SOPHIA HOUSING ASSOCIATION
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE Childcare Worker
LOCATION Sophia, Donabate Nurturing Centre, Co Dublin
ABOUT SOPHIA:
Sophia is a national organisation, who has been supporting people as
they emerge from homelessness since **Apply on the website**.
Responding to the ever-growing need in Ireland Sophia now directly
supports **Apply on the website** adults and **Apply on the website**
children.
Sophia is a niche service provider for two reasons; Firstly, it sees
the provision of home of one?s own as the primary response to
homelessness and the intervention that Sophia is exclusively focused
on. Secondly as an Approved Housing Body, its core mission is to
provide homes for individuals, couples and families who not only need
a home but also present with other support needs.
Sophia recognises that homelessness can have a traumatic impact on
people and that services need to be designed and delivered in a trauma
informed way.
We aim to provide safe and innovative projects for vulnerable families
and individuals which will enable them to make a positive difference
in their lives.
Sophia?s early years and school age childcare services are located
in Donabate, north county Dublin.
REPORTING TO: Childcare and Nurturing Centre Manager
CONTRACT: Permanent
HOURS **Apply on the website** Hrs per week
BENEFITS Sophia offers the following additional benefits to employees:
* **Apply on the website** Annual Leave Days
* Additional Long Service annual leave
* 5% Employer pension contribution
* Further education and training support
* Employee assistance Programme
* Flexible working arrangements
JOB PURPOSE: To assist the Childcare and Nurturing Centre Manager in
the day to day running of Sophia Childcare Service and to work with
the children and families in a holistic way.
AREAS OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Services, Human Resources,
Finance, Health and Safety Development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
SERVICES
* To commit to the objectives and ethos of Sophia
* To ensure best practice in the delivery of Children?s Services.
* To work in accordance with Government legislation and policy.
* To work in accordance with Sophia and Policies and Procedures.
* To work as part of the team under the guidance and supervision of
the Childcare Manager.
* To work in a holistic way with children and families individually
and in groups.
* To work with the Childcare and Support team to develop a plan for
child development and play activities for the varying age groups.
* To develop individual Care Plans for the children he/she key
works.
* To ensure that all children, parents and visitors are welcomed
into the service.
* To involve the children in decision making as appropriate to their
age and understanding.
* To share information with Childcare and Nurturing Centre Manager &
Team including the development and follow up of Care Plans for the
children.
* To monitor and maintain appropriate written records of work with
the child.
* To be vigilant and monitor for signs of NAI, sexual abuse, neglect
and report any concerns to the Childcare and Nurturing Centre Manager
or in her absence Childcare Worker, Childcare Resource Coordinator,
Project Manager or Head of Services.
* To record concerns promptly and accurately. To consult with the
Designated Person and take appropriate action in accordance with
Sophia Child Protection policy
* To choose, organise, present and care for materials/equipment.
* To lead and work with the team to develop an appropriate
Curriculum and ensure that it is informed by Aistear the National
Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and S?olta the National Quality
Framework for Early Childhood Education
* To assist in the management of indoor/outdoor play facilities and
ensure they are maintained to a high standard and adhere to health and
safety policies.
* To assist in the planning and supervision of children in relation
to offsite activities and outings.
* To work in accordance with agreed shift hours.
HUMAN RESOURCES
* To assist in the induction and on-going training, support and
direction of employees, Volunteers, Students and trainees of Sophia
* To supervise C.E. staff under guidance of the Childcare and
Nurturing Centre Manager.
* Where CE staff are on placement to provide induction training and
supervision and progress reports to the CE Supervisor.
* Maintain appropriate staffing ratios within the group.
* Promote positive working relationships within the team
* Providing support to team members in their work.
* Develop good teamwork between the staff and families and children
to ensure that a high quality service is maintained.
* Maintain staff relationships and morale among the staff reporting
to him/her.
* Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to the level of
staff under their direction consistent with effective decision making
while retaining overall responsibility and accountability for results.
FINANCE
* To be aware of the approved budget based on the information
provided by the Finance Department, Childcare and Nurturing Centre
Manager and Project Managers
* Ensure that the service operates within the approved budget.
* Attendance reports to the Childcare and Nurturing Centre Manager
and reports for other Government agencies as required.
* Receive and record all Childcare Fees.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
* To ensure that necessary fire, health and safety policies and
procedures are in place and adhered to.
* To ensure high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained
at all times.
* To ensure appropriate procedures are in place for responding to
emergencies within the Project.
DEVELOPMENT
* To attend other agency meetings as appropriate and to work
effectively with relevant personnel within Sophia.
* To contribute to policy development and review within the agency.
* To attend training courses and relevant evening meetings relating
to the provision of Childcare Services in order to ensure that a high
quality service is maintained and for professional development.
* To meet monthly with the Childcare and Nurturing Centre Manager
and report on updates such as finances, progression of Childcare
Service, staffing issues, building/maintenance issues and other issues
as and when required.
* To monitor and review service provision to ensure high standards
of childcare, education and welfare are in place.
* Implement Policies and Procedures to ensure they are up to date
and reflect best practice.
* Undertake regular service evaluation in consultation with service
users and staff.
* To promote networking with appropriate voluntary and statutory
agencies.
* The development of appropriate programs and activities that take
into account the individual needs of children and families.
* To participate in regular support and supervision.
* To undertake other work that may be assigned from time to time.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
QUALIFICATIONS
B.A. in Early Childhood Care and Education or a recognised third level
qualification (minimum Level 7 on the National Framework of
Qualifications (QQI 7) in relation to Early Childhood Care and
Education.
EXPERIENCE
* **Apply on the website** years post qualification experience of
working with vulnerable children and their families
* Experience of working in partnership with families and carers
* Experience of planning, implementing and reviewing programmes with
children and/or families
* Experience of engagement with Aistear the National Early Childhood
Curriculum Framework and S?olta the National Quality Framework for
Early Childhood Education
* Experience of evidence informed practices relating to children and
families
* Good working knowledge of Child Protection Legislation and
Guidelines
* Experience of and an ability to manage cases and maintain files
* Experience of working with families that have experienced
multi-generational disadvantage
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
* Flexibility, creativity, enthusiasm and adaptability
* Commitment to the delivery of quality services to children, young
people, families and carers
* A team player, highly motivated and well organised
* Excellent writing skills
* Ability to use initiative, self-motivate, with an ability to
motivate others
* Ability to engage in reflective practice
Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and Garda Vetting.
Applicants who have worked/lived in a state or country outside of
Ireland for more than 6 consecutive months must obtain and present
police clearance from that country.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please forward a Cover Letter and CV to **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**
The closing date for receipt of applications is FRIDAY, **APPLY ON THE
WEBSITE**TH APRIL **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
