Part-Time Therapeutic Childcare Staff – JP South

Join Our Team at Jeremiah’s Place – JP South!

Would you like to make a difference in a child’s life?

At Jeremiah’s Place, our families leave a mark on our hearts and minds, and we strive to do the same for them. Jeremiah’s Place cares for young children and supports families during a crisis. Our primary focus is to protect children and to provide safe and supportive solutions for families in need.

We are excited to announce our expansion to JP South and are looking for passionate individuals to join us at our new location! This is a great opportunity to be part of a growing team that is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

Job Description

Staff members will be responsible for managing the care provided to children visiting our short-term emergency childcare center. Many of these children may have complex backgrounds and experiences, so an understanding of the effects of trauma on child development is essential.

Therapeutic childcare team members at JP South will also provide an enriching environment by implementing a S.T.E.A.M.-based curriculum throughout our daily schedule, with the ability to adapt activities based on developmental stages.

Watch the video below for a glimpse into a day in the life of a Therapeutic Childcare Team Member:

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide Direct Care – Support and engage with children experiencing crisis, ensuring a nurturing and safe environment.
• Implement Therapeutic Activities – Utilize S.T.E.A.M.-based curriculum to promote learning, creativity, and social-emotional development.
• Adapt to Individual Needs – Recognize and respond to the unique needs of each child, adjusting activities based on developmental stages.
• Support Trauma-Informed Care – Understand the impact of trauma on child development and apply best practices in care and engagement.
• Maintain a Positive Environment – Foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for children and families.
• Communicate with Families – Provide updates and support to parents and caregivers, ensuring their children receive compassionate and appropriate care.
• Collaborate with Team Members – Work alongside teammates and leadership to maintain a structured and effective childcare program

Applicants should be:

• Ambitious
• Fun-loving and energetic
• Welcoming
• Non-judgmental
• Warm and compassionate

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry children
• Physical stamina to keep up with active children
• Bending, kneeling, and squatting to interact with children at their level
• Ability to stand for extended periods

Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

• Experience in early childhood education, childcare, or related fields preferred.
• Minimum of an Assistant Group Supervisor Level of Experience (one of the following examples): 
  •  (1)  A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field.
  •    (2)  A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate, including 600 or more hours of secondary training described in §  3270.31(c) (relating to age and training).
  •    (3)  A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate, 15 credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field and 1 year of experience with children.
  •    (4)  A high school diploma or a general education development certificate and completion of a post-secondary training curriculum described in §  3270.31(c).
  •    (5)  A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children.
• Ability to engage positively and empathetically with children from diverse backgrounds.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to a dynamic childcare environment.
• Passion for making a meaningful difference in children’s lives

Preferred:

• Pediatric CPR and 1st Aid Certification
• Experience caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Experience with Trauma Informed Care approaches
• Strong understanding of child development and trauma-informed care (training provided).

Benefits & Pay:

• Pay Rate: $16/hour (Increase to $17/hour after 6 months of employment)
• 403(b)
• 403(b) company match
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

Part-time Therapeutic Childcare team members at JP South will work weekday shifts from 8 am to 12 pm or 12 pm to 4 pm, providing a safe, developmentally appropriate therapeutic environment to minimize the adverse effects of stressful situations or traumatic experiences for children in crisis.

Work Location:

In-person at Jeremiah’s Place – South (201 Rochelle St., Pittsburgh, PA 15210)