Job Description

The Receptionist serves as the primary point of contact for families, visitors, and staff at the Child Development Center (CDC), creating a welcoming and professional environment while supporting the daily administrative operations of the program. This position is responsible for providing accurate information, managing communications, maintaining organized records, and completing a variety of administrative tasks that contribute to the efficient operation of the CDC. As a highly visible representative of the program, the Receptionist consistently demonstrates The J’s Values through professionalism, attention to details, effective communication, and a helpful, service-oriented approach.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm

Essential Functions

• Serve as a primary point of contact for CDC families, staff, visitors, and members, providing accurate information and direction in person, by phone, and via email.
• Provide administrative support for daily CDC operations, including maintaining records, managing documentation, and completing assigned administrative tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Support program compliance and reporting requirements related to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
• Assist with daily attendance procedures, building access, and established safety and security protocols.
• Coordinate facility maintenance requests, office equipment needs, and supplies to support efficient daily operations.
• Assist with the planning, preparation, and coordination of family events, staff activities, and other special programs.
• Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills while independently managing assigned responsibilities and following through on tasks to completion.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall operations of the Child Development Center.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of experience working in a professional setting
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite
• Able to learn and use a variety of software programs essential to performance of position and use them to work creatively
• Able to learn and share information about J programs, personnel and processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organized, accurate, detail-oriented and understands a sense of urgency
• Ability to learn and implement all safety and security procedures related to front line role
• Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on clear communication and patience
• Keeps confidentiality in all matters
• Able to handle multiple tasks at once and switch gears at times quickly
• Proactive approach to seeking information needed to provide customer service
• Able to discern when and what to share/escalate to other J staff members
• Experience working with children and families is preferred

Physical Requirements

This position primarily works in an indoor, office, desk environment. The job is stationary up to 95% of the time (though standing up as desired is also an option); uses repetitive motions and hand/eye coordination to operate computer, mouse, keyboard or similar equipment for data entry and related daily work. Also includes frequent talking and hearing to communicate with members/visitors as the first point of contact in person or over the phone. Must be able to carry items up to 20 pounds and move about the office to complete daily tasks like making copies, collecting mail and the like.