Lead Child Care Worker

Sacramento Children's Home • Sacramento, CA

8d • $23 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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 houskeeping 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 work force.
• Must be able to report to work on a regular and reliable basis.
• 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.
• OR Completion of 9 postsecondary semester units or equivalent quarter units, with a passing grade, as determined by the institution, in classes with a focus on early childhood education, child development, or child health at an accredited college or university, as determined by the department and six months of work experience in a licensed group home, licensed infant care center, or comparable group child care program or family day care is required.
• AND Six months of work experience in a licensed group home, licensed infant care center, or comparable licensed group childcare program is required.
• OR Must have a current and valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, with the appropriate age level endorsement issued by the CDA National Credentialing Program, and at least six months of on-the-job training or work experience in a licensed childcare center or comparable group childcare program.
• OR Must have a current and valid Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Sections 80105 through 80116.
• Driving is an essential function of this job, and 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Care and Supervision of Children 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.
• Greet volunteers and community members with respect, ensuring they experience the Nursery as a place where their work is appreciated and needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• 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.
• Provide input in the development of staff performance evaluations.
• 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.
• Make decisions based on all available facts, regulations, policies, systems and established expectations.
• 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.
• Check in with staff several times during shift and be available for questions or to offer suggestions for productivity.
• Reinforce appropriate time required to complete assigned tasks.
• Monitor overall completion of tasks and demonstrate prioritization of any special tasks.
• Implement any monitoring systems per supervisor instructions.
• Provide feedback to management regarding the performance of support staff.
• Make decisions based on all available facts, regulations, policies, systems and established expectations.
• Gather all available facts and communicate with the Crisis Nursery Supervisor or Program Manager as needed in a timely manner for any out of the ordinary situations.
• 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.
• Attend mandatory staff and agency meetings, trainings, etc.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees