Program Support Specialist - Early Childhood in Lebanon, Missouri at Advocates For A Healthy Community Inc.

About Jordan Valley Health:

Jordan Valley Health is a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and families in underserved communities. We provide comprehensive healthcare services including primary medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health. Our mission is simple: Improve our community’s health through access and relationships. By working collaboratively with partners and continually innovating, JVH strives to be a leader in providing essential healthcare for the underserved, ensuring everyone in our community has access to quality healthcare.

Job Summary:

The Program Support Specialist serves as the primary liaison between families, the early childhood program, and Jordan Valley Health This position fosters meaningful relationships with families by conducting developmental conferences, connecting families with community and healthcare resources, and promoting access to medical and dental services. The Program Support Specialist maintains student records, supports licensing compliance, assists with staff development, and provides classroom support as needed. Working collaboratively with the Program Coordinator and Onsite Supervisor, this position plays a key role in ensuring high-quality care, education, and family engagement while supporting the overall success of the program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build trusting, professional relationships with families through consistent communication and support.
• Schedule and facilitate parent meetings to discuss child development, classroom progress, behavioral concerns, and individualized support strategies.
• Partner with teachers to prepare for family conferences and communicate classroom observations.
• Identify family needs and connect families with appropriate community resources and support services when appropriate.
• Provide information regarding available medical, dental, behavioral health, and community resources offered through Jordan Valley Health.
• Determine potential eligibility for sliding fee discounts or Medicaid assistance based on established program guidelines and assist families with the referral process.
• Coordinate appointments with the medical or dental clinic for families who may benefit from financial assistance or healthcare services.
• Encourage preventative healthcare by promoting routine well-child and dental examinations and assisting families in accessing needed services.
• Serve as a welcoming, approachable, and knowledgeable point of contact for families throughout their child's enrollment, fostering strong partnerships that support each child's success.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records within Procare.
• Scan, organize, and file required documentation electronically.
• Document parent meetings, communication, observations, and follow-up plans.
• Track student encounters and maintain appropriate records.
• Assist in ensuring documentation is complete, organized, and audit-ready.
• Monitor and track medical, dental, and vision appointments with Jordan Valley Health.
• Maintain health records and communicate with families regarding missing or upcoming requirements.
• Notify families of illnesses, injuries, or health-related concerns according to program policies.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with state licensing regulations and accreditation requirements.
• Support licensing inspections by ensuring required documentation is current and accessible.
• Provide classroom support as needed to ensure continuity of care and maintain quality learning environments.
• Assist with classroom coverage during staff absences, breaks, or when additional support is needed.
• Mentor and support teaching staff through coaching, modeling best practices, and sharing knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assist with onboarding and training new employees on program expectations, policies, procedures, and classroom best practices.
• Support ongoing professional development by reinforcing licensing standards, curriculum implementation, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist with implementing and maintaining Scholastic programming, including book orders, classroom resources, literacy initiatives, and family engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and Onsite Supervisor to support continuous program improvement.
• Participate in staff meetings, licensing visits, accreditation activities, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the program.

Benefits Overview:

• Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage: Three comprehensive plan options (Buy-up, Base, and High Deductible) through UnitedHealthcare's Choice Plus network, covering various deductibles and out-of-pocket limits. Includes access to telemedicine services via Teladoc.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for employees in the High Deductible Plan with employer contributions and tax advantages.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options for both healthcare and dependent care FSAs, allowing pre-tax contributions for qualified expenses.
• Dental and Vision Coverage: Dental insurance through Cigna’s DPPO network and vision coverage through EyeMed’s Insight network.
• Retirement Plan: Pre-tax and Roth 403(b) retirement plans with a 5% employer match starting after 30 days of employment.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic Life and AD&D insurance provided at no cost, with the option to purchase additional coverage. Long-term and short-term disability insurance are also available.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free confidential support for personal and professional challenges, including counseling and crisis intervention.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Options for critical illness, accident, hospital care, and pet insurance through MetLife.
• Pay on Demand Available

Holidays:

• Nine paid holidays per year.

Health Requirements:

All employees are required to provide proof of vaccination for Flu, Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis (TB) as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter through the JVH career portal at Careers & Education - Jordan Valley. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Jordan Valley Health is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 36 completed college credit hours in Early Childhood Education
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with technology and electronic recordkeeping.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in an early childhood education setting.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience conducting family conferences or parent meetings.
• Knowledge of Missouri childcare licensing regulations.
• Experience with Procare or other childcare management software.