Longview - Green House Direct Care Staff

Fosterful • Longview, WA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Fosterful is seeking a dedicated Direct Care Staff member to provide 24-hour, hands-on care and supervision to children aged 0-18 at their Group Receiving Care (GRC) Home in Southwest Washington. This role is crucial for providing short-term, trauma-informed residential placement in partnership with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The position requires active physical engagement due to the multi-level, non-ADA accessible home, demanding quick and safe movement between floors. Accurate and timely documentation, including case notes and incident reports, is essential for ensuring child safety and placement compliance. Direct Care Staff are the consistent, physical presence ensuring safety for children at all times. Reporting to the Program Manager, this role involves daily trauma-informed care, physical readiness for navigating the home, and meticulous record-keeping. Success is measured by the well-being of the children, the accuracy of documentation, and the safe and smooth operation of the home.

Requirements

• Ages 18-20: Licensed by the Washington Department of Health; OR Hold an Associate of Arts degree, equivalent degree, or greater; OR Be enrolled in an internship or practicum program with a college or university.
• Ages 18-20: One (1) year of full-time paid or unpaid experience working with children 12 years and younger OR Less than one (1) year of qualifying experience, provided you are scheduled to work during awake hours alongside another Direct Care Staff member who meets the full qualifications for ages 21 and older.
• Ages 21 and Older: High school diploma or equivalent credential.
• Ages 21 and Older: One (1) year of full-time paid or unpaid qualifying experience with children 12 years and younger.
• Ages 21 and Older: OR meet at least one of the following: Less than one (1) year of qualifying experience; or Currently attending classes at a college or university related to early childhood education or child development; AND be scheduled to work during awake hours alongside another Direct Care Staff member who meets the full qualifications for ages 21+, or a higher-level staff member who has worked at least six (6) months with Fosterful, until you have accumulated six (6) months of direct care experience or meet the full qualifications above.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands described: ability to use stairs, lift/carry up to 50 lbs, move quickly, stand/walk/kneel/bend for extended periods, and execute fire-ladder evacuation.
• Must pass DCYF criminal history and child welfare background checks.
• Must complete TB screening and provide documentation of current pertussis (Tdap) and annual influenza vaccination.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR/bloodborne pathogens certification prior to independent work (or within an approved onboarding window).
• Strong written communication skills and close attention to detail for case documentation.
• Cultural competency and demonstrated alignment with Fosterful's mission and values.
• Must obtain a valid food handler's card.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and current auto liability insurance are required and non-negotiable.
• Vehicle must be kept in clean, safe working order, with updated proof of insurance provided to Fosterful.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a Group Receiving Care (GRC) Home setting.
• Experience with trauma-informed care practices.
• Experience with de-escalation techniques and behavior management.
• Experience working with diverse populations and SOGIE identities.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous, hands-on supervision and care for all children on shift, maintaining required staffing ratios.
• Implement individualized Child-Specific Plans, Supervision Plans, and Cultural Plans, including routines for diapering/toileting, meals, hygiene, and sleep, in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Deliver the Program Welcome and Tour within 12 hours and Program Orientation within 24 hours of a child's admission.
• Model prosocial behavior and utilize positive behavior support and de-escalation techniques; apply physical restraint only when trained, certified, and as a last resort for imminent risk of harm.
• Conduct ongoing, developmentally appropriate supervision checks, remaining within sight or hearing distance of children under age 6 and never leaving them unattended in the bathtub or shower.
• Remain awake and alert at all times during overnight shifts.
• Navigate the home's stairs repeatedly throughout each shift, including while carrying items or children.
• Respond quickly to safety concerns or distressed children on any floor.
• Lift and carry children up to approximately 50 lbs, including during evacuations or crisis response.
• Actively participate in monthly fire drills and quarterly emergency drills, including fire-ladder evacuation procedures.
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and timely shift records and EHR case notes, including supervision needs, meals, medications, and behavioral observations.
• Complete General Event Reports (GER) for unusual incidents and ensure DCYF notification timelines are met.
• Document all instances of diapering/toileting assistance, medication administration, and safety checks.
• Support the timely completion of DCYF-required documentation.
• Fulfill mandated reporter obligations, reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to DCYF CPS Intake and supervisors within 24 hours.
• Treat every child with warmth, patience, and dignity, building trust through a consistent, calm, non-judgmental presence.
• Communicate respectfully and collaboratively with DCYF representatives, the Program Manager, and fellow staff during shift handoffs.
• Actively honor each child's cultural background, spiritual practices, and SOGIE identity, using preferred names and pronouns.
• Complete required pre-service and ongoing annual training.
• Maintain current CPR/First Aid/bloodborne pathogens certification, and required immunizations (pertussis, annual influenza).
• Maintain a current food handler's card.
• Participate in monthly practice supervision, shift meetings, and assigned training.
• Maintain a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and current auto liability insurance for transporting children.
• Maintain the home's cleanliness, safety, and welcoming presentation through routine housekeeping tasks.
• Prepare and serve nutritious, culturally appropriate meals and snacks.
• Keep snack locations stocked and manage soiled and clean laundry.
• Assist in maintaining an organized inventory of essential items and restocking as needed.

Benefits

• Pay range begins at $22/hour for daytime shifts, and up to $25/hour for overnight and on-call shifts.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Supportive team environment.

What This Job Offers

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