What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Care Advocate position at Shelter for Abused Women and Children?
Job Description
Job Description
Salary : DOE
Child Care Advocate - The Shelter for Abused Women & Children
Location : Naples
Reports to : Residential Child & Youth Services Manager
Employment Type : Fulltime, Non- Exempt (Hourly)
Direct Reports : N / A
Salary : Determined based on experience, local wages, and nonprofit industry rates.
This is a fully in-person position with no opportunities for remote work.
The Impact of This Position : The Shelters Child Care Advocates are responsible for day-to-day activities associated with day care for Shelter participant children. They cultivate child-centered, empowerment-focused, and positive learning environments and experiences which stimulate childrens social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development, consistent with established program performance standards.
Non-Negotiables
Education and Experience
o CDA, BSW, or Childcare related degree or equivalent experience plus experience working in childcare
o At least 1 year of experience in working with infants / toddlers, preschool and / or school age children.
o Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and family abuse preferred.
Certifications and Training
o Completion of First Aid and CPR certification.
o DCF Child Care Training completion.
o Successful completion of The Shelters Core Competency training upon hire.
EOO & Compliance
o The Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer
o Must provide valid authorization to work in the U.S.
o Must have a valid Florida Drivers License.
o Must pass state and federal background checks, provide satisfactory references, and complete a drug screening
Skills and Competencies
o Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
o Ability to understand, assess, and anticipate childrens needs, and respond appropriately.
o Proficient verbal and written communication skills, across all communication channels, including phone, email, Microsoft
o Demonstrated track record of effectively delivering school curriculum and caring for children ages K-12.
o Professional proficiency in English; bilingual in Spanish or Creole preferred.
Essential Functions
Case Management and Documentation
o Complete and maintain records, including daily observations, health checks, attendance, and incident reports.
o Create and maintain an organized system for tracking childrens progress and providing accurate reports to your supervisor.
o Document and data entry all services and activities provided to ensure all children are getting the attention they need.
Child Development Support
o Assist with hygiene practices such as potty training, diaper changes, and promoting proper behaviors based on the child's age.
o Observe and document childrens behavior, track outcomes, and share progress with parents.
o Promote good nutritional and eating habits.
Child Supervision and Safety
o Conduct and document daily classroom safety checklists, reporting any hazardous conditions or injuries immediately.
o Follow program and licensing requirements for safety, health, sanitation, and nutrition.
o Maintain proper child-to-caregiver ratios (4 : 1 or 8 : 1, depending on age).
o Supervise children at all times to ensure safety, health, and well-being.
Classroom Management and Activities
o Follow established daily activity plans as directed by your supervisor.
o Implement safe, developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive daily activities.
o Maintain an organized, uncluttered classroom to prevent injuries.
o Promote positive behavior by setting clear rules and expectations.
Communication and Parent Collaboration
o Establish rapport with parents, addressing any developmental or behavioral concerns.
o Share parenting resources, success stories, and childrens artwork to build trust and collaboration.
Facility and Equipment Maintenance
o Clean and sanitize equipment, floors, walls, sinks, and bedding as needed.
o Replace soiled clothing and ensure hygiene standards are met.
Mandated Reporting
o Fulfill all mandated reporting duties related to suspected violence, neglect, or abuse.
Meal and Snack Support
o Encourage seated eating habits for safety.
o Promote hygiene by ensuring children wash hands before and after eating.
o Set up and clean up meals and snacks, ensuring age-appropriate preparation.
General Duties
o Provide childcare during daytime hours to allow parents time to work, rest, or achieve personal goals.
o Reinforce positive behaviors while addressing developmental needs.
o In absence of childrens enrollment in Child Care Services, accept any other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Who You Are
- Able to prioritize effectively and work within tight timelines.
- Caring, compassionate, and kind.
- Collaborative, with the ability to inspire and foster partnerships.
- Comfortable learning new systems, software, and processes.
- Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Composed and self-aware when facing challenges.
- Critical thinker and objective decision-maker.
- Curious, gritty, and passionate about The Shelters mission.
- Detail-oriented and accurate in work.
- Willing to take extreme ownership of responsibilities and contributions.
What We Value
Full-time Employee Benefits Package
The Shelter offers a spectacular benefits package for all full-time staff, including a 36-hour work week, staff appreciation events, and generous 200 hours of paid time off for vacation, your birthday, holidays, and sick days. We cover 100% of medical and mental health benefits, offer affordable dental and vision plans, an employer match 401K program, Flexible Spending Account for medical expenses and dependent care, Employee Assistance Program, and Paid Time Off Buy Back Program for eligible employees. We also encourage a happy, healthy, and whole work environment by empowering staff to maintain their wellness through fitness incentives. Full disclosure of details, policies, and procedures are provided upon hire.
Work Environment, ADA & Non-Discrimination Disclosure Statement
You must be able to lift and bend up to 20lbs. The role may require sitting or standing for several hours at a time. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The Shelter for Abused Women & Children complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and support to the Deaf or Hard-ofHearing in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As such, all requests for reasonable ADA accommodation will be reviewed in a timely, ethical, and equitable manner. The Shelter is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with us depends solely upon your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
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