Child Associate, Primary Project in East Syracuse, New York at CONTACT COMMUNITY SERVICES INC

Child Associates implement the Primary Project approach to help children in K to 3rd grade adjust to the school community using a child-centered play approach. They provide expressive one on one play sessions with children that are designed to establish a positive meaningful relationship to reduce school adjustment difficulties. Child associates work closely in collaboration with other school personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Carry a caseload of 18-20 students for each school cycle.
2. Participate in ongoing professional development and training related to Primary Project (12 hours of introductory Primary Project training in the first year and 6 hours of Primary Project related training in subsequent years).
3. Complete all required agency trainings such as NYS Mandated Reporter, Sexual Harassment etc.
4. Participate in supervision that is weekly or as determined by supervisor.
5. Establish rapport and develop warm, meaningful relationships with referred children.
6. Engage in child-led play with children facing school adjustment problems by using communication skills and creative, play-based activities.
7. Build safe, trusting relationships with students and be able to competently use child-led play skills including attending, reflecting content of play and feelings, encouraging decision making, and setting limits when necessary.
8. Ensure playroom is appropriately set up and well stocked at all times.
9. Provide feedback to the Primary Project team, principal, teachers, and other school personnel.
10. Participate with school personnel and/or consultants in assignment, progress, termination, and other conferences concerning children, both in the school and with Contact Community Services.
11. Assist the school site supervisors, or others as needed, with the administrative tasks associated with the screening and assessment process, this includes but is not limited to completion of required forms.
12. Write appropriate progress notes and complete program measures/data for Primary Project children.
13. Assist with program record keeping and reporting.
14. Ensure all data and records are maintained following privacy and confidentiality policies and procedures.
15. Attend staff meetings, agency meetings and events.
16. Attend school and/or community events such as Family Night if required.

Education and Previous Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred. Previous experience interacting or working with children.

Knowledge and Skills Needed to Perform Effectively in this Position

• Knowledge and the ability to apply child guidance principles and practices.
• Ability to present assessments verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in data entry.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic school environments.

Additional Requirements

• Must submit to and pass background checks by the Office of Mental Health, the NYS Justice Center and the NYS Department of Education and educational verification if required.
• Flexible schedule required, including some evening and weekend hours.
• Recognizes and values diversity within the work environment. Be an effective team player, value and be respectful of individual differences.
• Access to reliable daily transportation to travel to school and community sites as needed.
• Follow School Services Attendance and PTO policies and procedures.

Physical Dimensions (Job-related physical abilities an individual needs to possess in order to perform the job in a satisfactory manner)

• Regular walking, driving, and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals with disabilities.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the program. This document does not constitute a contract of employment, implied or otherwise. Employment remains “at-will.”

Contact Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.