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Casa de los Niños
JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB IDENTIFICATION

JOB TITLE: Preschool Guidance Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Child & Family Services
WAGE CATEGORY: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Primary Care Supervisor
WRITTEN BY:  Oralia Anda
APPROVED BY:  Department Director
DATE REVIEWED: March 2008

JOB SPECIFICATIONS 

SUMMARY: The children who come to Casa de los Ninos have experienced many different traumatic circumstances; the Preschool Guidance Specialist helps to enhance children's natural resiliency; and develops and supervises the 2-5 year old program.  This includes providing developmentally appropriate curriculum with a focus on assessment and intervention in the developmental and emotional progress of children in the 2-5 year old age range and the direct supervision of the Primary Care Workers in this department including their ongoing training and development.   Must have a clean driving record and qualify for automobile insurance coverage through the agency automobile liability insurance.

QUALIFICATIONS: The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field with experience working in early childhood development at least 2 years supervisory experience and ability to work with children from 2-5 years old at their current developmental and emotional levels. An understanding of the affects of trauma on development is preferred. The ability to be creative, flexible and professional when working with children, parents, staff, volunteers, therapist, and other professionals is required. Bi-lingual skills are preferred. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  1. Develops and implements a revolving curriculum designed specifically to include gross motor skills, fine motor skills, cognitive activities, language and communication, life skills, and sensory integration for children 2-5 years old.
  2. Supervises Preschool Primary Care Workers including regular one-on-one meetings where goals are created and assessed, annual and introductory evaluations, and regularly scheduled program meetings.  The Preschool Guidance Specialist provides an initial 20 hour orientation to new Primary Care Workers working in the Preschool program that includes one on one training on documentation and program expectations as well as training on how to directly work with the children. 
  3. Coordinates and plans outings and events.
  4. Oversees and maintains Preschool environment including outdoor playgrounds, indoor play areas, sleeping, eating, and bathing areas.
  5. Monitors supplies needed for developmental play and coordinates ordering through Operations inventory personnel.
  6. Demonstrates ability and attitude to work and respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population.
  7. Assesses the developmental and social/emotional status of each Preschool resident within 14 days of their admission to Casa de los Ninos.  Reassessment to track the child’s progress will be done upon notice of the child’s pending discharge, and as needed throughout their stay.  Assessments used are the ASQ and the ASQ-SE.
  8. Coordinates with therapists, medical and other professionals in the implementation of a comprehensive developmental treatment plan for each Preschool resident and care givers. 
  9. Provides guidance for the Preschool Primary Care Workers by modeling developmentally appropriate care of the children and by supplying developmentally appropriate activities for the children. 
  10. Participates in the Shelter Portion of the New Staff Orientation and Skill Development training.  Also provides and coordinates ongoing staff development trainings.
  11. Inputs needed VOCA data onto client files, and maintain all necessary written reports, quarterly and annual, for the VOCA grant.
  12. Is responsible for being on call on a regular basis.
  13. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
  14. Drive on behalf of the agency.
  15. Other duties as assigned.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Relationships: A most essential characteristic of the Preschool Guidance Specialist is the ability to develop a mutually respectful and cooperative relationship with the Primary Care Supervisor, Shift Managers, Primary Care Workers, Parents, and caregivers of children.  Interacting with the children in an effective manner as a hands-on interventionist is also essential.  Peer relationships occur among the Infant Guidance Specialist, and the School Age Guidance Specialist, as well as with the Case Managers and Medical staff.  The Preschool Guidance Specialist participates as an active member of the Leadership team, Shelter Staff Meetings, and the Preschool Multidisciplinary Stuffing’s to identify opportunities for growth within the Primary Care Program.

Authority: The Preschool Guidance Specialist’s authority is exercised only under the direct supervision of the Shelter Supervisor. Decision making responsibilities are teamed with the Shelter Supervisor, Infant Guidance Specialist, School Age Guidance Specialist, Social Work and the Medical Department.

Working Conditions: The Preschool Guidance Specialist is expected to be flexible to accommodate the staffing needs of Casa de los Ninos.  This includes being available on the 6am-2pm, 2pm-10pm, and 10pm-6am shifts on a scheduled basis is required.    The full time position includes one shift on a weekend day.  Sharing professional office space may also be required. The Preschool Guidance Specialist has regular, close contact with the children and thus is at risk for being exposed to infectious diseases. Universal Precautions are practiced to greatly reduce this risk.  This position may require lifting of children.

Level of Supervision: Mid- High level of supervision with frequent contact with Shelter Supervisor is expected.

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