Assistant Teacher (Children’s Center at Dutchess County Family Court)

Family Services Inc. • Poughkeepsie, NY

3d • $20 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher at the Children’s Center at Dutchess County Family Court, ensuring compliance with New York State Office of Court Administration Children’s Center Program agreements and requirements. The role provides a safe, creative, and age-appropriate environment for children while their families attend court business, and offers families information and referrals to community resources. The Assistant Teacher supports and communicates the agency’s mission and values.

The position is non-exempt, full-time, and scheduled for 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It reports to the Lead Teacher and pays $20.00 per hour. Most work takes place at the Children’s Center with children and families experiencing stress and difficult situations. Occasional work takes place at program sites and in the community, including travel to offsite meetings and events.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience combinations: an associate degree in early childcare/education and at least one year of experience working with children; a New York State childcare certificate and at least two years of experience working with children; or a high school diploma and at least three years of experience working with children.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Be authorized to work in the United States without work sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with infants and young children with special needs.
• Strategic thinking.
• Organizational skills.
• Client focus.
• Time management.
• Communication and public speaking skills.
• Innovative thinking and a solution-oriented approach.
• Sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for children using the center and ensure their safety.
• Implement and maintain health and safety procedures, keep instructional printouts visible, and ensure compliance with program safety and confidentiality guidelines.
• Assist with diaper changes and feeding, and maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Monitor and engage children in age-appropriate activities and play.
• Assist with required intakes and reports, secure intake paperwork appropriately, and maintain statistical records for reporting and research.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports to the appropriate entities.
• Plan, develop, and evaluate program activities.
• Design and carry out curriculum and activities responsive to children’s needs and development.
• Develop and implement monthly or seasonal themes and constructive activities within a long-range plan.
• Help distribute referrals and resource information to caregivers based on their and their children’s needs.
• Stay informed about local resources and services, assess caregiver needs, and provide referrals to appropriate agencies or programs.
• Assist the Lead Teacher with planning and coordinating the Children’s Center/Supervised Visitation Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Associate Director and Director of Family Support Services.
• Facilitate completion of required staff training.
• Provide creative, supportive interactions with children through individual and group activities, including age-appropriate in-class programs and teachable moments.
• Represent the agency and its values in relationships with organizations, community groups, regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and partners; maintain those relationships and advocate for clients and human services workers.
• Participate in community outreach, research community organizations, and give presentations to expand service reach.
• Participate in agency-wide and appointed committees supporting agency programs and community services.
• Complete work and reporting functions in a timely manner and communicate regularly and effectively with Family Services staff and courthouse personnel.
• Use problem-solving skills when challenges arise and turn strategic thinking into action.
• Build relationships and credibility with internal and external stakeholders, and help motivate and manage a team.
• Respond constructively to program and policy changes and assume additional responsibilities when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match up to 5%.
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal time, including two weeks of vacation to start, 13 paid holidays per year, 12 sick days per year, and four personal days per year; time accrues based on hours worked.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Access to a Compassionate Leave Program through which employees can donate or receive unused time off.
• Group term life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• Supplemental life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Supplemental insurance through Aflac.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree