Child Care Aide

SUMMARY:

Provides nurturing childcare and age-appropriate activities for children ages birth to 17 years in a residential setting. Activities are designed to promote social, developmental and emotional growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Provide nurturing childcare for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school age children residing in the shelter facility.

Develop and implement age-appropriate activities and projects for all ages of children in care.

Plan and engage in stimulating play with all children in care.

Maintain regular schedule of care hours.

Work with children who have suffered extreme emotional stress who may display emotional and/or physical acting out behaviors.

Must be able to maintain a calm, soothing atmosphere for children in care and a courteous attitude with children and their parents.

Follow directives of immediate supervisor inside agency established guidelines to administer only age-appropriate disciplinary techniques. (ex. warning system, time-out, removal of privileges)

Complete daily file documentation and reporting in an accurate and timely manner.

Ensure the upkeep of bulletin boards and artwork displays.

Advise supervisor of concerns regarding child's behavior or parent's concerns.

Occasionally assist staff on field trips and special events.

Must be able to work flexible hours as assigned by supervisor. May include some Saturdays.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

OTHER DUTIES:

In accordance with the team philosophy of the agency, may routinely be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the responsibilities listed on page 1.

Must act in accordance with the agency's mission statement and goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None. Informally monitor tasks assigned to volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess knowledge of developmental stages, age-appropriate activities and care guidelines for children.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to communicate in a positive, helpful and courteous manner. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

REASONING ABILITY

Must be able to remain calm under high stress and communicate with staff, parents and children in a courteous, respectful manner. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standard situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Current Texas Driver's License required. Must provide proof of auto liability insurance. First Aid and CPR Certification required to perform the job but may be completed subsequent to employment at agency direction. Must be able to drive a 15 passenger van during the day or night.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here 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.

Frequent sitting, standing, stooping, lifting, reaching, kneeling and walking. Often required to lift, hold or carry children up to 3 years of age. Frequent lifting and carrying of children up to 45 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequent exposure to loud, emotional or disruptive children. Occasional exposure to physically aggressive children. Occasional exposure to communicable diseases. Occasional exposure to irritating or caustic substances. Frequent exposure to heat and sun associated with outdoor summer work.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. SafeHaven reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.