Therapeutic Childcare Teacher

Our Vision

As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission

Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and a well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

Salary $17.50-$18.25 Per Hour

MAJOR DUTIES: The Therapeutic Childcare Teacher works under the supervision of the Childcare Supervisor. The individual provides direct care, often alone, to the children of mothers’ in the six-month Residential Treatment Program. Activities include assessing, monitoring and planning for children’s developmental growth; providing predictability and stability in schedule, routine and interpersonal interactions; modeling appropriate interactions with children and communicating with families, the Childcare Supervisor, and other staff as necessary. This position does not provide clinical services to agency patients. In providing these services, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1. Provide all children, regardless of behavior, a much needed sense of safety
2. Maintain a clean, inviting and well-organized classroom environment
3. Provide boundaries for children and mothers in a calm and non-judgmental way
4. Implement consistent positive behavior management
5. Manage a group of up to 10 children independently
6. Implement developmental screenings
7. Engage children in developmentally appropriate learning and recreational activities influenced by children’s interests
8. Be flexible, empathetic and non-judgmental
9. Maintain confidentiality
10. Maintain accurate files and complete paperwork in a timely manner
11. Maintain current understanding of Washington State Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes of Washington (RCWs) and federal regulations pertaining to chemical dependency treatment, early childhood education, and the management of personal health information

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

1. Associate in arts in early childhood education preferred;
2. Must have MERIT account and initial STARS training completed;
3. Paid experience teaching children ages birth-5 ;
4. Current First Aid/CPR certification;
5. Food Handler’s Permit;
6. Ability to continuously stand or walk;
7. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds ;
8. Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs and lift frequently;
9. Excellent attendance;
10. Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

COMPLEXITY

The incumbent provides agency based services to patients in the Inpatient treatment program. Strong communication skills, sound judgment, and creativity are required to help implement and deliver support services that meet the complex needs of the patients.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are primarily with the members of the treatment team, patients, children of patients, and significant others and family members of the patients. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of client records.

GUIDELINES:

Incumbent relies on specialized training and/or equivalent experience and performs duties in accordance with Washington Administrative Codes, Federal regulations governing the confidentiality of client files, and Lifeline Connections Policy and Procedure Manual.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak clearly, hear and use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils and keys on a keyboard. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands or arms stoop, kneel, crouch and/or move a maximum of 20 lbs. Occasional heavy lifting may be required. The employee may be regularly required to effectively operate an automobile.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working hours are spent indoors in offices or other meeting rooms. Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Childcare Supervisor