What are the responsibilities and job description for the House Parent - Childcare Worker position at Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery?
House Parent
About Vanessa Behan
Vanessa Behan is a nonprofit emergency childcare center serving children from birth through age 12. Children may stay for up to 72 hours while families navigate a crisis. Our mission is to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for children, strengthen families, and help prevent child abuse in our community.
Position Summary
House Parents provide direct care and supervision for children ages birth through 12 in a residential childcare setting. Reporting to the Children's Services Team Lead and working under the guidance of a Lead House Parent, House Parents create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment while ensuring children's daily needs are met.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care for children.
- Plan and participate in activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
- Maintain awareness of children's locations, needs, and group dynamics throughout each shift.
- Build positive, supportive relationships with children through consistent routines and interactions.
- Observe and document children's activities and behaviors as directed.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow established policies and procedures.
- Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks.
- Perform housekeeping and sanitation duties to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
- Work collaboratively with coworkers to support daily operations and child care needs.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED.
- Meet one of the following:
- Six months of experience working directly with children; or
- Six months of lived experience providing for the physical, emotional, and social care of children; or
- A combination of related professional and lived experience.
Additional Requirements
The following requirements must be completed before or shortly after hire. Vanessa Behan will assist employees in obtaining required certifications if needed.
- CPR and First Aid certification (including Infant CPR)
- Bloodborne Pathogens training
- Washington State Food Worker Card
- Successful completion of Washington State and national background checks
- Compliance with all applicable health and licensing requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Compassionate, nonjudgmental, and committed to supporting children and families.
- Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Ability to work with children who may have higher support needs or challenging behaviors.
- Ability to learn and use internal software systems and technology.
Physical Requirements
- Regularly stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers.
- Occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, and reach.
- Lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to observe and respond to children's needs in an active childcare environment.
Compensation
Wage Range: $21.01-$29.41 per hour. Actual starting pay is determined based on qualifications, skills, experience, and organizational needs.
Typical Starting Rate for New Hires: $21.00-$21.50 per hour.
Employees may be considered for wage increases one to two times per year based on performance and organizational factors.
Benefits
Eligible employees may receive:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Paid time off (Wellness Leave and Washington Paid Sick Leave)
- Seven paid holidays
Work Location
In-person – Spokane, Washington
We have a variety of part-time and full-time shift packages available for day, swing, and grave.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Vanessa Behan is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay: $21.01 - $29.41 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $21 - $22