Job Description
Job Description
Job Title : Childcare Development Specialist – Family Shelter
Reports To : Program Supervisor – Family Shelter
Location : Gresham, Oregon
Full-Time | 40 hours / week | Salary Range : $29 / hr – $32 / hr (DOE)) | Benefits Included
Shifts : Sunday-Thursday 8am-4pm
About Just Compassion
Just Compassion of East Washington County is a community-centered nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of unhoused individuals by building relationships and working toward long-term housing stability. We operate with a low-barrier, housing-first approach, ensuring equitable access to services for all individuals.
Position Summary
The Childcare Development Specialist supports families residing in Just Compassion’s 50-unit family shelter in Gresham, OR by ensuring that children under school age have access to safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care opportunities. This position helps families navigate Oregon’s childcare systems, connects parents with state-subsidized programs, and promotes child development through structured play, early learning activities, and family engagement.
The Childcare Development Specialist also serves as a bridge between caregivers, case managers, and community childcare providers, ensuring a coordinated, trauma-informed approach to early childhood support that promotes stability and long-term success for families.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Child Development and Early Learning
- Plan and implement age-appropriate developmental activities for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children within shelter and community settings.
- Create a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment that fosters physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Observe children’s growth, strengths, and behavioral cues to identify developmental milestones or potential concerns.
- Provide one-on-one and group support to children in partnership with parents and caregivers.
- Model positive parenting and attachment-building strategies that promote healthy family relationships.
Family and Caregiver Support
Assist parents and caregivers in identifying and enrolling in childcare and early learning programs, including state-funded options such as ERDC, Head Start, and Preschool Promise.Help families understand childcare eligibility criteria, application processes, and subsidy requirements.Provide education and guidance to caregivers around child development, positive behavior management, and daily routines.Support families in establishing structure, consistency, and nurturing caregiving practices that align with trauma-informed principles.System Navigation and Coordination
Maintain strong relationships with local childcare providers, early learning hubs, and culturally specific family resource organizations.Serve as a liaison between shelter families and early learning agencies to facilitate smooth transitions and continuity of care.Coordinate with the Youth Services Coordinator, Case Managers, and Behavioral Health Specialists to ensure holistic support for each family.Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences and contribute to individualized family service plans.Documentation, Compliance, and Safety
Maintain accurate documentation of childcare referrals, developmental observations, and service coordination.Ensure compliance with agency safety policies and mandatory reporting requirements under Oregon law.Track participation, outcomes, and progress toward developmental or family goals.Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and HMIS standards where applicable.Program Development and Collaboration
Collaborate with the Program Manager and Supervisor to enhance shelter-based childcare programming and family engagement initiatives.Participate in community events and family workshops that strengthen parenting skills and community connection.Provide input on program policies and procedures to improve service quality and responsiveness to family needs.Qualifications
Required :
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child and Family Studies, or a related field (or equivalent experience).2+ years of experience working in childcare, early learning, or family support services.Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and positive guidance strategies.Understanding of Oregon childcare regulations, subsidy programs (ERDC), and early learning resources.Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.Ability to maintain calm and empathy in fast-paced, high-stress environments.Preferred :
Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Social Work.Experience working with families experiencing homelessness or trauma.Familiarity with culturally responsive and multilingual family engagement practices.Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish, Russian, or other languages commonly spoken by families served).Work Environment
Based primarily at the Gresham family shelter with regular interaction with children, parents, and community partners.Work requires standing, bending, and engaging in physical activities with young children.Stay informed on Just Compassion and County policies, procedures, and program standards.Uphold best practices in trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and harm reduction.Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Program Manager and funding entities.Physical Requirements
Ability to walk up and down stairs and stand for extended periods.Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and assist with light physical tasks (e.g., setting up tables / chairs).Ability to perform job duties that may involve bending, twisting, or reaching.Why Join Just Compassion?
Competitive pay and benefits including medical, dental, and paid time off.Opportunities for professional development, including training in trauma-informed care and housing-first strategies.A collaborative work environment that values compassion, advocacy, and community impact.Be part of a growing organization working to create real housing solutions in Washington County and beyond.Just Compassion of East Washington County is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. This policy prohibits discrimination on all legally recognized bases including, but not limited to, race, creed, color, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, national origin, or service in the uniformed services.
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