Lead Child Care Worker FT

Founded in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home is the oldest active charity in Sacramento and among the most highly respected. SCH is an equal opportunity employer who values an inclusive work environment that celebrates and recognizes the diversity of its employees. At SCH, we appreciate that having employees of many different backgrounds strengthens our organization, and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve.

OVERVIEW: The Sacramento Crisis Nursery is a family-strengthening program, where parents can bring their children ages 0-5 to one of two Sacramento nurseries for emergency childcare services or overnight care during difficult times. Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing support to families in times of crisis.

Under the supervision of the Crisis Nursery Supervisor, the Lead Child Care Worker (LCCW) supports the mission of the agency and program by ensuring the safety, care, and supervision of children at the Crisis Nursery. This position is responsible for ensuring the basic needs of children are met and for performing household tasks to comply with standards. The LCCW is responsible for coordinating the direct care operations during the shift and is the main communication link to site supervisors. The LCCW supports the development and implementation of age-appropriate activities for children in care. The LCCW applies Community Care Licensing (CCL), agency, and program standards in the operation and care of children.

DUTIES:

Provide supervision, protection and care of children individually and in groups at all times.

Provide assistance to each child in working with a group and in handling individual problems.

Oversee and implement the child guidance system for managing play activities.

Administration of positive discipline and setting of limits for behavior.

Notate child's progress, identify the possible need for professional services, and communicate such findings to professional staff.

Implement developmentally and age appropriate activities for a diverse population of children from various racial, ethnic, cultural, economic, social and religious backgrounds.

Prepare and present preschool and infant activities consistent with the assigned schedule involving areas such as music, perceptual motor skills, health education, science, creative arts, social studies and language arts.

Instruct children individually and in small groups, and supervise play and learning activities in the inside and outside play area.

Maintain constant attention to the safety of the children and their environment.

Be responsible for the total care of all children during assigned shift.

Supervise the children consistent with CCL regulations and SCH/CN Policies and Systems.

Assure all child care needs are met, including but not limited to preparing meals and bottles, diaper changes, bathing, feeding, one-on-one interaction, etc.

Remain alert to physical and/or emotional changes in infants or children indicating the onset of illness.

Observe infants and children for drowsiness, need to rest, to be bathed and changed.

Complete bed checks to assure the well-being of the children for overnight shifts consistent with established policies and standards.

Apply crisis intervention techniques to ensure the safety of children and staff.

Apply positive discipline when necessary, abiding by program and agency policies and standards.

Oversee visits with families or caregivers as necessary.

Ensure that the children are kept clean and healthy (i.e. baths, brushing teeth, washing hands, etc.).

Administer medications and treatments following accurate dosage and times as prescribed or recorded in the child’s chart.

Ensure nutritious meals and snacks are prepared and served family style.

Constantly monitor and maintain the cleanliness and safety of the interior and exterior of the Nursery, in accordance with program and Title 22 regulations.

Assist with general and specific tasks and special projects including, but not limited to, cleaning, laundry, changing bedding, preparing meals and snacks, etc. for the children.

Clean and sanitize beds once children leave the Nursery.

Evaluate the changing needs of the Nursery and allocate staff, consistent with established child to staff ratios, depending on the age, number of children and other factors affecting care and supervision of children.

Remain aware of the overall duties that need to be completed for the shift and provide work direction, ongoing feedback and problem-solving for CCWs, Volunteers, and AmeriCorps staff.

Communicate with management regarding any questions concerning admission or discharge of a child, illness, accident or incident that may need immediate or future attention.

Communicate all staffing performance or conduct issues immediately, or as soon as possible.

Administer immediate coaching and employee discipline in the absence of the site supervisors.

Participate in staff investigations and provide written statements when requested.

Proactively and immediately address problems or areas needing improvement, including quantity or quality of work before the end of the shift.

Ensure that interactions with children and families are supportive, focus on de-escalation of the crisis situation and take steps so as not to become upset and support this in other staff.

Provide feedback to management regarding the performance of support staff.

Make decisions based on all available facts, regulations, policies, systems and established expectations.

Checks-in with CCW’s during their shift and checks their written documentation and forms for accuracy. Verify that each CCW has made any necessary corrections.

Check charts for complete information and follow orders given therein.

Review and complete written documentation per program requirements, and in compliance with agency policy and CCL regulations.

LOCATION: 4533 Pasadena Ave. Sacramento, CA 95821

SCHEDULE: Sunday - Thursday, 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm & Mandatory Wednesday Staff Meeting

QUALIFICATIONS: A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required.

Must have completed 12 postsecondary semester units or equivalent quarter units, with a passing grade, as determined by institution. Classes must have a focus on Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Child Health at an accredited college or university. At least 3 semester units, or equivalent quarter units, shall include coursework in the care of infants. Six (6) months experience in a position providing direct care of infants may be substituted for the 3 semester units in the care of infants. AND

Six months of work experience in a licensed group home, licensed infant care center, or comparable licensed group childcare program is required.

Ideal candidates will possess an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Behavioral Science, Child Development, or a related behavioral health/social services degree.

Previous experience working with children 0-5 years old preferred.

Driving is an essential function of this job. As such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment. A valid driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is also required. Must be at least 21 years old.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Knowledge of child development and ability to provide care for children 0-5 years of age.

Ability to understand and implement program/CCL policies, systems, standards, etc.

Ability to implement constructive and linear problem-solving skills.

Ability to provide positive work direction to other staff, monitor performance and provide immediate feedback to the staff and management.

Ability to relate with children in a nurturing and respectful manner.

Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with children and families.

Ability to accept supervision within the Crisis Nursery program and relate constructively to authority.

Ability to work effectively independently, as well as part of a team.

Ability to work cooperatively with a variety of people external to the program, including representatives of other institutions and agencies and parents of the children.

Ability to perform housekeeping tasks, including but not limited to, cleaning, washing clothes, preparing meals, etc.

Skill to communicate effectively in written and oral form.

Skill to plan and organize multiple tasks at one time.

Knowledge of basic mathematics, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, in order to prepare meals, distribute medication, etc.

Ability to work cooperatively with a culturally diverse resident population and workforce.

Must be able to report to work on a regular and reliable basis.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, short and long-term disability plans, retirement plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.

TO APPLY: External candidates must complete our online employment application available at www.kidshome.org/careers.

PLEASE NOTE: Non-SCH employees who are made an offer of employment will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background process that includes passing a drug test, including marijuana. Applicants who do not pass any part of this pre-employment process will have their offer of employment rescinded.