Job description

Overview
Sojourner House mission is offering compassionate, faith-based recovery services to women and their children.
The Child Development Specialist has primary oversight for the delivery of child-focused services at a “women with children” residential program. This position manages and plans activities for a weekday child play center and after-school activities for older children. The CDS is expected to help engaged volunteers, extended family members, and participate in community educational activities. As Child Development Specialist, position is required to meet quality assurance standards, licensing, credentialing and regulatory compliance, and achieving program outcome goals as applicable.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for meeting quality assurance standards, licensing, credentialing and regulatory compliance, and achieving program and client outcome goals.

• Provides flexible program services to meet Sojourner House’s 24 hours/7 days a week requirement.

• Participates in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Early Childhood Programming

• Primary responsibility for organizing and implementing a daily and weekly schedule of early childhood activities for infant through preschool children.

• Writes weekly schedule of age-appropriate activities and events

• Writes weekly lesson plans individualized to the age level of the children in Play Care

• Implements activities and events as per the schedule

• Plans and implements specialized field trips, outings and recreational opportunities

• Supervises mothers and volunteers who are assisting in the Children’s Center program

• Activities and events conform to Sojourner House beliefs and guidelines.

School Children Programming

• Primary responsibility for planning and scheduling activities for school age children for after school hours, vacation days or holidays.

• Coordinates activities and scheduling with collaborative partners such as the Homeless Children’s Education Fund, Tickets for Kids, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, etc.

• Assist volunteers and organizations who volunteer at Sojourner House by giving them supplies, workspace, snacks and direction as needed.

• Coordinates Youth Care activities for school age children who have scheduled days off including vacations and holidays.

Requirements

• BS Degree in child development, or related field plus at least one year of paid experience preferred – OR – AS Degree in human services, or related field with at least two years. D&A programming or residential programs preferred.

• A demonstrated understanding of the dynamics of child development, learning theory, child management techniques and preschool programming. Knowledge of the dynamics of family addiction and special needs children preferred. Demonstrated successful ability to do lesson plans, to manage an early childhood classroom, and to conduct assessments; successful record keeping skills and ability to supervise volunteers preferred.

• Because of treatment philosophy, persons identified or who have been diagnosed with an alcohol or other drug dependence be abstinent for at least two (2) years prior to employment and remain abstinent throughout employment.

• Because of our mission statement, must be supportive of faith-based approaches.

• Understanding of gender-responsive, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented systems of care.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated value for excellent customer service.

• Good computer/technology skills.

• Model and support clients and staff in health and wellness activities and with using healthy coping skills.

• Support organization’s mission with a sensitivity of cultural diversity and workplace harmony.

• Ability to secure Act 33 and 34 clearances.

• Valid PA driver’s license.

Working Conditions

• Schedule may require working evenings and weekends as needed. Mandatory overtime may be required

• Ability to lift and carry a 35-pound child. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to access clients within or outside the residential facility to meet therapy/intervention services standards, including ability to drive and ability to climb up to five (5) flights of stairs when required. (The residential facility has no elevator.)

• Must obtain annual PPD test and first aid/CPR certification.

• Must attend and participate in scheduled staff meetings and in-service training.

• Must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continued training each year, including 6 hours HIV/Aids and 4 hours total tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases and other health related topics; and CPR & First Aid during the first year of employment.

• Ability to drive program van/vehicle as needed.

• Ability to physically assist clients as needed, and to assist in moving clients into and out of the residential facility, including assistance with lifting, carrying and moving objects and parcels.

• Ability to speak, hear and see.

• Ability to sit for extended periods and to stand, and bend or squat periodically.

• Position is situated in a community-based residential facility treating addicted women and their children. Requires visits to high-risk neighborhoods and environments. Exposure to clients with substance abuse, mental illness, communicable diseases and physical aggressive altercations is highly likely.

Disclaimer

• Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to do this job at any time.
• This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not restrict or prescribe the tasks that may be assigned.
• Critical features of this job have been described in the narrative. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Salary Description: $18.00 - $21.00
(All wages are listed as a starting rate, offers will be based off of relevant experience, education and skills)
Sojourner House, Inc. offers an excellent benefits package.
Sojourner House, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Sojourner House is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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Job Type: Full-time

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