LifeWorks NW's Project Network (PNET) program is a residential program with a focus on the African American community for women in recovery dealing with alcohol/drug issues who are with their small children.

The Childcare Provider provides educational, psychosocial learning services for children living in a residential substance abuse treatment setting.  Responsibilities include ensuring a safe, secure environment, meeting the age appropriate, individual needs of each child, and communicating status and needs reports to the child's parents and to program staff.

Location: This position is based in NE Portland.

Pay/Benefits: $21.12-$27.46 per hour plus Full benefits.

Salary Placement Notice:
The posted salary range reflects the compensation potential for this role. Most candidates will be placed between the entry level and midpoint of the range, depending on their experience and qualifications. However, more seasoned professionals with extensive exact or similar experience may be considered for placement toward the higher end of the range. Final salary offers are made in alignment with internal compensation processes in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity laws.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provides close supervision to a group of children in an assigned classroom (defined by child's age).  Attends to the safety and well-being of children while parents are attending group sessions and other clinical services.  Duties may include dressing children, changing diapers, observing, and monitoring children's independent play activities, as well as instructing children in age-appropriate health and personal habits such as eating, resting and toilet habits.
• Gives consistent age and culturally appropriate support and nurturing care to each child. Treats each child with respect and compassion, providing discipline that is positive and does not resort to physical force or restraint.  Maintains awareness of children's cognitive and developmental levels and implements age, cultural and developmentally appropriate activities.  Supports each child's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts. Models interactive communication and assertive discipline (positive reinforcement).
• Work with Supervisor and clinical staff to plan and develop activities for the children receiving services, including weekly activity plans in accordance with program policies.  Activities include circle time, story time, dramatic play, early learning and field trips.
• Completes an equal share of housekeeping responsibilities with other program staff, keeping work area clean, including required sanitization of toys and materials, and in compliance with all licensing and regulatory agencies. Coordinate snacks for children. Assists Supervisor in maintaining supplies and equipment, including inventory and purchasing.
• Takes appropriate steps to aid ill or injured children, immediately assessing the nature and seriousness of the illness or injury, providing first aid if necessary, notifying the parent as soon as is reasonable, and submitting required documentation prior to the end of the work shift.
• Maintains daily documentation, in accordance with program policies, regarding concerns and observations of children's' development  
• Maintains clear, accurate and regular communication with parents, program staff, Supervisor, and program's clinicians, including daily reporting to parents, regularly scheduled conferences, and participation in staff meetings.
• Follows established guidelines, policies and procedures regarding daily structure, discipline, diaper changing and health and safety.
• Exhibits excellent customer relations by being courteous, helpful, offering assistance and maintaining a professional attitude and demeanor. Takes the initiative to identify and solve problems; exhibits positive communication and relationship skills. Utilizes supervision in a productive manner. 
• Participates in scheduled and unscheduled safety drills, appropriately following site's procedures for fire, earthquake and evacuation emergencies. 
• Serves as a role model for each child's parent regarding healthy limit-setting (structure) and respectful communication (nurture) that is appropriate to the child's developmental stage. 
• May transport client's children in LifeWorks NW vehicle.
• Check e-mail/voice mail daily when working, on-line trainings as necessary and accurately complete on-line timesheets.

Qualifications:  

• High school diploma/GED, preferably with coursework in child development.  Bachelor's degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education preferred.
• 1 - 3 years prior childcare experience in a child care setting with infants, toddlers and/or preschoolers required. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of and education in child development principles and philosophy required.
• Experience in the care of special needs, high risk and/or drug/alcohol exposed infants and children preferred.  Demonstrated ability to work effectively with racially and culturally diverse children and their families.
• Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification; Placement on Oregon State Registry for Childcare; Food handlers certificate; completed training on Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.
• If recovering from a substance abuse related disorder, must be able to demonstrate continuous sobriety under nonresidential, independent living conditions for the immediate past two years.
• Requires valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage, verification of safe driving record from DMV, and ability to meet LWNW driving requirements.
• Familiarity with the local community and understanding recovery as it relates to women and children.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent service to internal and external contacts.
• Basic computer skills including keyboarding, use of mouse, ability to navigate website and use common web browser.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

Drug Free/Tobacco Free Site 01/09