Office Associate

Position Function:The Office Associate position follows clearly detailed specific procedures in completing several clerical steps performed in a prescribed or slightly varied sequence, such as coding and filing documents in an extensive alphabetical file; could involve simple posting to individual accounts, opening mail, calculating and posting charges to departmental accounts, operating basic office equipment, computer programs. Salary Grade: 09 Please see or for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department. Department Profile: Throughout its history, Mississippi State University-Extension (MSU-Extension) has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to programs that directly impact young children and their families. In the past decade, MSU-Extension has distinguished itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education. Area of Specialization: MSU-Extension Head Start Programs - Hancock County Anticipated Appointment Date: October 2025. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: General Staff Responsibilities:• Maintain confidentiality in regards to staff and family information.• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy.• Perform any other work-related duties as requested by your supervisor.• Be present at work in order to provide consistency of services.• Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner.• Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties.• Participates in assigned meetings, events and training as required.• Performs any and all other duties as assigned.Supports accounting operations by collecting receipts, invoices, and statements from vendors and suppliers.• Works with vendors and suppliers to ensure orders are correct and inventoried upon arrival.• Enter the daily attendance into Shine Insight, print reports monthly for the vouchers and consecutive absent reports for the Family Advocates.• Records daily & weekly attendance reports.• Work closely with the Family Advocates and assist them by entering applications into Shine Insight, or any other information related to children’s information including follow up conversations/contacts with parents as they happen throughout the day.• Assist parents with filling out applications and presenting them to the BOE if applicable.• Assist with purchase requests of items needed for center and following chain of command for approval. Basic office help by answering phones, translating for teachers and parents, check mail daily and distribute accordingly, file documents into master binders and child files, greet parents when they come in and assist them when needed.• Type up newsletter, flyers, translations of documents if applicable.• Assists in other center duties as needed.Immediate Supervisor:• Center Operations Coordinator Minimum Qualifications: Education: High School diploma or GED.Experience: Two (2) years' experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.Licensures: Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Preferred Qualifications: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.• Demonstrated computer literacy skills, using MS Office applications and other basic data systems including internet navigation.• Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines.• Self-motivated and able to work independently. Working Conditions and Physical Effort • Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.• Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.• Ability to sit most of the time with some bending and reaching.• Ability to stand, walk, and bend periodically.• Ability to engage in repetitive movement of wrists, hands, and fingers – typing and/or writing.• Ability to work frequently at close visual range ( preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading).• Ability to receive and respond to oral communication.• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.