS-provided fundingAssist with communication and scheduling of classes, assessments, and eventsMaintain a high-quality early learning and preschool environment in accordance with Ready, Set, Go! standardsSupport co-planning and facilitation of community outings and events by coordinating with partners and other organizationsAssist with outreach, networking, and recruitment of participants for all RSG programsRecruit and support training and facilitation for program volunteersAttend regular supervision meetings with Program Coordinators, Program Staff, and the agencyOrganize and maintain program files and documentation as requiredMaintain up-to-date data entry in the agency database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO)Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:A minimum of one year working with children and families in the fields of early childhood education, social service, or parenting educationFluency in reading, writing, and speaking in a language in addition to English is requiredExcellent time management and organizational skillsKnowledge of and ability to uphold classroom health and safety standardsAbility to provide strength-based resource and referral services to familiesExperience working in a public school setting and/or with the early learning communityExperience collaborating with a variety of agencies and programsAbility to work independently and collaboratively in a team-dependent environmentAbility to communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals and groupsAbility to maintain appropriate and professional relationships with clients and volunteersValues working in a multicultural and diverse environmentKnowledge and competency in operating a personal computer and telephoneDemonstrated competency in Google platforms, Canva, and database programsStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to manage multiple projects simultaneouslyCORE VALUESEquity & Social JusticeValues working in a multicultural, diverse environmentValues and supports inclusion and program access for clientsSupports agency goals for reducing disparities in outcomes for communities of color and marginalized communitiesAdopts anti-racism approaches to services by understanding and acknowledging systemic and individual racism and privilegeEducation and Experience Requirements:Certification, Associate’s degree, or higher in Early Childhood Education, or a minimum of 2 years of classroom experience in Early Childhood Education (preferred ages 3–5) OR other related educational experienceExperience working in a classroom with children ages 0-5 and their families. Preference for those with certification and/or advanced training in Early Childhood EducationFluency in reading, writing, and speaking in a language in addition to English is required (language: Spanish)Other Requirements:Personal transportation that allows timely travel within the Portland metropolitan area. If using a personal vehicle, the individual must maintain a valid driver’s license for their state of residence, carry personal auto liability insurance, and have a driving record that meets the requirements for coverage under the agency’s auto liability policy.MFS requires all employees and volunteers to complete a criminal background check. We review the results of all background checks individually and consider all of the circumstances of any issues that arise in a background check during the hiring process.Work Environment:Work is performed in a classroom/office environment, at community events, and/or at other locations as deemed necessary. May require occasional early morning, weekend or evening work. Position requires the ability to stand for extended periods as well as sit occasionally on the floor and child-sized chairs. Position requires use of computer, telephone, copier and may require accessing locations by use of stairs.Metropolitan Family Service is committed to building a diverse workforce to broaden and deepen our work in the communities we serve. We strongly urge candidates from communities of color, disability, LGBTQIA2S+, linguistically diverse populations, older adults and military veterans to consider application to our positions. MFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.