Child Development Center Administrative & Office Specialist (Portsmouth)

Child Development Center Administrative & Office Specialist (Portsmouth)

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth's Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Tidewater Community College has served South Hampton Roads – both students and employers – for 50 years. It has grown from 1 campus into a regional educational and economic force. TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce services in Hampton Roads, enrolling nearly 25,000 students in 2024-25. Founded in 1968 as a part of the Virginia Community College System, Tidewater Community College (TCC) services South Hampton Roads with 4 campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, 7 regional centers and 2 important cultural institutions. The college had 3,399 graduates in 2024-2025, 40 percent of whom pursued degrees that would let them transfer to 4-year institutions. Of South Hampton Roads residents enrolled in higher education 33% enrolled at TCC. TCC's institutional accreditation is affirmed through 2027 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The Administrative Assistant provides frontline, administrative, and clerical support to childcare operations at the assigned Child Development Center campus and primarily the site Program Director. Also performs administrative support functions and duties College-wide for the Director of Child Development Centers. This position has been designated an essential position. The employee filling this position may be required to report to work or otherwise fulfill the responsibilities of the position in the event of a college/campus closure due to weather or other emergent conditions(s).

Functional Responsibilities:

• Provides front desk coverage, logs children in and out of the facility, and informs and answers questions regarding programs and services, patron financial obligations, attendance, waiting lists, events, and policies and procedures.
• Ensures child registration and enrollment paperwork is complete and current.
• Takes telephone calls and responds to inquiries, referring calls to supervisor or other personnel when appropriate.
• Ensures that all USDA food program records are accurate, up-to-date and readily available.
• Prepares necessary daily, weekly and monthly reports in compliance with reporting policies and procedures and ensures they are submitted in a timely manner.
• Charges and records payments in accordance with proper procedures. Notifies supervisor of all delinquent payments.
• Responsible for monitoring all supplies and resources. Notifies supervisor of items that need to be ordered.
• Interact professionally with employees, parents, and local community members.
• Maintain confidential filing system and records on site and electronically.
• Interacts with children using approved child guidance and age-appropriate techniques.
• Observes program participants for signs that may indicate illness, abuse, or neglect and reports as directed.
• Incumbent is a mandatory reporter to Child Protective Services as prescribed by local policy in the case of suspected incidences of child abuse and neglect.
• Knowledge of childcare operations preferred.

Special Assignments - May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications - Must be at 18 years of age, have fulfilled a high school program completion or the equivalent. Demonstrate skill in problem solving techniques and the ability to apply sound judgment in resolving customer related issues. Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to use proper business phone etiquette and provide superior customer service. Demonstrated knowledge in computer competency to include data entry, database, spreadsheet and word processing programs, internet navigation and searches, and electronic mail. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse public, including ability to draft reports and correspondence. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining harmonious working relationships with internal and external customers. Ability to lift and maintain 40 pounds.