Virtual Friend Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Purpose

Kindering is looking to hire a Child Care and Preschool Consultant who has practical experience working with children, families, child care providers and caregivers from culturally diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B).

This position is responsible for implementing a Child Care and Preschool Consultation Program by providing outreach, training and consultation/technical assistance to providers caring for young children ages birth to 6 in parts of King and Snohomish County, specifically:

• Center-based child care and preschool providers
• Family-home child care and preschool providers
• Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Work collaboratively with child care providers and caregivers to provide culturally relevant, culturally responsive outreach, consultation, coaching, support and training to child care providers and caregivers.  Examples may include on-site observation of children; assessment of child care and preschool environments; and development of strategies for child, classroom, child care provider, and caregiver support.
• Perform developmental assessments and screenings for children and make appropriate recommendations to families and child care providers, caregivers, as well as referrals to community resources and services. On the job training will be provided, as needed.
• Create and lead engaging virtual and in-person presentations for adult learners on topics related to child development, behavior, and diverse abilities to improve knowledge and skill development of staff.
• Brainstorm, plan and implement new outreach projects designed to support children, families, child care providers and caregivers.
• Complete all program activities to meet grant requirements.
• Work closely and communicate regularly with Child Care and Preschool Consultation staff and others on a regular basis.
• Coordinate and collaborate with direct service providers (for example, occupational, speech, physical therapists) for children currently receiving Early Support services.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Director of Outreach, Family, and Caregiver Support Services.

**This role is hybrid with a majority of duties being completed in the field**

Required Education & Experience

• Practical experience working with families and children ages birth to 6 in community-based settings is highly valued.  Examples may include child care and preschool programs, Early Support programs, Public Health, hospitals, therapeutic or clinical settings.
• Preference for additional language proficiency with Spanish preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, etc.). Master’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people from different racial, socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds and a sensitivity and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B).
• Deep understanding of current issues and challenges facing individuals from underserved  communities.
• Commitment to ongoing self-reflection and demonstrated ability to receive and adjust to feedback as a consultant and member of a team.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Infant Mental Health Endorsement or eligible to apply for Infant Mental Health Endorsement through W-AIMH preferred.

Key Competencies

• Consultation and coaching
• Outreach and informing
• Observation and assessment
• Education and training
• Working collaboratively and building relationships
• Culturally responsive practice

Minimum Prerequisites

• Pass Washington State DSHS criminal history and background check and FBI fingerprint check
• Strictly maintain confidentiality of all client information
• Demonstrate skill in word processing and familiarity with MS Outlook, Word and Excel
• Possess valid Washington State driver’s license and valid automobile insurance
• Have access to a dependable personal vehicle
• Pass drug and tuberculosis tests
• Ability to show proof of current immunizations, including COVID-19 and MMR vaccine or titer test*

*Kindering is subject to multiple executive orders requiring all employees to be vaccinated or apply and be approved for a sincerely held religious belief or medical exemption. We require those supervising and providing in-person services to children to be vaccinated and are unable to accommodate any exceptions. For other positions that can be accommodated, employees must apply and be approved for a sincerely held religious belief or medical exemption.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: 

The information described below represents the activities and surroundings one may encounter when performing the duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• To perform the job, the employee may frequently be required to talk, hear, stand, and walk or through other appropriate means to accomplish the work, including mobility and assistive devices. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, climb, balance, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds.   
• The work is typically performed in child care and preschool environments, which includes work done in outdoor settings such as when observing children during outdoor play or providing consultation services in outdoor nature-based preschool programs. Environmental conditions (e.g., noise levels, smells, brightness levels, walking surfaces, number of people/crowded areas) may vary.
• Frequent travel in parts of King (greater Eastside and Renton) and Snohomish County (currently Bothell and Mill Creek) is required.
• The employee will be required to organize their own schedule, independently plan for timely completion of paperwork tasks and demonstrate flexibility with changes