Early Childhood Education Specialist

The Early Childhood Education Specialist is responsible for developing andimplementing the curriculum and related program components including;

classroomand home visit planning, prevention and intervention programs for at riskchildren 0 - 5 and their families, ongoing assessment and case coordination.

Knowledge of child development and ability to work effectively with teamsincluding disciplines in mental health and early intervention and connectingwith diverse families is required.

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

Pay / Benefits : $23.45 starting hourly pay, plus .

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES :

This positionrequires provision of services in a toddler / preschool classroom and playgroundsetting as well as in participating families' homes in the community.

Position involves supervision of childrenwith emotional and physical responsiveness, and awareness of them at all times

• Enroll and schedulechildren in classroom or respite services maintaining relief nursery ratio andstandards
• Plan, develop andimplement curriculum, daily activities and routines for children
• Determine materialsrequired to implement the daily activity plan
• Assess child andfamily needs through family assessment tools, home visits and informal contact;address needs through intervention strategies including written, oral andhands-on assistance
• Assist with and / oradminister assessments and diagnostic screening instruments at appropriateintervals
• Develop goals forindividual child plans and family service plans based on assessments
• Evaluate child andfamily progress through written records and interactions with parents
• Arrange fortransportation for families as appropriate
• Provide classroomsupervision, informal training and evaluation for Volunteers and Interns
• Manage cases forassigned children and families providing developmentally appropriate andtherapeutic activities for children and community based referrals and supportservices for families as needed
• Travelsbetween sites or in the community as needed
• Conduct home visitswith families focusing on parent -child interaction, developmentallyappropriate expectations, positive guidance and limit setting, nurturance, andstrength based support for families.

Assign child and families to resources,referrals and information as appropriate

• Provide home visitsfrom 1-4 a month for each family on caseload with an average of 5-6 home visitsa week or as required by the program for a full-time Early Education Specialist
• Network withcommunity agencies for education and resource referral purposes
• Provide follow upservices for families as they enter and exit services including phone contact,home and site visits, referral assistance and crisis intervention
• Conducts objectiveevaluations
• Maintains clientconfidentiality
• Adheres toguidelines for mandated reporter status
• Interactsrespectfully, confidently, sensitively and non-judgmentally with young childrenand their families
• Work independentlyand as a team member. Display a positiveattitude toward work; instill positive, optimistic attitude in co-workers
• Problem solve anddevelop creative approaches to provide program services
• Maintain calmdemeanor in crisis situations
• Continually increase level of cultural sensitivity,awareness and competency.
• Meets performance standards for direct client care,documentation, quality (including engagement and evidence based practices), andteamwork as defined in the performance review.

REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor'sDegree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education,Education, Health, Social Services or related field OR three years of experience in earlychildhood education, health socialservices or related field.
• Minimumtwo years early childhood experience
• Minimumone year case management experience
• Knowledge ofintervention and crisis principles and techniques for at risk children andfamilies including; substance use issues, adult mental health, domestic abuseand affects of violence on children, and early childhood trauma
• At a Step 9 in ORO or willingness to earn Step 9 within 2 years afterhire
• Knowledge of community resources including housing, food,health, domestic violence, shelters
• Knowledge of childmaltreatment indicators and prevention
• Spanishlanguage fluency preferred and required for Bilingual Early Childhood Educationposition
• Valid first aid / CPR certifications and valid FoodHandlers card
• Safedriving record; current vehicle insurance; ability to use personal vehicle forCRN business.
• Mustbe able to pass criminal background check.
• Good computer skills including a functionalknowledge of Outlook and Word. Ability to master proprietary softwareincluding electronic health record system.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills andmaintains a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturallydiverse environment.
• Abilityto perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to thesafety of self or others.

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.