Early Childhood Specialist

The mission of WAA is to provide quality, compassionate and non-judgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence through advocacy and community education. WAA’s Core Values are Safety, Empowerment, Strength, Hope, Respect, and Integrity and we are committed to a work environment built on honesty, transparency, teamwork, accountability, and a high level of professionalism.

Responsibilities:

The Early Childhood Specialist plans, develops and implements an early childhood education program meeting the needs of individual children, ages one (1) through five (5), while providing care for children within the safe haven. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Developing a non-punitive atmosphere by assisting mothers and children in learning means on non-violent conflict resolution; Advocating for children, providing emotional support; Assisting mothers in developing parenting skills; Planning and carrying out recreational activities for all ages of children, including family groups; Coordinating activities of the Child Care Worker, college students, mothers, volunteers, and foster grandparents in the program; Maintaining appropriate records and progress notes.
All responsibilities are implemented according to our mission and values and according to Agency standards.

Qualifications:

1. Associate’s Degree or the equivalent in Early Childhood Education and experience, required.
2. Certificate in Childcare, Early Childhood Education or related field, required.
3. Seven (7) to ten (10) years experience working with children in a mixed-aged group (Preschool to Kindergarten), required.
4. Demonstrated experience in creating effective learning programs, required.
5. Some experience in working on domestic violence issues, strongly preferred.
6. Experience working in human services or related organization, preferred.
7. Driver's License & Passing of MVR (motor vehicle record search), required.
8. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population, required and urban setting, preferred.
9. Intermediate Microsoft Office (Excel, Work, Outlook, etc.) skills, required.
10. Proficient communication skills, both verbal and written, required.
11. Demonstrated ability to organize time and detail, including keeping of records, required.
12. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
13. Bilingual or conversational in addition to English, preferred
14. Satisfactorily pass State & FBI criminal & Child Abuse clearances pre-hire; and regular renewals (all expenses paid by WAA)
15. Must attend/complete upcoming virtual Domestic Violence Advocate Paid Training (August 19 - September 4, T/W/Th)

2 Current Openings:

Location: Philadelphia, PA Local Travel may be required
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Pay Rate: $18.81 per hour with benefits

Benefits: Health Insurance (Medical/Vision/Dental - No deductibles) Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement Savings, HRA, FSA, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, AD&D, Annual pay increases, Years of Service Recognition (pay increases every 2 years of continuous service), Generous paid time off including vacation, personal, sick and holidays + more!

Women Against Abuse (WAA), a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency, is among the largest domestic violence agencies in the country and Philadelphia's leading domestic violence advocate and service provider. With over 170 staff, WAA serves (2 100 bed safe havens and 15 transitional housing apartments), legal services, hotline counseling, aftercare community-based services, prevention & education, and advocacy.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color, LGBTQ communities, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.