Casa de los Niños
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB IDENTIFICATION
JOB TITLE: Primary Care Worker
DEPARTMENT: Residential Services
WAGE CATEGORY: Non-Exempt
REPORT TO: Child Guidance Specialist
WRITTEN BY: Oralia Anda
APPROVED BY: Director of Family and Children’s Services
DATE REVIEWED: September 26, 2007
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
JOB SUMMARY:
Casa de los Niños’ shelter programs are based upon a primary care model which requires working in small groups with low staff/child ratios to provide a substitute family life experience for the children who live here. The Primary Care Worker ensures the safety, developmental, and nutritional needs of Casa’s children. Primary Care workers must possess the ability to work with children from age’s infant – up to 18 years old.
QUALIFICATIONS: To fulfill the job requirements the person must:
* Have the ability and attitude to work and respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population.
* Have the ability manage developmental needs and behaviors of children infant -18 years
* Have a high school diploma or GED
* Staff hired for full time must be 18 years old.
* Have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
* Demonstrate good written and oral communication.
* Have a valid Arizona driver’s license (exceptions to this requirement are made infrequently and is mandatory for full time Staff).
* Practice a nurturing, mutually respectful, non punitive approach to discipline.
* Ability to document and navigate computer system program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Each Primary Care Worker must engage in developmentally appropriate child oriented activities as well as more general requirements.
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Developmentally Appropriate Child Oriented Activities:
* Facilitates established developmental curriculum for children infant – up to 18 years old.
* Assist children in meeting weekly goals by assuring tasks are completed
* Ensures the safety and protection of children.
* Models respectful, encouraging interactions with children and peers.
* Assists children in following consistent routines.
* Assists children in developing life skills which facilitate healthy growth and development
* As required, transporting children to off-campus outings and events in Casa vehicles.
* Mentors parents of children in the group as they are learning to perform activities of daily care with their child.
General institutional requirements include:
* Provides input regarding the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth of each child.
* Adheres to Casa policies and procedures.
* Attends team meetings, trainings and other non specified requirements.
* Follows the guidance and instruction of the Shift Manager and the Child Guidance Specialists.
* Continues to seek education/trainings in the field of child development and behavior management by attending conferences, seminars and in-service presentations (24 hours of annual training required).
* Plans for and includes the use of a Casa Volunteer staff in daily activities.
* Works cooperatively with other Casa staff. Demonstrates respectful, professional demeanor at all times.
* Documents all client related information on agency program by computer. Specific information regarding the care, progress, and activities of children.
* Works with therapists and other interventionists to strengthen skills of the children.
* Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor and flexibility. Combines or changes groups as necessary as directed by the shift manager.
* Works to teach and role model for parents invited to join the group
* Performs other duties as assigned.
Standard of Performance
The employee must meet performance standards as determined by the evaluation form.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
Relationships: The Primary Care Worker works directly with the children. They have close contact with the other PCWs, the Shift Managers, Specialists, medical staff and the clinical team. Primary care workers are also required to work closely with parents and foster parents. They also will have contact with therapists and other professionals who work with the children in the group.
Authority: The Primary Care Worker can make any decision necessary to facilitate the child’s daily activities. Any questions regarding off campus activity or unusual incidents must be directed to the Shift Manager, or the Specialist Supervising the age group.
Working Conditions: Primary Care Workers are assigned to a specific number of children to accommodate DES licensing ratios for one of three time periods: either the 6am –2pm or 2pm-10pm or 10-6 shift. This position requires frequent lifting of children. All Primary Care Workers have regular, close contact with the children and, as a result are at risk for being exposed to infectious diseases. The reduction of this risk requires the practice of Universal Precautions.
Level of Supervision: This position requires a high level of supervision. The PCW reports directly to the Child Guidance Specialist. They will have regularly scheduled supervision meetings.