Child Care Worker

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Childcare Worker is responsible to provide child minding services to parents when they need to attend appointments inside and outside of the shelter. The Childcare Support Worker will also be responsible to create and implement age-appropriate and engaging activities within the shelter that support emotional well-being and development, and work with the parent to support homework while they are away from school.

Kirsten’s Place is in Olds, Alberta and provides temporary shelter for individuals and their children who are fleeing domestic violence. We offer support for adults, and their children, through our trauma informed case management that focuses on individualized goals, emotional support, safety planning, resource navigation and advocacy to assist our clients to build a new life free from violence.

**EXAMPLES OF KEY ACCOUNTABILITES INCLUDE**:

- Actively engages with clients and their children throughout their stay at the shelter, role modelling healthy boundaries and relationships.
- Supervise and care for children of various ages in a trauma-informed, supportive manner, ensuring that they are not left unsupervised.
- Plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities, including play, arts and crafts, and storytelling.
- Support parents to engage with their children and youth through age and developmentally appropriate activities.
- Support children and youth in managing emotions by using positive behavior guidance techniques.
- Assist with basic care tasks such as feeding, diapering, and serving snacks and meals.
- Support teens with completing schoolwork and providing them age-appropriate activities in the shelter.
- Ensure the child and youth space at the shelter is clean, organized and safe at all times including the sanitizing of toys and other materials that are shared between children.
- Monitor supplies for equipment and supplies for children and teen’s program and report any items needed or deficiencies to supervisor.
- Ensure any case notes are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Contributes to a positive working environment and acts with a clear sense of ownership, taking personal responsibility for decisions, actions and failures.

**QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED**
- Diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, Early Learning and Child Care Level 2 or 3, or a related field.
- Experience working with children and youth using a trauma-informed lens an asset.
- Clear Police Intervention Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Intervention Check
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and boundary-setting skills.
- Ability to work in a team and with mínimal supervision
- Demonstrated ability to think critically, problem solve and de-escalate situations in a fast-paced environment that requires prioritization of tasks.
- The role involves working in a domestic violence crisis shelter using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. You will witness or respond tor real-life incidents and events in real-time and requires emotional resilience due to frequent exposure to trauma and crisis.

**WHAT WE OFFER**
- Competitive salary
- Positive work environment where people can see the impact of the individuals we serve.
- Training and career development opportunities

**WORKING ENVIRONMENT**
- Requires standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs.
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
- Commitment to self-care and resilience-building practices to manage the emotional demands of the role.

**Job Type**: Permanent

Pay: From $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

**Benefits**:

- Paid time off

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person