Child Care Specialist
Reports To: House Supervisor
Salary: $13.00–$16.00 per hour, based on experience
Schedule: 10-hour shifts (flexible, based on program needs)
Position Summary
The Child Care Specialist is responsible for providing direct supervision, guidance, and support to youth residing in the group home. This role focuses on maintaining a safe and structured environment while helping residents develop positive behaviors, life skills, and coping strategies. The Child Care Specialist ensures that daily routines are followed, residents’ needs are met, and all activities are carried out in compliance with Pennsylvania Chapter 3800 residential child care regulations
Key Responsibilities
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Supervise and monitor residents at all times to ensure safety and compliance with program rules.
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Assist with daily living activities including meals, hygiene, chores, school preparation, and recreational activities.
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Teach and reinforce life skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
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Provide emotional support, mentorship, and positive role modeling for residents.
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Assist with transportation as needed for school, medical appointments, court hearings, family visits, and recreational outings.
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Support residents in completing educational goals and homework assignments.
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Assist in the administration of medication (with proper training) and ensure documentation is accurate.
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Participate in food shopping, meal preparation, and maintaining a clean and organized living environment.
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Implement and follow behavior management plans as directed by the treatment team.
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Document daily logs, incident reports, and progress notes in accordance with program policies.
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Report all safety concerns, incidents, or unusual behavior to the House Supervisor promptly.
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Participate in staff meetings, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities.
Qualifications
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High School Diploma or GED required.
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At least 1 year of experience working with youth in residential care, foster care, education, or human services preferred.
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Must be at least 21 years of age (per PA 3800 regulations).
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Valid driver’s license with clean driving record; ability to transport youth safely when required.
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Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in high-pressure or crisis situations.
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Commitment to trauma-informed care, compliance, and ethical standards.
Core Competencies
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Supervision and safety awareness
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Youth engagement and mentorship
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Life skills teaching and support
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Behavior management and de-escalation
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Teamwork and collaboration
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Household and resource management
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Communication and documentation
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Reliability and professionalism
