Our vision is to break the cycle of poverty one neighbor at a time. Through safety-net services and asset building solutions, Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) creates economic mobility opportunities for tens of thousands of people annually through programs such as energy assistance, early education and care, financial empowerment, positive youth development, and career pathways. WCAC serves 45 towns in Central and South-Central Massachusetts with offices located in Worcester, Southbridge, Webster, East Brookfield, and Leicester. We are a team of 145 employees and an annual budget of approximately $30 million. We are committed to a workplace culture with a shared passion for our vision that promotes teamwork, respect, and the opportunity to make a difference.

What we offer:

WCAC provides on-the-job training and professional development opportunities. As well as an excellent benefit package with no waiting period to enroll in health, dental, vision, life/LTD, and 403(b) retirement plan. Generous paid holiday calendar, vacation, personal and sick time. In addition to fair and transparent pay practices, we offer an additional pay differential to bilingual employees. 

Position Summary:

Through our Early Head Start and Head Start Programs, WCAC provides a continuum of early education and care programming for families throughout Southern Worcester County prenatally through kindergarten enrollment. We strive to support positive parent/child interactions through developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities for the whole family to participate in. We offer weekly home visits from prenatal through age three. And then transition to center-based programming for pre-school aged children, helping children learn the kindergarten readiness skills they need to do well in school. Families receive the support they need to meet and advocate for the needs of their children. We currently operate four Head Start Centers in East Brookfield, Leicester, Southbridge, and Webster. The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate program that contributes to children's overall growth, self-esteem, social competence, development and safety of all children. Supervise, train, mentor and evaluate classroom staff. This is a school year position beginning at the end of August through June.

Qualifications:

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At WCAC we are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this position, but don't meet all of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyways. 

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education, social work, human services, or related field required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to learn software and databases used by WCAC.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy. 
• Positive, friendly, and resourceful demeanor required.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Ability to speak Spanish or other languages, a plus.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Job site may change based on program needs.            
• Ability to successfully complete a CORI/SORI/DCF review annually.
• Evening hours may be required to meet the needs of the families and programs.      
• Mandatory physical and evidence of negative Mantoux, required by DEEC. Hepatitis B (optional)
• First Aid and CPR Certificates.

Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental ability, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, membership in the uniformed services or any other classification which is protected under state or federal law.