Early Childhood Professional (4 month - Temporary Full Time)

FearIsNotLove•Calgary, AB

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Join our Client Services Program as a Early Childhood Professional and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. We're currently looking for a compassionate and dedicated professional to fill a 4-month temporary, full-time, unionized position, working from Monday - Friday 11am - 6pm, with potential for extension. FearIsNotLove (the new brand evolution and operator of Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter) works to inspire and build a dignity driven movement, cultivating communities that are free from domestic violence and abuse. We serve all people to live free from fear, neglect, violence, and abuse through a comprehensive range of innovative programs and services; from prevention and education, to counselling and emergency supports. The agency plays an important role in the daily lives of individuals and families living with fear in their close relationships. In whatever way domestic violence impacts a person; whether they are a victim, someone who uses abuse and wants to change, or someone who knows another person being abused—FearIsNotLove is here to help. Our goal is to help people to have violence-free lives, to live without fear, and get to the ultimate outcome – love. It’s what we all want and need. We are looking for people who want to be part of changing the conversation about domestic violence and abuse. FearIsNotLove creates safe spaces. We listen, we support, we encourage and we are judgement-free. We are relentless in our commitment to our clients, our communities and each other. We believe change is possible. At our core is an uncompromising commitment to our team of talented people who believe in our mission. We believe that when people feel empowered and safe, they are able to move forward with the best decisions for them and their family. The Children’s Activity Center is open to children aged 0-17 who are residing in our emergency shelter. Early childhood professionals provide safe and supportive opportunities for children to explore their surroundings through a semi-structured approach to care. Embedded in attachment and trauma informed concepts, children are provided developmentally appropriate activities and crafts that allow them to explore their interests, build relationships with their family and peers and highlight their sense of self and uniqueness. Parents are welcomed to drop off their children or to come in to play alongside them.

Requirements

Level 1 Early Childhood Educator Certificate required.
Minimum 2 years of related experience required.
First Aid, medication administration and other certifications. Ongoing training and development are a required condition of employment.
A general understanding of child development.
Discretion, tack, and the ability to maintain confidentiality to safeguard clients is a necessity.
Team work philosophy of collaboration and cooperation is required as it is necessary to coordinate the involvement of other colleagues on the team and throughout the agency.
Self-motivated with strong self-management ability is essential.
Strong communication skills (oral and written) in English.
Demonstrated effective and engaging interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills with strengths in prioritization and efficiencies. Ability to think creatively and resolve problems efficiently and effectively.
Able to multi-task and adapt to various situations.
A criminal records search and an intervention record check are conditions of employment.
If eligible for registration with a professional body, registration must be current.

Nice To Haves

Level 2 or 3 Early Childhood Educator Certificate Preferred.
2 or more years of providing care to children who have experienced violence, abuse or adversity in their families preferred.
A second language would be an asset.

Responsibilities

Implement structured, purposeful activities congruent with children’s age and stage of development.
Offer and provide necessary support and regular consultation to mothers regarding their child’s engagement with activities.
Strictly follow policies and procedures regarding behavior management.
Document conversations and responses staff have had with clients into Apricot and complete all other required documentation (case notes, noteworthies, CIR’s).
Responsible for managing risk with clients, including identifying risk to self or others, and risks of harm to children. When risk is identified, consulting with others as needed, escalating these concerns to supervisors, and following established processes and documentation.
Provide a balance between a structured and free play environment for children. Opportunities to play inside and outside will be made available as weather permits.
Ensure children have healthy snacks.
Conduct regular checks to ensure toys and other children’s articles do not clutter the room.
Check regularly the outdoor play area, making sure it is safe for children’s play and advising mothers that children playing outside need to be supervised.
Collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues and members of other teams, to meet the needs of clients as well as the operational needs of the program.
Ensure Compliance with Accreditation Standards; Maintain current police and IRC checks, professional registration (if applicable), and required accreditation-related training (e.g., First Aid, NVCI, Indigenous, Diversity, response-based).
Ensure client files meet accreditation standards and agency policies.
Other duties as assigned to support FearIsNotLove’s clients and program.