What are the responsibilities and job description for the Children's Specialist - 1st Shift (Monday - Friday) position at Crisis Nursery?
Job Description
Children’s Specialist
Schedule Available: Monday - Friday, 1st Shift 6:45am - 3pm
On-Call Shift: Thursdays 3am - 7am
On-call requires that you are able to arrive with-in 30 minutes to help cover the shift and care for children. Pay is time and a half your hourly rate if called in to work.
Position Summary:
Children’s Specialists provide a safe, trauma-informed environment for children, age birth through six. Children’s Specialists are responsible for all aspects of daily care including feeding diapering, and bathing. Each shift works as a team to complete housekeeping and other duties as assigned. Children’s Specialists report to the Director of Programming and take daily direction from the Childcare Coordinator on shift.
Children’s Specialists provide a safe, trauma-informed environment for children, age birth through six. Children’s Specialists are responsible for all aspects of daily care including feeding diapering, and bathing. Each shift works as a team to complete housekeeping and other duties as assigned. Children’s Specialists report to the Director of Programming and take daily direction from the Childcare Coordinator on shift.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Childcare & Supervision
- Provide attentive, high-quality childcare including feeding, diapering/toileting, hygiene and bathing.
- Oversee preparation and serving of meals and snacks according to dietary guidelines.
- Ensure children practice good hygiene, such as handwashing and dental care.
- Monitor and maintain children's health, including administering basic first aid and medications as directed by healthcare professionals.
- Engage children in age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development.
- Implement positive behavior management techniques to guide children’s behavior.
- Use de-escalation strategies to manage challenging behaviors and conflicts.
- Provide Trauma-Informed Care and utilize Conscious Discipline Practices when assigned to care for children, and monitor the use of these practices by childcare staff at all times.
- Provide a nurturing and comforting presence to children, offering emotional support as needed.
- Conduct intakes and discharges alongside Crisis Support Specialist to ensure information and documentation is completed with families.
- Report concerns regarding child behaviors, disclosures, and parent concerns to Director of Programming in a timely manner.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure the safety and confidentiality of the children at Crisis Nursery.
- Report any knowledge of or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or maltreatment.
- Complete all forms, reports, and documentation for the children in care within the required timeframes.
- Read the daily shift reports of assigned children, noting and implementing effective care practices.
- Understand and practice licensing rules and policies pertaining to care, as outlined in DCFS state regulations and Crisis Nursery handbooks and policy manuals.
- Carry out additional responsibilities that includes cleaning, sorting, inventorying, and organizing.
Trainings & Staff Meetings
- Attend daily pre-shift meetings, monthly team meetings and 1:1 supervision, bi-monthly all staff meetings, and any other scheduled shift/staff meetings and training sessions.
- Complete and maintain all necessary training requirements and certifications for direct care employees as defined by license and State regulations.
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- 2 years college credit in Child Development, Social Work, Early Childhood Education, relevant field OR 2 years of experience in childcare setting preferred
- CPR / First Aid certification, or be willing to complete certification
- Must pass background check and complete Mandated Reporter training
Knowledge & Skills:
- Genuine passion for the mission and goals of the organization
- Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate activities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and remain calm in emergency situations
- Patience, creativity, and a nurturing demeanor
Physical Considerations:
- The position involves working in a childcare facility, which includes indoor and outdoor environments.
- Requires lifting and carrying of children and equipment, as well as standing, bending, and sitting on the floor.
Job Type: Full Time / Hourly
Pay Range: $16.50-$18 per hour depending on experience
Salary : $17 - $18