Job Title: Summer Program Children’s Advocate
Department: Prevention Reports To: Clinic Director
FLSA Status/Category: Non-Exempt, Hourly Approved
SUMMARY: Provides nurturing childcare and age-appropriate activities during Summer Program for children ages 5 to 17 years in a residential and non-residential setting. Activities are designed to promote social, developmental, and emotional growth.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. • Provide nurturing childcare for school age children residing in the shelter facility or receiving non-residential services during Summer Program. • Work with children who have suffered extreme emotional stress who may display emotional and/or physical acting out behaviors. • Maintain a calm, soothing atmosphere for children in care and a courteous attitude with children and their parents. • Follow directives of immediate supervisor and other managers/advocates inside agency established guidelines to administer only. • Complete daily file documentation and reporting in an accurate and timely manner. • Advise supervisor of concerns regarding child's behavior or parent's concerns. • Assist Summer Program staff on field trips and special events. • Must be able to work flexible hours as assigned by supervisor. • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
OTHER DUTIES: In accordance with the team philosophy of the agency, may routinely be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to essential duties and responsibilities. Must act in accordance with the agency's mission statement and goals.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None. Informally monitor tasks assigned to volunteers.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must be 18 years of age or older. Must be CPR certified or willing to obtain a CPR certification within the first two weeks of being hired.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED); two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must demonstrate knowledge of age-appropriate activities and care guidelines for children.
LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to communicate in a positive, helpful, and courteous manner. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
REASONING ABILITY Must be able to remain calm under high stress and communicate with staff, parents, and children in a courteous, respectful manner. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standard situations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent sitting, standing, stooping, lifting, reaching, kneeling, and walking. Often required to lift, hold, or carry children up to 3 years of age. Frequent lifting and carrying of children up to 45 pounds.