What are the responsibilities and job description for the Children's Supportive Services Program Coordinator position at Amos House?
About Amos House
Amos House is a trauma-informed nonprofit serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty in Providence, Rhode Island. Our Family Shelter provides case management and supportive services to up to 57 families with over 150 children, with an average length of stay of 6 to 9 months. The Family Shelter Playroom is a safe, therapeutic space where children engage in age-appropriate play, activities, and homework support, open after school and during vacation periods.
Our Mother Child Reunification Program (MCRP) provides structured, recovery-based transitional housing for 11 mothers and their children (ages birth to 9) and includes a dedicated playroom where children's supportive services are also offered.
Job Overview
The Children's Supportive Services Program Coordinator leads the day-to-day operations of the Family Shelter Playroom, overseeing programming, staff supervision, and direct service to children across Amos House family programs. This role requires a skilled, trauma-informed leader who can hold space for children with a range of experiences while building structure, joy, and safety in the playroom environment.
This role will also dedicate up to one day per week at MCRP, offering interactive play and developmental activities to children in that program.
What You'll Do
Playroom Operations & Programming
- Oversee the daily operation of the Family Shelter Playroom, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and structured environment for children of all ages.
- Create and implement a weekly activity curriculum that includes crafts, group activities, and special events.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the space; manage inventory of toys, books, games, and equipment.
- Manage and order supplies within the Playroom budget.
- Facilitate free play and structured programming, actively engaging with children to build trust and rapport.
Supervision & Team Leadership
- Supervise a team of 3 to 4 Child Support Specialists, including scheduling, daily task management, and activity facilitation.
- Coordinate and oversee volunteer recruitment and responsibilities; cultivate relationships with area schools and colleges to identify volunteer tutors and playroom support.
Family & Community Engagement
- Conduct intakes for new families entering the shelter.
- Connect children and families to additional supportive services through referrals.
- Support families in navigating school-related barriers; attend IEP or behavioral intervention meetings at the request of caregivers and shelter staff.
- Identify and promote outside activities and events for families, including obtaining tickets to local museums, the zoo, and community events.
MCRP Site Coverage
- Spend up to one day per week at the Mother Child Reunification Program, providing interactive play and age-appropriate developmental activities for children ages birth to 9.
What Success Looks Like
First 90 Days
- You've built genuine rapport with the children and families in the playroom.
- Your team has clarity on expectations, schedules, and daily responsibilities.
- The playroom feels consistent, safe, and well-run from day one.
At Six Months
- A curriculum rhythm is in place with regular activities, crafts, and special events.
- Volunteers are engaged, well-coordinated, and returning consistently.
- Families are receiving referrals and support that extends beyond the playroom.
- You are a trusted presence at MCRP and a collaborative partner to shelter staff.
Long-Term
- You are proactively identifying gaps in children's programming and bringing solutions.
- You're advocating for what children and families need — inside and outside the playroom.
- The playroom is something children and caregivers genuinely look forward to every day.
- Proven management experience in program development or social services related to children or individuals with developmental disabilities
- Strong background in working with children with developmental disabilities and understanding of behavioral health principles
- Excellent relationship management skills to collaborate effectively with families, service providers, community partners, and team members
- Demonstrated supervisory experience with the ability to lead a diverse team in a fast-paced environment
- Solid administrative skills including record-keeping, budgeting, report writing, and program documentation
- Knowledge of social work practices combined with experience in behavioral health interventions is highly desirable
- Ability to develop innovative programs that address community needs while adhering to regulatory standards
What You'll Bring
Must Haves
- Minimum 2 to 3 years of experience working directly with children and families.
- Knowledge of child development stages and age-appropriate play practices.
- Demonstrated ability to support children who have experienced trauma using a trauma-aware, strengths-based approach.
- Valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and insurance.
- Clean BCI (Background Check Investigation).
- Commitment to confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations and Amos House policies.
- Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries in a dual-role environment.
Nice to Haves
- Experience working with families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
- Educational background or experience in early childhood education, childcare, or after-school programming.
- Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Amos House is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. Candidates with lived experience of homelessness or poverty are encouraged to apply.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- This is a full-time, in-person position in Providence, RI with evening hours Monday through Thursday and Saturday afternoons. Are you available for this schedule?
- How many years of experience do you have working directly with children in a structured setting such as childcare, after-school programming, or youth development?
- Describe your experience working with children who have experienced trauma or families navigating housing instability.
- This role supervises a small team of Child Support Specialists. Do you have experience supervising or leading others in a direct service or childcare setting?
License/Certification:
- driver's license, current vehicle registration and insurance (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000 - $65,000