Childcare Specialist

Childcare Specialist

Childcare Specialist, ASJ MotherChild

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Mother/Child ROP Program (MC ROP) Childcare Specialist provides childcare services to the childcare of up to 12 young women aged 16-21, either pregnant or with a baby/toddler, living in our Mother/Child ROP at a standalone site in the Bronx. Reporting to the Child Development/Childcare Coordinator of the MC ROP site, the Childcare Specialist is an energetic, warm, and creative member of a team that includes case managers and a cadre of specialty staff, including employment/education specialists, housing specialists, youth development staff, and credentialed mental health staff.

The MC ROP is a residential program funded by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, where young women and their babies may reside for up to 4 months. Childcare is provided onsite to support the young mothers who reside within. The Childcare Specialist offers caring, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate care to babies as young as six weeks and young children, usually up to five years old (sometimes older). As some of the children at our site may have experienced significant trauma, the Childcare Specialist must be well-versed in and/or participate in training to provide trauma-informed services to children. This site will also use evidence-based and other proven models. The Childcare Specialists may be required to participate in training for these social service models.

As this site is new to CHNY, the Childcare Specialist must be comfortable in a rapidly changing environment where processes and protocols are being developed and refined as the program operates. Additionally, this position requires independent judgment and proactivity, as the Childcare Specialist will be working within a newly opened, stand-alone site. Flexibility, excellent communication, and problem-solving abilities are critical to successfully fulfilling the requirements of this position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Childcare
  • Provides trauma-informed care for children as young as 6 weeks, such as setting schedules and routines, grooming, feeding, changing diapers, cleaning play areas, and organizing and cleaning toys.
  • Interacts with babies and children to encourage development and socialization.
  • Reads, talks to, teaches and plays with children. It helps children to discover new interests by introducing them to art, music, sports, science, math, and other concepts.
  • Develops and encourages age-appropriate learning and socialization to ensure children learn basic skills and concepts, such as communication and sharing.
  • Helps children potty train as appropriate.
  • Interacts with the young mother residents to ensure appropriate care of their children and to help them develop safe and nurturing parenting skills.
  • Maintains a safe workplace by monitoring children for health, behavioral, and emotional issues and reporting concerns to staff and parents.
  • Maintains a clean and safe childcare area at the site.
  • Accompanies babies/children on trips outside of the site.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• A high school degree and at least 3 years of childcare experience or a bachelor's degree are required.

• Experience working with at-risk youth and/or young children is strongly preferred.
• Driver's license preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

• Interest in working with youth who have experienced homelessness is required.

• Responds to supervision and coaching in a positive manner required.
• Willing and able to move throughout the day, an upbeat, creative, and fun demeanor is required.

• A strong focus on child protection and ensuring the safety of residents is required.
• Overall flexibility in work schedule required, including weekends, evenings, and holidays if needed. Adherence to attendance and punctuality requirements is a must.
• Dedicated to the mission of Covenant House.

Benefits

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to:

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• Life & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance 
• Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire
• PTO includes three weeks of vacation in the first year, ten holidays, thirteen sick days, five personal days, and birthday days off
• 403b with employer contribution after 12 months

Covenant House New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where everyone feels respected and valued. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at deptpeopleandculture@covenanthouse.org

Salary : $18