PROGRAM ASSOCIATE - EARLY RSG - Cherry Park

Metropolitan Family Service; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Family Service is seeking a Ready, Set, Go! Program Associate at Cherry Park Elementary School in Portland, Oregon.

This full-time, day-shift role supports parent-child groups, health and wellness activities, and classroom routines to promote early learning and family engagement. The position requires at least a 2-year degree or equivalent ECE experience, bilingual ability (English/Spanish preferred), strong organization, and the ability to work in a team within a school setting and

Qualifications

• Certification, associate degree, or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years classroom experience in ECE or related setting.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking in a language in addition to English (Spanish preferred).
• Strong time management, organization, and ability to work in a team with school partners.

Responsibilities

• Support Parent-Child Interaction Groups, including setup and cleanup.
• Assist in planning activities with the Program Coordinator.
• Support development of health and wellness programming and classroom routines.
• Coordinate communication and scheduling of classes, assessments, and events.
• Maintain accurate program files and data in the agency database.

Skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Multicultural competence

Written communication

Education

Associate’s degree in ECE or related field

2+ years ECE classroom experience

Tools

Google platforms

Canva

Database programs

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Cherry Park ES - Portland, OR 97216, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 2 Year Degree, Salary Range: $23.67 - $24.38 Hourly, Travel Percentage: Negligible, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services, Metropolitan Family Service

Position Description

Position Title: Ready, Set, Go! Program Associate

Reports To: Program Site Coordinator– Ready, Set, Go!

Location: Cherry Park Elementary School

Dept/Program: Ready, Set, Go! - e’RSG FTE: .75 FTE (30 hours/week)

Status: Non-exempt

Created: September 2026 Job Number: RSGCP0922

General 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.

Collaboration

• Ability to work and communicate effectively (both in writing and verbally) with a broad range of individuals and groups
• Ability to collaborate across all program areas of MFS, as well as with other agencies and partners
• Ability and commitment to work effectively in a team-dependent environment
• Ability to connect position responsibilities with the agency’s mission

Program Implementation

• Ability to effectively manage and maintain confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to recognize and respond to critical situations, including adhering to mandatory reporting regulations and responsibilities
• Ability to model appropriate behavior for children and adults, guided by principles of child development
• Ability to work effectively in a team-dependent environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines successfully
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and responsibilities based on program and participant needs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in a language in addition to English
• Excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement and innovation
• Ability to understand and implement the RSG! philosophy in day-to-day duties
• Ability to provide input to the Program Coordinator regarding programming, classroom environment, and program logistics

Teamwork

• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with other MFS staff and volunteers and to model effective teamwork skills
• Ability to work in collaboration with school staff
• Ability to collaborate with Reynolds School District departments

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support all needs for Parent-Child Interaction Groups, including set-up and clean-up
• Support Parent Education classes in English and Spanish
• Assist in planning and co-creating activities with the Program Coordinator
• Support development of programming with a health and wellness focus, including physical activity classes
• Support daily classroom routines, transitions, and preparation of class invitations
• Communicate program needs, concerns, and updates to the Program Coordinator in a timely manner
• Complete assigned program tasks and responsibilities within established timelines
• Support purchasing needs for RSG programming using MFS-provided funding
• Assist with communication and scheduling of classes, assessments, and events
• Maintain a high-quality early learning and preschool environment in accordance with Ready, Set, Go! standards
• Support co-planning and facilitation of community outings and events by coordinating with partners and other organizations
• Assist with outreach, networking, and recruitment of participants for all RSG programs
• Recruit and support training and facilitation for program volunteers
• Attend regular supervision meetings with Program Coordinators, Program Staff, and the agency
• Organize and maintain program files and documentation as required
• Maintain up-to-date data entry in the agency database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO)

Qualifications: 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 education
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking in a language in addition to English is required
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Knowledge of and ability to uphold classroom health and safety standards
• Ability to provide strength-based resource and referral services to families
• Experience working in a public school setting and/or with the early learning community
• Experience collaborating with a variety of agencies and programs
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-dependent environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups
• Ability to maintain appropriate and professional relationships with clients and volunteers
• Values working in a multicultural and diverse environment
• Knowledge and competency in operating a personal computer and telephone
• Demonstrated competency in Google platforms, Canva, and database programs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

CORE VALUES

• Equity & Social Justice
• Values working in a multicultural, diverse environment
• Values and supports inclusion and program access for clients
• Supports agency goals for reducing disparities in outcomes for communities of color and marginalized communities
• Adopts anti-racism approaches to services by understanding and acknowledging systemic and individual racism and privilege

Education 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 experience
• Experience working in a classroom with children ages 0-5 and their families. Preference for those with certification and/or advanced training in Early Childhood Education
• Fluency 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.

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.