What are the responsibilities and job description for the Children's Specialist position at Crisis Nursery?
Job Description
Lead Children’s Specialist
Schedule Available: Sunday - Thursday, 1st Shift 6:45am - 3pm
On-Call Shift: Thursdays 3am-7am
One 4 hour on call shift per week. 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.
Overview
Children’s Specialist 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 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 Crissi Support Specialist to ensure information and documentation 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 with 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 the DCFS state regulations and Crisis Nursery handbooks and policy manuals.
- Carry out additional responsibilities that includes cleaning, sorting, inventorying, and organizing.
Training & Compliance
- 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.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
Physical Considerations
- The position involves working in a childcare facility, which includes indoor and outdoor environments.
- Requires frequent lifting and carrying of children and equipment., as well as prolonged periods of standing, bending, and sitting on the floor. The candidate must have the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds as needed.
Job Type: Full Time / Hourly
Pay Range: $16.50-$18 per hour depending on experience
Salary : $17 - $18