What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Teacher - Interim House West position at PHMC?
PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.
SUBSIDIARY: Interim House West
DEPARTMENT: Addiction Services
Reports to: Family Service Coordinator
ROLE TYPE: Full-Time-Exempt
Job Description:
The full-time lead teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate toddler classroom within a facility that serves families enrolled in a residential drug rehabilitation program. This role blends early childhood expertise with trauma-informed care, supporting both the healthy development of toddlers and the stability of parents working toward recovery. The Lead Teacher works with the Family Service Coordinator to ensure high-quality curriculum implementation, classroom management, family communication, and compliance with IHW programming.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure constant supervision and maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom.
- Follow all health, safety, and sanitation protocols, including diapering, toileting, and snack routines.
- Maintain accurate daily records, lesson plans, developmental observations, and progress notes.
- In collaboration with the Family Service Coordinator, develop a daycare, preschool, and after-school program and ensure the program objectives and goals are met.
- Collaborate with case managers, therapists, and program staff to support the family stability and parenting goals.
- Participate in family meetings, conferences, and parent education sessions as needed.
- Engage in staff meetings, professional development, and cross-department collaboration.
- Involve mothers in the planning and implementation of daily program activities for the infants, toddlers, pre-school, and after-school programs.
- Attend Interim House West team meetings to discuss women and children’s treatment plans and progress.
- Assist the Family Service coordinator in the completion of quarterly reports and individual service plans for DHS-funded children.
- Support the IHW mission of providing consistent, compassionate care that strengthens families in recovery.
- Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License required for field trips
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills:
Knowledge of Trauma-informed practice
Knowledge of Cultural humility and non-judgmental communication
Strong understanding of toddler development
Team leadership and mentorship ability
Emotional resilience and professionalism
Commitment to family-centered care
Ability to remain calm, patient, and flexible in a dynamic environment.
Strong communication and collaboration ability
Experience:
- Experience or training in trauma -informed care, behavioral support, or working with families affected by substance use.
- 2 years of experience with children experiencing delays in their cognitive, communication, or perceptual motor skills development.
Education Requirement:
Associate’s degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or the human services field, including 15 credit hours related to children with developmental disabilities or delays.
Additional Qualifications: CPR/First Aid Certification
PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.