Development Assistant Jobs in Hamilton, ON (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are
For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

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.

This position is a permanent part-time position with up to 20 hours/week. Work schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM and additional hours 1x/month to participate in donation pickup rotation.

Accountabilities:

Program Development

• 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.
• Develop, complete, and monitor Individual Development plans for children.
• Submit Individual Development Plans to Program Manager or Team Lead for review.
• Work collaboratively with team members to support integrated Individual Development Plans and goals for the family.
• Share and participate in planning, implementation, and facilitation of parent/child programming.
• Provide supervision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children
• Recognize and respond to the needs of each child including feeding, changing, soothing.
• Participate in program development, regular supervision, performance reviews (PEAC) and evaluations as required and the accreditation process.

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 family.
• 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 Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a permanent part-time position, with a consistent 13 hours/week schedule, plus additional hours monthly to participate in donation pickup rotation.
• Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet program requirements. Normal hours of work are typically 2 days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays); 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• 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:
  • Exposure to soiled diapers
  • Verbal abuse
  • 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

Experience and Knowledge Requirements:

• 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.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.