The Early Childhood Education Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing the curriculum and related program components including: classroom and home visit planning, prevention and intervention programs for at risk children 0 - 5 and their families, ongoing assessment, and case coordination. Knowledge of child development and ability to work effectively with teams including disciplines in mental health, early intervention, and connecting with diverse families.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Gladstone site. 

Pay: $23.45 starting hourly pay with Full benefits. 

Essential Responsibilities: 

• This position requires provision of services in a toddler/preschool classroom and playground setting as well as in participating families' homes in the community. Position involves supervision of children with emotional and physical responsiveness, and awareness of them at all times.
• Enroll and schedule children in classroom or respite services maintaining Relief Nursery ratio and standards.
• Plan, develop, and implement curriculum, daily activities, and routines for children.
• Determine materials required to implement the daily activity plan
• Assess child and family needs through family assessment tools, home visits, and informal contact; address needs through intervention strategies including written, oral, and hands-on assistance.
• Assist with and/or administer assessments and diagnostic screening instruments at appropriate intervals.
• Develop goals for individual child plans and family service plans based on assessments.
• Evaluate child and family progress through written records and interactions with parents.
• Arrange for transportation for families as appropriate.
• Transport clients and families in a LifeWorks NW vehicle. CRN EC Specialists are requred to drive CRN buses daily to pick up and drop off children.
• Provide classroom supervision, informal training, and evaluation for Volunteers and Interns.
• Manage cases for assigned children and families providing developmentally appropriate and therapeutic activities for children and community based referrals and support services for families as needed.
• Travel between sites or in the community as needed.
• Conduct home visits with families focusing on parent-child interaction, developmentally appropriate expectations, positive guidance and limit setting, nurturance, and strength based support for families. Assign child and families to resources, referrals, and information as appropriate.
• Provide 1-4 home visits per month for each family on caseload with an average of 5-6 home visits a week or as required by the program for a full-time Early Education Specialist.
• Network with community agencies for education and resource referral purposes.
• Provide follow up services for families as they enter and exit services including phone contact, home and site visits, referral assistance, and crisis intervention.
• Conduct objective evaluations.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Adhere to guidelines for mandated reporter status.
• Interact respectfully, confidently, sensitively and non-judgmentally with young children and their families.
• Work independently and as a team member. Display a positive attitude toward work; instill positive, optimistic attitude in co-workers.
• Problem solve and develop creative approaches to provide program services.
• Maintain calm demeanor in crisis situations.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Education, Health, Social Services or related field OR three years of experience in early childhood education, health social services or related field.
• Minimum one year case management experience preferred.
• Current Central Background Registry (CBR) through the Oregon Registry Online (ORO)  preferred 
  
• Step 9 in ORO preferred
  
• Knowledge of intervention and crisis principles and techniques for at risk children and families including: substance use issues, adult mental health, domestic abuse and affects of violence on children, and early childhood trauma.
• Knowledge of community resources including housing, food, health, domestic violence, shelters.
• Knowledge of child maltreatment indicators and prevention.
• Spanish language fluency preferred and required for Bilingual Early Childhood Education position.
• Valid first aid/CPR certifications and valid Food Handlers card.
• Requires access to a car and valid driver's license.
• Ability to drive a LifeWorks NW van is required. If driving the LifeWorks NW van, must be able to meet LifeWorks NW driving requirements.
• Must be able to pass criminal background check.
• Good computer skills including a functional knowledge of Outlook and Word. Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system.

Working Conditions

CRN staff work on site during morning in the Therapeutic Classrooms. Work is Community-Based home visiting in the afternoons and Friday's doing home visiting. The total workday is from 7:30am-4pm.

Early Childhood Specialists are required to use their earned PTO for vacation time during the following calendar Therapeutic Classroom Breaks:

Summer 2 weeks

Spring 1 week

Winter 2 weeks

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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