Child Development Worker

Position Purpose summary:

The Child Development Worker shares and participates in the planning and delivery of infant and children’s programs, creation of Individual Development Plans and supporting pregnant and parenting youth and adults.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

                Accountability #1

• Share and participate in the responsibility for planning, preparing, and implementing stimulating, age-appropriate activities that encourage children’s creativity and learning; promote each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Accountability #2
• Develop, complete, and monitor Individual Development plans for children and
• Submit Individual Development Plans to Program Manager or Team Lead for review.
• Accountability #3
• Work collaboratively with team members to support integrated Individual Development Plans and goals for the family.
• Accountability # 4
• Share and participate in planning, implementation, and facilitation of parent/child programming.
• Accountability # 5
• Provide supervision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children
• Accountability # 6
• Recognize and respond to the needs of each child including feeding, changing, soothing.
• Accountability # 7
• Participate in program development, regular supervision, performance reviews (PEAC) and evaluations as required and the accreditation process
• Perform other duties as required.

Evaluation

• Present updates and Individual Development Plans at Young Parent team meetings
• Assist with the orientation of new children and families to the program as necessary.
• Observe and monitor children's play activities.

Administration & Reporting

• Complete accurate documentation including daily log, progress notes on individual children, including observations and information about activities, reports, incident reports, serious occurrences and record and submit all stats.
• Ensure that all information about children, family etc. is strictly confidential; and that activity records and statistics are stored in a secure location.
• Model appropriate and positive behaviors and attitudes for the child and
• Communicate effectively with families and team members.
• Ensure effective risk management; health and safety of the playroom environment, monitoring food safety, allergies, and facility cleanliness/maintenance; provides emergency first aid and completes reports and file incident reports as required.
• Share responsibility for maintaining program equipment in good repair; assist with toy/equipment disinfecting, maintaining the play environments and storage areas in an organized and clutter-free condition
• Perform other position related duties as required.

MANAGERIAL/Technical RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to Program Manager or designate
• May be responsible to support new staff or volunteers in teaching various work methods

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a casual Relief position for our child-minding services. There are no set hours and may be called to one or the other location to work in child-minding areas.
• Position requires frequent lifting of infants, intervening in physical confrontations, cleaning (of the facility/equipment), and putting up wall displays. Ability to lift/move up to 20 lbs.
• Frequent lifting, twisting, bending, crouching, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Position requires frequent movement up and down from a seated position on the floor and/or seated position on furniture that sits low to the floor. Lifting, kneeling, and standing for long periods.
• Some travel is associated with this position as the incumbent may be required to work out of either location and may be required to work in the community, virtually or remotely.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and coworkers of The Salvation Army Grace Haven/New Choices.
• Uphold all Salvation Army policies, directives, and operating guidelines.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and regulations and abide by the Health and Safety Policies and Procedures of The Salvation Army.
• Participate fully and consistently as a conscientious team member in caring for children and in the overall operation of the program; maintain regular and open communication with supervisor.
• Incumbent may be exposed to the following disagreeable conditions:
  1. Exposure to soiled diapers
  2. Verbal abuse
  3. Tantrums

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a Community College Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Child Studies or equivalent as determined by the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario.
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR Level C Certification
• NVCI Certification
• Alternative combinations of education may be considered
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience working with infants in a childcare environment or social service setting.
• Knowledge of child welfare system and addictions and mental health.
• Knowledge and an understanding of the needs of children and young parents and adults.
• Knowledge of the unlicensed childcare sector and community resources.
• Current and demonstrated knowledge in: Fundamental concepts and theories of child development, children’s mental health, and parenting skills are essential.
• Skills pertinent to developing and facilitating infant/toddler/parenting programs.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products i.e., Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, etc.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility at all times
• Non-judgmental, with the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries, confidentiality, and professionalism at all times.
• Attentive listening skills
• A valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License is required, a current Driver’s Abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion
• Provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

In support of our commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and community, The Salvation Army (TSA) has a vaccination requirement for all employees in Canada.  The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to provincial/territorial human rights legislation. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Human Rights Code, a request for accommodation can be submitted and written proof satisfactory to TSA will be required.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application