Program Assistant, Metrowest, MA

Home > Program Assistant, Metrowest, MA

Marlborough, Framingham and Waltham Area Schools

Hourly Rate:  $16.25/hr 

Desired Start: September (training) with a program start in October 2024

Benefits:  Employee Leave, 401k, flexibility and countless non-monetary rewards

Schedule, Location(s), and Hours:
Read to a Child is looking for a Program Assistant (PA) who will primarily assist the Program Coordinator on site at Richer Elementary School (80 Foley Rd, Marlborough, MA), to assist in running the on site virtual program and gathering students. Hours are approximately 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. once a week during the school year from October to early June, with training starting in September.  An average of 2-6 total hours per week. 

The PA will also function as a substitute as needed for additional hours for the planned absences of Program Coordinators at any of the other MetroWest Schools in Framingham and Waltham:  Brophy School (575 Pleasant St, Framingham), Harmony Grove School (169 Leland St, Framingham),  Whittemore Elementary School (30 Parmenter Rd, Waltham) and the Stanley Elementary School ( 250 South St, Waltham).

Programs in these locations run on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Additional hours will include on site training at each location and assisting on as needed basis with program start up and end of year activities.

Minimal availability outside of these days and times for data entry, communications and meetings.

Position Overview:

Read to a Child’s Read Aloud Mentoring Program pairs a volunteer mentor with an elementary school student for a rewarding weekly read aloud experience either during the child’s lunch or other non-instructional time. 

The Program Assistant is responsible for working in conjunction with the Program Coordinator to ensure that volunteer mentors, students and school staff have a positive and meaningful experience. Depending on the needs of the school, coordination of the Read Aloud Mentoring Program may be conducted in-person, virtually, or a combination thereof. 

Specific Job Responsibilities Will Include All or Some of the Following: 

  • Assist Program Coordinator to ensure that the program starts and runs smoothly 
  • Communicate regularly with Program Coordinator/s and supervisor as appropriate
  • Provide logistical/technical support with respect to virtual sessions and provide assistance getting kids to and from the reading session. 
  • Assist Program Coordinator with notifying students, teachers, and potentially volunteer mentors of cancellations or schedule changes
  • Facilitate and monitor reading sessions to ensure smooth operation of program 
  • In the school setting, ensure that state and school guidelines for hygiene and safety are followed carefully and that rooms are left clean and orderly 
  • Assist in planning and implementing year-end celebration (in person or adapted for virtual setting), as applicable 
  • Attend required Read to a Child training sessions and meetings 
  • Substitute for Program Coordinator/s as needed 
  • Submit timesheets accurately and on time 
  • Participate in the Performance Evaluation and goal setting process

Key Qualifications:

  • Commitment to Read to a Child’s mission, viability and growth 
  • Experience working with young children 
  • Enthusiastic about children’s books 
  • Communicates well in person and virtually (eg: Zoom and/or Google Meets) 
  • Commitment to actively and continuously working toward achieving the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals 
  • Extremely organized and adept at successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing according to the organization’s strategic plan — with flexibility and a positive attitude 
  • Comfortable working with and hosting group video conference platforms (eg: Zoom and/or Google Meets) and with Email 
  • Access to transportation 

Essential Job Duties For In-Person Positions: The person working in this position will be in a school setting. It involves constant movement throughout the building and designated session areas guiding students to their reading session. Depending on the school, this may require occasionally ascending/descending stairs. It also requires frequent positioning of books and/or program materials of various weights and sizes on a rolling book cart, as well as rolling the book cart to/from various locations within the school.  

Diversity Statement: Read to a Child is committed to providing resources to children most impacted by systemic inequalities. We have faith in our students’ ability to thrive when they are provided with equitable resources and choose to focus on their strengths rather than the barriers they face. We are motivated to continuously act on our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among reading mentors, staff, and board members so as to best reflect and support the students we serve.

To Apply: Send resume & cover letter outlining your suitability to the tasks and schedule outlined above to: alison.gontarz@readtoachild.org

NOTE: Your application will not be considered without a cover letter.