Awake Lead Child Care Worker

Founded in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home is the oldest active charity in Sacramento and among the most highly respected. SCH is an equal opportunity employer who values an inclusive work environment that celebrates and recognizes the diversity of its employees. At SCH, we appreciate that having employees of many different backgrounds strengthens our organization, and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve.

The Sacramento Crisis Nursery is a family-strengthening program, where parents can bring their children ages 0-5 to one of two Sacramento nurseries for emergency childcare services or overnight care during difficult times.  Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing support to families in times of crisis. 

OVERVIEW: Under the supervision of the Crisis Nursery Supervisor, the Awake Lead Child Care Worker (Awake LCCW) supports the mission of the agency and program by ensuring the safety, care and supervision of children at the Crisis Nursery. The Awake LCCW is responsible for coordinating the direct care operations during the shift and is the main communication link to site supervisors. The Awake LCCW applies Community Care Licensing (CCL), agency and program standards in the operation and care of children.

DUTIES:

• Maintain awareness of the overall duties that need to be completed for the shift and provide work direction, ongoing feedback and problem-solving for CCW staff.
• Evaluate the changing needs of the Nursery and allocate staff, consistent with established child to staff ratios, depending on the age, number of children and other factors affecting care and supervision of children.
• Administer immediate coaching and employee discipline in the absence of the site supervisors.
• Communicate all staffing performance or conduct issues immediately or as soon as possible.
• Communicate with management regarding any questions concerning admission or discharge of a child, illness, accident or incident that may need immediate or future attention.
• Proactively and immediately address problems or areas needing improvement, including quantity or quality of work before the end of the shift.
• Make decisions based on all available facts, regulations, policies, systems and established expectations.
• Participate in staff investigations and provide written statements when requested. 
• Ensure that interactions with children and families are supportive, focus on de-escalation of crisis situations, take steps so as not to become personally upset and support this in other staff.
• Check in with staff several times during shift and be available for questions or to offer suggestions for productivity.  Reinforce appropriate time required to complete assigned tasks.
• Monitor overall completion of tasks and demonstrate prioritization of any special tasks.
• Act as a role model for CCW staff regarding quantity or quality of work duties.
• Implement any monitoring systems per supervisor instructions.
• Provide feedback to management regarding the performance of support staff.
• Check-in with CCW’s during their shift and review their written documentation for accuracy. Verify that each CCW has made any necessary corrections.
• Maintain constant attention to the safety of the children and their environment.
• Assume responsibility for the total care of all children during assigned shift.
• Constantly monitor and maintain the cleanliness and safety of the interior and exterior of the Nursery, in accordance with program and Title 22 regulations.
• Supervise the children consistent with CCL regulations and SCH/CN Policies and Systems.
• Assure all child care needs are meet, including but not limited to preparing meals and bottles, diaper changes, bathing, feeding, one-on-one interaction, etc.
• Remain alert to physical and/or emotional changes in infants or children indicating the onset of illness. 
• Observe infants and children for drowsiness, need to rest, to be bathed and changed.
• Complete bed checks to assure the well-being of the children for overnight shifts consistent with established policies and standards.
• Ensure nutritious meals and snacks are prepared and served family style. 
• Complete bed checks to assure the well-being of the children consistent with established policies and standards.
• Apply crisis intervention techniques to ensure the safety of children and staff. 
• Apply positive discipline when necessary, abiding by program and agency policies and standards.
• Provide supervision, protection and care of children individually and in groups at all times. 
• Oversee and implement the child guidance system for managing play activities.
• Notate child's progress, identify the possible need for professional services, and communicate such findings to professional staff.
• Clean and sanitize beds once children leave the Nursery.
• Greet and interact with volunteers and community members with respect so they may experience the Nursery as a place where their work is appreciated and needed.
• Oversee visits with families or caregivers as necessary.
• Administer medications and treatments following accurate dosage and times as prescribed or recorded in the child’s chart.
• Assist with general and specific tasks and special projects including, but not limited to, cleaning, laundry, changing bedding, preparing meals and snacks, etc. for the children.
• Ensure that the children are kept clean and healthy (i.e. baths, brushing teeth, washing hands, etc.).
• Check charts for complete information and follow orders given therein.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and training sessions in accordance with agency and State regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LOCATION:  4533 Pasadena Ave. Sacramento, CA 95821 (Crisis Nursery North), or 

6699 South Land Park Dr. Sacramento, CA 95831 (Crisis Nursery South)

Positions available at both Crisis Nurseries

SCHEDULE:  Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 pm – 7:00 am, and Wednesday Staff Meeting. 

SALARY:       $23.35 -$26.26 per hour, to start

QUALIFICATIONS:

A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required.

Must have completed 12 postsecondary semester units or equivalent quarter units, with a passing grade, as determined by institution.  Classes must have a focus on Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Child Health at an accredited college or university. At least 3 semester units, or equivalent quarter units, shall include coursework in the care of infants. Six (6) months experience in a position providing direct care of infants may be substituted for the 3 semester units in the care of infants.

OR

Completion of 9 postsecondary semester units or equivalent quarter units, with a passing grade, as determined by the institution, in classes with a focus on early childhood education, child development, or child health at an accredited college or university, as determined by the department and six months of work experience in a licensed group home, licensed infant care center, or comparable group child care program or family day care is required.

AND Six months of work experience in a licensed group home, licensed infant care center, or comparable licensed group childcare program is required.

OR

Must have a current and valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, with the appropriate age level endorsement issued by the CDA National Credentialing Program, and at least six months of on-the-job training or work experience in a licensed childcare center or comparable group childcare program.

OR

Must have a current and valid Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Sections 80105 through 80116.

Ideal candidates will possess an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Behavioral Science, Child Development or a related behavioral health/social services degree.

Driving is an essential function of this job. As such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment. A valid driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is also required. Must be at least 21 years old.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Knowledge of child development and ability to provide care for children 0-5 years of age.
• Ability to implement constructive and linear problem-solving skills.
• Ability to understand and implement program/CCL policies, systems, standards, etc.
• Ability to provide work direction to other staff, monitor performance and provide immediate feedback to the staff and management.
• Ability to relate with children in a nurturing and respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with children and families.
• Ability to accept supervision within the Crisis Nursery program and relate constructively to authority.
• Ability to work effectively independently, as well as part of a team.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a variety of people external to the program, including representatives of other institutions and agencies and parents of the children.
• Ability to perform housekeeping tasks, including but not limited to, cleaning, washing clothes, preparing meals, etc.
• Skill to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Skill to plan and organize multiple tasks at one time.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, in order to prepare meals, distribute medication, etc.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a culturally diverse resident population and work force.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, short and long-term disability plans, retirement plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, professional development and career advancement opportunities.

TO APPLY:  External candidates must complete our on-line employment application available at www.kidshome.org/careers.

PLEASE NOTE: Non-SCH employees who are made an offer of employment will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background process that includes passing a drug test, including marijuana. Applicants who do not pass any part of this pre-employment process will have their offer of employment rescinded.