Child Development Worker

Waypoints is a registered, non-profit charity that has been operating in Fort McMurray since 1982. Waypoints offers facilities, programs and services for people that have experienced, or are experiencing domestic violence and/or abuse, sexual assault and/or abuse, and homelessness. Waypoints also provides the community with public awareness events, initiatives and educational programs to increase the prevention of violence, abuse and homelessness within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Waypoints operates Unity House, an Emergency Women and Children's Shelter, the Opportunities for Change Centre, The Sexual Assault and Abuse Healing Centre, and The Compass, home of our Second Stage Shelter for women and children in need of transitional housing, as well as affordable housing.

Position Summary:

This position provides routine care and support to the children and their mothers/guardian during their stay at Unity house. The CDW must be sensitive with issues associated with family violence and abuse, and is required to deal with all clients in a professional manner.

Ability to offer support, empathy and compassion to women and children is crisis. The ability to work with children who are victims of family abuse. The ability to identify children’s needs and work with children to ensure they feel safe while at Unity House. Strong ability to deal with the general public, other professionals and clientele in a confident, skillful and sensitive manner through knowledge of Waypoints services and other related organization services. Participate in other duties and projects and assigned by the Unity House Supervisor and/or Executive Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· The CDW will work within the team to coordinate case plans for the care of children and provide educational support to mothers/guardian.

· Provide open accessibility to the play room with age appropriate children’s programs run on a daily basis as per policy and procedure.

· Maintain accurate documentation regarding the interaction with children and moms to the already existing client files on the CIW

· Complete documentation for crisis calls and non-residential clients

· Ensure that good care and maintenance is taken of all equipment and supplies used within the Child Development Room.

· Ensure that all child cribs, strollers, highchairs and car seats used within the Unity House at the Child Development area meet CSA approval.

· Become familiarized with Provincial legislation in regards to Child and Family Services. Document and refer all cases of suspected child abuse.

· Communicate any client case concerns, and/or in Unity House safety concerns to Unity House Supervisor/Manager.

· Make referral to other agencies after consultation with mom or guardian.

· Complete all internal staff communication logs and associated paper work.

· Supervise and /or train staff and volunteers to assist the Child Development worker.

· Prepare gifts, cakes, etc. for children’s birthdays, Christmas, Easter and any other recognized holiday for children and women in the Unity House.

· Responsible for organizing and tracking Child Development donations.

· Coordinate with Waypoints programs to provide childcare to moms who attend programming and services.

· Prepare and submit program reports as requested by the Unity House Supervisor/ Manager.

· Promotes Unity House and Child Development Program to the community when requested by the Shelter Manager or Executive Director.

· Assist in fundraising activities.

When the Unity House is absent of children, the CDW will participate in supper preparation, chores listed on the CIW list, crisis calls and non-residential appointments. In addition to the scheduled Child Development program the CDW will provide child care for children while their moms are participating in Day Program, Share Group, Second Stage Groups, and in-house moms who need to attend appointments where it would not be appropriate for children to attend.

Terms of Employment:

· Hourly wage is $22.00 with $6.40 per hour worked as cost of living allowance (COLA) to a max. of $480 per pay period.

SKILLS/EXPERTISE REQUIRED

Ability to offer support, empathy and compassion to women and children is crisis. The ability to work with children who are victims of family abuse. The ability to identify children’s needs and work with children to ensure they feel safe while at Unity House. Strong ability to deal with the general public, other professionals and clientele in a confident, skillful and sensitive manner through knowledge of Waypoints services and other related organization services. Participate in other duties and projects and assigned by the Unity House Supervisor/Manager and/or Executive Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· High School Diploma with 2 years related experience.

· Early Childhood Education Diploma preferred.

· 2 years working with Children/Youth who have experienced trauma.

· High degree of computer skills and ability to complete statistical reporting.

· Current Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

· Current Emergency First Aid and CPR Certification with Level “C” CPR

· Intervention Record Check and Criminal Record Check

Mandatory full, COVID vaccination required as per Government of Alberta recommendations.

Job Types: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Fort McMurray, AB T9K 2Z5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person