Jobs

Project NOW employs approximately 130 people in Rock Island, Mercer, and Henry Counties in Illinois. If you are interested in seeking employment opportunities at Project NOW, please send us your application and resume, or come in to one of our locations to fill out an application in person. You can email your resume and application to: amishra@projectnow.org. You will be contacted by Human Resources if you are selected for an interview. Due to the high volume of applicants, we are not able to personally contact each applicant. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and we participate in E-Verify.

Download our Job Application Here (PDF)

Job Title: Head Start Manager
Department: Head Start

SUMMARY: Functions as a member of the Head Start team to provide comprehensive services in accordance with all regulations and program requirements. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES includes the following.  Other duties as assigned. 

• Provides leadership in a team environment, including recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training of staff.
• Collaborates with staff and management team in providing high quality comprehensive services.  Oversees all risk management.  Oversees maintenance and repair of facilities, vehicles and other agency property.  Monitors meetings and trainings for staff and families.
• Coordinates with management team in preparation of reports, analyzing data and identifying solutions in a timely manner.  Tracks and ensures comprehensive services are provided to all families.  Oversees accurate documentation for child, family, and support services.  Utilizes database for recording and reporting data, including monthly reports.  Monitors budget by tracking expenditures and recommending budget of content areas; assists in development of grant applications.
• Oversees all family services to ensure quality services are provided to all families in a timely manner.  Puts systems in place so that effective communication occurs between families, staff and community services.  Oversees development and presentation of parent orientation, committee meetings, trainings, and other family events in content areas.  Provides support in referrals and follow-up on services.
• Actively participates in management team by attending program-planning meetings; ensuring systems are in place for implementation of program activities.  Maintains connections with LEA in geographical area, as well as other community services and organizations.  Advocates for families; obtains and maintains service agreements; develops new partnerships to benefit Head Start families.
• Ensures recruitment of children in Head Start by developing and producing advertising and other materials and collaborating with public schools.  Monitors door-to-door recruitment in service area, posting and distributing recruitment materials, setting up registration sites, and other activities.  Oversees collection of registration documents and processing of applications.
• Program Content Area Expert in areas assigned by Head Start Director, which may include one or more of the following:  Volunteers/In-Kind, Transportation, School Readiness, Nutrition/Food Program, Health, Mental Health, Disabilities, Professional Development, Family/Community Engagement, ERSEA, Facilities, and other required program initiatives.
• Requires a background of working with children, families and low-income groups.  Requires the ability to travel area-wide, and to access classroom sites and family homes.  Requires ability to travel overnight for training and agency representation at professional meetings. 
• Requires minimum age of twenty-one (21) years to comply with regulations.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, families, and the general public.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Requires ability to pass a medical examination, certifying freedom from communicable disease upon offer of employment.
• Requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and proof of insurance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, with the exception of the ERSEA Manager who oversees the Health Content Area Specialist. Manager responsibilities include interviewing and training employees on content areas; planning, assigning, and directing work directly related to content area; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  Requires a Bachelor’s degree with coursework equivalent to a major (minimum of 30 semester hours) in child development or early childhood education with three years full time supervisory work experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee must periodically lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. These physical demands are as with handling children of pre-school age. Environment will be of a normal office environment and normal preschool environment.

Job Title: Bus Driver
Department: Head Start Kewanee
                                               
SUMMARY:  Provides safe transportation services and supports all components of Head Start in compliance with regulatory guidelines and program requirements. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties as assigned.

• Assures that bus is properly inspected and maintained.  Completes daily pre- and post- trip inspection. Assists in scheduling and completing minor repairs.  Schedules and completes regular maintenance and cleaning.  Keeps accurate records on bus usage. 

• Works cooperatively with monitors and other program staff and volunteers to ensure that all passenger boarding, seating, riding and exiting the bus are done in safe and appropriate manner.  Ensures that procedures for special needs passengers are followed along with proper equipment and restraints.  Ensures proper discipline techniques are used on the bus.

• Knows and follows Risk Management and other procedures in case of an accident.  Performs regular Evacuation Drills with all passengers as required by regulatory agencies.
• Ensures timely transportation of all passengers to and from daily routes, field trips, parent meetings and other special activities.  Assists with establishing transportation routes.
• Provides meal service transportation and delivery, as needed.  Ensures compliance with all procedures, rules, regulations and adhering strictly to infection-control policies and protocols.  Maintains all foods in safe and sanitary condition; returning used dishes to the kitchen of distribution.  Loads food and containers, directing helpers to ensure that all food and beverage items are ready for transportation. Assists at site with meal service and child services, as needed.
• Assists with planning, set up and completion of periodic driver and monitor training.  Participates in in-services and other required training.  Assists in recruitment of children in Head Start. 
• Must be able to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few variables in different situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:   This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Requires the ability to pass a medical examination certifying you to be physically able to drive a school bus and free from communicable disease.  Requires the possession or attainment of a valid Illinois Commercial Driver's license (CDL) and current Illinois School Bus Driving permit.  Requires submission to initial and random periodic drug and alcohol testing. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to finger, handle and feel.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.  Requires the physical ability to sit for long periods of time in a vehicle.  While performing the duties of this job, employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in work environment is usually moderate.

Job Title: Classroom Aide
Department: Head Start

SUMMARY Works cooperatively with teaching and family service team to plan and provide daily early childhood education program at a center site.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Functions as a member of the Head Start team to provide comprehensive services in accordance with all regulations and program requirements. Other duties as assigned.  

• Works cooperatively with teaching and family service team to plan and provide daily early childhood education program at a center site. Follows proper procedures in the safe and healthy care of children, including those with special needs. Assists in individualization, observation and evaluation of each child.
• Maintains a safe, healthy learning environment. Works cooperatively with other staff and managers to conduct daily safety of site and daily health checks of children. Assists with meal service, sanitation and cleaning of site. Complies with all Risk Management procedures; assists with regular fire drills and tornado drills.
• Assists in maintaining regular communication with parents and actively encouraging parent participation. Assists in encouraging parent volunteers for all program areas, meetings and other activities. Assists in generating referrals for services for families and children as appropriate. Assists in training center volunteers on center routines, discipline, and activities.
• Participates in supervisory meetings, center team meetings, in-services, visits, conferences, planning sessions, and staffings for the children and families as needed. Assists in planning parent training and educational experiences for home visits and in the center. 
• Assists in recruitment of children in Head Start by collaborating with public school registrations, developing and producing advertising and other materials, going door-to-door in service area, posting recruitment materials, distributing flyers, setting up registration sites, and other activities. Assists recruitment team in helping potential candidates gather registration documents, and assists in processing applications.
• Maintains records and submits all required reports, forms, records and expenses on time. This includes inventories, lesson plans, meal service records, child observations and assessments, In-Kind forms, homework/activity reports, updates to child records, home visit reports, referrals, follow-ups and other family records. Assists in maintaining a classroom bulletin board containing all required postings for review.
• Takes role of Assistant Teacher/Advocate in that person's absence.
• Requires minimum age of eighteen (18) years to comply with regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, families, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Must have valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  Requires a high school diploma or GED and experience with preschool-aged children.  Must be willing to attend college courses in child development or early childhood education and special needs and/or complete coursework for Child Development Associate (CDA) certification within 2 years.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee must periodically lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. These physical demands are as with handling children of pre-school age. Environment will be of a normal office environment and normal pre-school environment.

Job Title: Meal Site Monitor
Department: Senior Services

SUMMARY: Oversee the day-to-day activities at the meal sites.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Open site and make preparations to serve the meals.
• Recruit, organize and supervise volunteers to assist in the operation of the meal site.
• Promote meal site in community & recruit customers.
• Monitor supplies on hand and reorder when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of those who attend the meal site on a daily basis.
• Count daily donations, make deposit and send in weekly accounting reports.
• Make daily reservations with the caterer.
• Take daily reservations and get client signatures when meals are served.
• Attend monthly Meal Site Monitor and Menu Planning meetings.
• Will learn proper portion control.
• Will be trained to understand and adhere to all procedures including participant confidentiality, complaints and suggestions.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.  Must have good verbal communication skills
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
• Must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license and proof of insurability.
• Must become certified in first and CPR within 6 months of employment.
• Must pass the State of Illinois Department of Public Health Food Service Sanitation Certification Exam within 6 months of employment.
• Must stay current with first aid, CPR training, and Food Service Sanitation Certification.
• Ensure proper handling of food and keep a safe and sanitary meal site at all times.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
May supervise 2 or more volunteers in the Meal Site Program in accordance with the organization's policies.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  While serving food and assisting clients at the meal sites, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and associated with a restaurant environment.  Also will be working around hot and cold foods and must practice good safety habits

Job Title: Program Assistant
Department: CSBG

SUMMARY Provide assistance and support to Department Head across a variety of program content areas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties as assigned.

• Assist other program staff with program guidelines and act as backup for receptionist when needed.
• Verify/certify that files are complete and do data entry as needed.
• Prepares bills for payment, purchase orders, and other vouchers as needed.

• Assist with intake and referral of customers as requested.

• Must have a working knowledge of program guidelines.
• Interacts with and assists other staff in the completion and compilation of paperwork, updating of forms, collecting information and communicating with them regularly on various program issues.
• Perform general clerical duties, which may include taking meeting minutes, maintaining department calendar and assisting in the preparation of all monthly and annual reports and other documents as needed
• May be directed to perform data entry and all related functions as it pertains to program guidelines.  Must have a working knowledge of computer programs including Excel and Word and a willingness to learn more.
• Must attend meetings and trainings as required.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Must have good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have basic mathematical skills and be able to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and, percentages.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• May be required to drive.  Must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, and proof of insurance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Must be proficient in the use of 10 key, keyboard, and other office equipment.  Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Windows and Office software

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and listen.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds as it relates to the office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet as generally associated with an office environment.

Job Title:  Head Start Site Supervisor
Department: Head Start

SUMMARY :  Functions as a member of the Head Start team to provide comprehensive services in accordance with all regulations and program requirements.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties as assigned 

• Maintains a safe, healthy learning environment.  Works cooperatively with staff to conduct daily safety checks of site and daily health checks of children.  Follows proper procedures in the safe and healthy care of children, including those with special needs.  Works with staff to ensure continuity of curriculum and a high standard of quality in classroom.  Oversees food service at center to assure children are served healthy, nutritious meals.  Complies with Risk Management procedures; conducts regular fire drills and tornado drills.  Serves as center contact person for licensing.

• Upholds all policies including Project NOW Employee Handbook, DCFS licensing standards, Head Start Performance Standards, USDA and Food Sanitation policies at all times.  Educates/mentors staff regarding policy and holds staff accountable for following policies.

• Recruits children in Head Start by collaborating with public school registrations, developing and producing advertising and other materials, going door-to-door in service area, posting recruitment materials, distributing flyers, setting up registration sites, and other activities.  Works with potential candidates in gathering registration documents and processing applications.
• Maintains regular communication with families, staff, supervisor and community in a variety of ways including verbal and written.  Use technology to facilitate efficient communication.  Maintains an electronic calendar shared with management.
• Assures all families have an opportunity to participate in all Head Start program activities.  Ensures quality services are provided to all families in a timely manner.   Ensures center volunteers are trained on center routines, discipline, and appropriate activities. Participates in parent orientation, committee meetings, trainings, and other family events.  Arranges transportation and childcare for meetings, referrals and other program activities. 
• Submits all required reports and other paperwork to supervisor in a timely manner.  Includes classroom and site inventories, supply requisitions, accident/incident reports, medication and allergy documentation, transportation reports, food service paperwork, licensing applications, regulatory inspection documentation, referrals, follow-ups and other family records.  Maintains complete and accurate records of all children and staff at center with duplicate submitted to main office for file.
• Conducts planning sessions, and staffing for children and families.  Takes leadership role in program activities and staff scheduling.
• Attends meetings as requested.
• To perform all duties and responsibilities of Teacher/Advocate position, including filling in for staff as needed.
• Requires the ability to travel area-wide, and to access classroom sites and family homes. 
• Requires minimum age of twenty-one (21) years to comply with regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports/correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of families/employees.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Requires the ability to pass a medical examination, certifying freedom from communicable disease upon employment offer.
• Requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation and proof of Insurance

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Collaborates with staff and management team in providing high quality comprehensive services to families. Functions as a contact person at assigned site and provide guidance to site in the absence of Program Supervisor.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  Requires a Bachelor's degree in child development or early childhood education with 2 years' experience in Head Start or other early education/family services, or a Bachelor's degree with coursework equivalent to a major (minimum of 30 semester hours) in child development or early childhood education plus 2 years' experience in Head Start or other early education/family services.

Job Title:   Executive Administrative Assistant
Department:  Administration  

SUMMARY: To perform Executive Administrative duties for the Executive Director. Perform general office functions and related work required. Interact administratively with a variety of persons, including Agency staff, Board members, funders, and general public.   Custodian of official agency records of confidential nature.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties as assigned.

• Serve as point of contact for Board Members.  Prepare and mail packets for various meetings of Project NOW's Board of Directors including monthly Board Meeting, Finance Meeting, Planning & Evaluation Meeting, Personnel and Nominating Committee Meetings.  Contact members the day prior to each meeting as a reminder.  Attend the above meetings as requested by the Executive Director and prepare meeting minutes.
• Screen incoming calls and correspondence and respond independently when possible. May receive and screen office visitors, telephone calls and emails. May receive, screen, and refer citizen/customer complaints as needed.
• Arranges programs, events or conferences by arranging for facilities and caterer, issuing information or invitations, running Power Point demonstrations, coordinating speakers, and controlling event budget. 
• Must be able to multi-task, readily shifting between vastly varied tasks. 
• Notarize necessary documents requiring Notary Public Association of Illinois Certification, and/or ability to obtain one.
• Strong written communication skills required to prepare and distribute records such as agendas, notices, minutes, and resolutions for Agency meetings.  All meeting minutes are completed and returned to the Executive Director within 2 days of the meeting.
• Take and transcribe dictation and compose and prepare confidential correspondence, reports and other documents. Type letters, statements, spreadsheets as well as a narrative and statistical reports.  Prepare correspondence and reports, with some direction, for supervisor's signature.
• Must exercise sound judgment and discretion with respect to matters of administrative significance.  
• Strong organizational skills and confidentiality skills are essential. Attend Confidential Meetings as required.
• Must maintain confidential nature of corporation activities, records and information.
• Assists in investigation and fact gathering as requested on employee matters and responds to unemployment claims.
• Act as custodian of corporate records and documents.  Files documents as needed including HR documentation.
• Assist Executive Director with marketing efforts of Project NOW including preparation and distribution of materials such as press releases, newsletters, flyers, brochures and Annual Report.  Updates Project NOW website & social media..
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skill set with various persons including Staff, Board Members, Vendors and Community Members.
• Create and maintain databases, spreadsheets, and files for the Executive Director.
• Maintain incoming and outgoing fax activity for the agency.  Serves as point of contact for phone related issues.
• Prepare correspondence and reports, with some directions, for supervisor's signature.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• May provide coverage in other work areas as requested by the Executive Director.
• Open and stamp incoming mail, stamp via postage meter all outgoing mail, code to proper departments and record all outgoing mail.  Copy all incoming checks and stamps for deposit.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers and employees of organization.
• Ability to add, subtract and multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals, compute rate, ratio and percent and draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Must have a dependable vehicle, valid driver's license and proof of insurability.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) plus 3 years relevant experience; or AA Degree and three or more month's related experience and/or training. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Notary Public Association of Illinois Certification desired.

PHYSICAL and WORK ENVIRONMENT:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk listen, type, and write.  The employee is occasionally required to stand.  The employee will be required to use telephones and computers frequently. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds associated with the office environment.  The noise level is quiet as it relates to the office environment.

Job Title: Maintenance Specialist
Department:Property and Assets 

SUMMARY: Responsible for the overall maintenance, physical condition, presentation and readiness of all Project NOW agency facilities and customer rental units prior to and during occupancy. Serve as point of contact for a variety of tenants and vendors, and expected to facilitate a variety of demands.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties as assigned.

• Responsible for maintaining safe agency facilities and customer rental units, organizing repairs as needed.
• Must be able to prioritize tasks and assignments for self and crew.
• Must have basic carpentry skills to make repairs or corrections to structural problems.
• Must have basic heating, air conditioning and ventilation skills to diagnose and correct problems.
• Must have landscaping knowledge to perform or supervise lawn and landscaping functions.
• Must have plumbing skills to install, change or repair fixtures, water and waste lines.
• Must have skills to repair or install floor and floor coverings, occluding vinyl, ceramic and carpeting.
• Responsible for installing/repairing screens, windows and mirrors; installing new conduit and wiring; performing emergency roof repairs and permanent roof repairs.
• Must have electrical skills to diagnose and correct problems or make appropriate referrals to contractors.
• Must have general construction skills to make installation or repairs as needed.
• Must have general mechanical knowledge to maintain and repair vehicles.
• Requires knowledge of the proper and safe use of power tools.
• Must be able to properly fill out all required paperwork and reports as requested, as well as the ability to read a variety of instructions and technical material.
• Must have valid driver's license, dependable vehicle, and proof of insurance.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  High school diploma or GED and five years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess strong people skills and ability to work with people of a diverse background.

Physical Demands: Demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands include: being on foot, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and climbing stairs and ladders, pushing or pulling, reaching above shoulder height, grasping, gripping, turning, lifting and carrying up to 100 pound items; performing general and detail observations; working above ground height; using finger dexterity, operating equipment or tools and following instructions. While performing duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as associated with tool operation.

Job Title: Teacher/Advocate 1 (Center Based)
Department: Head Start

SUMMARY:  Functions as a member of the Head Start team to provide comprehensive services in accordance with all regulations and program requirements. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties as assigned.

• Works cooperatively with teaching team to plan and provide daily early childhood education program at a center site.  Follows proper procedures in the safe and healthy care of children, including those with special needs. Works with a 10-12 child caseload in individualization, observation and evaluation of each child.
• Maintains a safe, healthy learning environment.  Works cooperatively with other staff and managers to conduct daily safety checks of site and daily health checks of children.  Ensures meal service, sanitation and cleaning of site.  Complies with all Risk Management procedures; conducts regular fire drills and tornado drills.
• Teachers also filling the Advocate role due to shorter class times will have the following additional responsibilities: Assists parents in developing a Family Service Plan/Family Partnership Agreement with goals to accomplish during the Head Start year.  Works with families to develop a list of community services and to make all appropriate referrals, including locating a source of primary health care and other services.  Plans and conducts a minimum of two home visits with each family per program year.  Provides parents with handbook, social services directory and other materials.  Provides parent training and educational experiences on home visits. Maintain accurate records of home visit activities, submit home visit reports.
• Maintains regular communication with parents and actively encourages parent participation.  Encourages parent volunteers for all program areas, meetings and other activities.  Routinely attends parent activities.  Trains center volunteers on center routines, discipline, and activities.  Provides parents with handbook, social services directory and other materials. 
• Participates in supervisory meetings, center team meetings, in-services, visits, conferences, planning sessions, and staffings for the children and families as needed.  Provides parent training and educational experiences in the center.  Takes leadership role in parent activities in the absence of Program management. 
• Assists in recruitment of children in Head Start by collaborating with public school registrations, going door-to-door in service area, posting recruitment materials, distributing flyers, setting up registration sites, and other activities.  Works with potential candidates in gathering registration documents and processing applications.

• Weekly Responsibilities:   Submit lesson plans to Education Manager for review. Attendance and Child/Parent sign-in/out form submitted to HS office. In-Kind and activity sheets submitted to Office Manager.

• Monthly Responsibilities:   Participate in monthly fire and tornado drills. Submit USDA Meal Participation form to HS Office Manager. Submit end of month report and emergency light/exit checklist to HS office.
• Requires the ability to travel area-wide, and to access classroom sites and family homes to provide visits with the families.
• Requires minimum age Twenty-one (21) years to comply with regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, families, staff and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Requires ability to pass a medical examination, certifying freedom from communicable disease upon offer of employment.
• Requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of agency requirements for automobile insurance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  Requires an Associate's degree with a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours in child development or early childhood education and 2 years full time early education experience, plus ability and willingness to take courses every semester towards a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours in early education or related field.  
PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. These physical demands are as with handling children of pre-school age.  Environment will be of a normal office environment and normal pre-school environment.

Job Title: Assistant Teacher/Advocate 1 (Center Based)
Department: Head Start                                                                       

SUMMARY:  Functions as a member of Head Start team to provide comprehensive services in accordance with all regulations and program requirements.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES includes the following.  Other duties as assigned. 

• Works cooperatively with teaching team to plan and provide daily early childhood education program at a center site.  Follows proper procedures in the safe and healthy care of children, including those with special needs. Works with a 10-12 child caseload in individualization, observation and evaluation of each child.
• Maintains a safe, healthy learning environment.  Works cooperatively with staff to conduct daily site safety checks and daily child health checks.  Assists w/meal service, sanitation and cleaning of site. Complies with Risk Management procedures.
• Assistant Teachers also filling the Advocate role due to shorter class times will have the following additional responsibilities: Assists parents in developing a Family Service Plan/Family Partnership Agreement with goals to accomplish during the Head Start year.  Works with families to develop a list of community services and to make all appropriate referrals, including locating a source of primary health care and other services. Plans and conducts a minimum of two home visits with each family per program year.  Provides parents with handbook, social services directory and other materials.  Provides parent training and educational experiences on home visits. Maintain accurate records of home visit activities, submit home visit reports.
• Maintains regular communication with parents and actively encourages parent participation.  Encourages parent volunteers for all program areas, meetings and other activities.  Routinely attends parent activities.  Assists in training center volunteers. 
• Participates in supervisory meetings, center team meetings, in-services, visits, conferences, planning sessions, and staffings for the children and families as needed.  Provides parent training and educational experiences in the center.  Takes leadership role in the classroom in the absence of the Teacher/Advocate.
• Assists in recruitment of children in Head Start by collaborating with public school registrations, going door-to-door in service area, posting recruitment materials, distributing flyers, setting up registration sites, and other activities.  Works with potential candidates in gathering registration documents and processing applications.

• Weekly Responsibilities:   Submit lesson plans to Education Manager for review. Attendance and Child/Parent sign-in/out form submitted to HS office. In-Kind and activity sheets submitted to Office Manager.

• Monthly Responsibilities:   Participate in monthly fire and tornado drills. Submit USDA Meal Participation form to HS Office Manager. Submit end of month report and emergency light/exit checklist to HS office.
• Maintains accurate records of center and home visit activities and submits all required reports, forms, records and expenses on time.  This includes inventories, child observations and assessments, updates to child records, home visit reports, referrals, follow-ups and other family records.  Assists in maintaining a classroom bulletin board containing required postings.
• Requires minimum age Nineteen (19) years to comply with regulations.
• Requires the ability to travel area-wide, and to access classroom sites and family homes to provide visits with the families.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, families, staff and the general public.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Requires ability to pass a medical examination, certifying freedom from communicable disease upon offer of employment.
• Requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of agency requirements for automobile insurance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  Requires a high school diploma or GED, plus a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and 2 years full time experience; or a high school diploma, 2 years full time experience and ability to complete CDA within 2 years.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. These physical demands are as with handling children of pre-school age. Environment will be of a normal office environment and normal pre-school environment.

Job Title:   Family Service Worker (Henry/Mercer County)
Department:  Head Start

Summary:  Functions as a member of the Head Start team to provide comprehensive services in accordance with all regulations and program requirements. Includes the following and other duties as assigned.

• Functions as a member of the center team to facilitate communication and smooth operation of parent activities. Supplies parent with Parent Handbook/Social Service Directory and other notices, informing parents of program activities and assists in production of center newsletter.
• Develops familiarity with community agencies and resource persons.  Make appropriate referrals as needed, assists other staff to make and record referrals.
• Conducts regular home visits (minimum of 2 per year) with parents, setting family goals and assisting parent in achieving them, follow up on needs, providing case management and parent trainings.
• Participates in monthly Center supervisory team meetings.  Follows up on Family Needs Assessment, applications, transitions and attendance to assure progress of family goals.
• Assists Center Parent Committee chairperson with parent meetings such as parenting sessions, family fun nights and transition activities.  Attends all parent meetings at assigned site(s), providing what assistance is requested.
• Arranges transportation and babysitting for all meetings, referrals, and other program activities, including in-kind forms, activity sheets, updates to child records, referrals and follow ups, family service plans and other documents.
• Initiates the recruitment, enrollment, and encouragement of parent involvement in all areas of Head Start.
• Works with all families in acquiring a primary health care source and assuming responsibility for family needs.
• Provides input to the Social Service/Parent Involvement/Community partnerships along with the Family Engagement for the annual plan update.
• Assists parent to develop a Family Engagement Outcome, Family Partnership Agreement and Attendance Plan/Transition with goals to accomplish during the Head Start year.
• Maintains accurate documentation for all children and families information; utilizes database for recording and reporting data.
• Submits reports and required forms to Program Supervisor and or Manager on time, including parent meetings, center team meeting and parent committee meeting agendas with minutes attached.
• Communicates with office staff regarding updated information from individual child health records.
• Transports families to and from medical/dental appointments as needed.
• Helps families with a smooth transition into public schools or Head Start.
• Requires the ability to travel area-wide to access classroom sites and family homes to evaluate visits with families.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; speak effectively before groups; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Assists in organizing and participates in parent orientation for assigned center(s).  Collaborates with teaching staff on the parent bulletin boards at the center(s).
• Requires the ability to pass a medical examination, certifying freedom from communicable diseases upon offer of employment.  Requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of agency requirements for automobile insurance.  Requires minimum age 21 years to comply with regulations.

Education and/or Experience:  Requires a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification or ability to complete CDA within 18 months of hire and 2 years' full time experience in Early Childhood, Family Services or related field.  An Associate's degree in Social Work or Early Childhood education is highly preferred.

Job Title: Cook (Kewanee)
Department:  Head Start

Summary:  Functions as a part of the meal service team for the site(s) assigned and is responsible for food service in compliance with all regulatory guidelines and program requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties as assigned.

• Responsible for meal preparation and service at assigned center site(s) by completing daily and weekly checklists. Assures preparation of healthy, nutritious meals in a safe and sanitary manner.  Follows proper food sanitation procedures to assure safety of foods served and stored.
• Works cooperatively with other staff and managers to provide food service at assigned center site(s).  Assists with meal service and child services, as needed.  Complies with all Risk Management procedures; participates in regular fire and tornado drills.
• Maintains a safe, healthy work environment, overseeing cleaning of food service areas on a daily basis.  Washes dishes following proper sanitation procedures.  Ensures that equipment and appliances are well maintained, conducts monthly safety checks of all appliances to ensure safe operation.
• Accepts and reviews deliveries; stores promptly.  Utilizes First In/First Out method in food storage and use.
• Ensures transport of food to assigned center site(s), maintaining proper temperature and sanitation conditions.
• Assists with menu planning, providing suggestions and making written changes on menu when they occur.  Prepares grocery list/supplies for purchasing each week based on menu and inventory.  Ensures food and supplies are ordered and stored in a timely manner.

Education and/or Experience:  Requires a high school diploma or GED and Food Service Sanitation certification, or ability and willingness to complete GED and courses in food service and sanitation.

Job Title: Family Service Worker (2 openings Rock Island County)
Department: Head Start
SUMMARY: Functions as a member of the Head Start team to provide comprehensive services in accordance with all regulations and program requirements. Includes the following and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties as assigned.

• Functions as a member of the center team to facilitate communication and smooth operation of parent activities. Supplies parent with Parent Handbook/Social Service Directory and other notices, informing parents of program activities and assists in production of center newsletter.
• Develops familiarity with community agencies and resource persons.  Make appropriate referrals as needed, assists other staff to make and record referrals.
• Conducts regular home visits (minimum of 2 per year) with parents, setting family goals and assisting parent in achieving them, follow up on needs, providing case management and parent trainings.
• Participates in monthly Center supervisory team meetings.  Follows up on Family Needs Assessment, applications, transitions and attendance to assure progress of family goals.
• Assists Center Parent Committee chairperson with parent meetings such as parenting sessions, family fun nights and transition activities.  Attends all parent meetings at assigned site(s), providing what assistance is requested.
• Arranges transportation and babysitting for all meetings, referrals, and other program activities, including in-kind forms, activity sheets, updates to child records, referrals and follow ups, family service plans and other documents.
• Initiates the recruitment, enrollment, and encouragement of parent involvement in all areas of Head Start.
• Works with all families in acquiring a primary health care source and assuming responsibility for family needs.
• Provides input to the Social Service/Parent Involvement/Community partnerships along with the Family Engagement for the annual plan update.
• Assists parent to develop a Family Engagement Outcome, Family Partnership Agreement and Attendance Plan/Transition with goals to accomplish during the Head Start year.
• Maintains accurate documentation for all children and families information; utilizes database for recording and reporting data.
• Submits reports and required forms to Program Supervisor and or Manager on time, including parent meetings, center team meeting and parent committee meeting agendas with minutes attached.
• Communicates with office staff regarding updated information from individual child health records.
• Transports families to and from medical/dental appointments as needed.
• Helps families with a smooth transition into public schools or Head Start.
• Requires the ability to travel area-wide to access classroom sites and family homes to evaluate visits with families.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; speak effectively before groups; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Assists in organizing and participates in parent orientation for assigned center(s).  Collaborates with teaching staff on the parent bulletin boards at the center(s).
• Requires the ability to pass a medical examination, certifying freedom from communicable diseases upon offer of employment.  Requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of agency requirements for automobile insurance.  Requires minimum age 21 years to comply with regulations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Requires a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification or ability to complete CDA within 18 months of hire and 2 years' full time experience in Early Childhood, Family Services or related field.  An Associate's degree in Social Work or Early Childhood education is highly preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; site; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, as when dealing with pre-school age children.  Work environment as associated with the normal office environment and the pre-school element.

Project NOW is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and PROVIDER

Positions within Project NOW are primarily grant funded and funding decreases can affect our staffing needs.