ChicagoCAC employees are expected to perform their job duties and act in a manner consistent with the organization's Core Values.
Responsibility Summary
Provide a developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed environment to all children, ensuring their physical safety and emotional well-being.
DEI&AB Culture Commitment: The CLA is responsible for creating an inclusive environment that demonstrates equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging to our clients, ChicagoCAC employees, and partners. The position also assists in ChicagoCAC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (DEIAB) initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities:
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Provide a range of developmentally appropriate and culturally competent play materials and activities that normalize the environment and encourage positive coping skills.
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Prepare children for appointments while meeting their developmental, emotional, and educational needs.
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Provide guidance and assistance to families throughout their visit to the center.
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Observe child behavior and emotional responses, providing behavioral intervention and support as needed, as directed by child life specialists.
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Facilitate child-directed play and socialization with other children.
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Build rapport with children and families and develop positive relationships with returning families.
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Communicate significant information obtained from the child to the appropriate team member; communicate behavioral changes or concerns to a therapist or family advocate.
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Contact the appropriate staff member in crisis situations.
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Arrange for the provision of food and/or comforting items to children receiving child life services.
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Enter child life data into the electronic case tracking system.
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Sort and organize donations as well as fulfill requests as they arise.
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Take inventory of child life materials and food and order items as necessary.
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Participate in local networking and training opportunities.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Discretion
Child Life Assistants have a low-level range of discretion and independent decision-making.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not supervise any other position but does provide guidance and support to child life students and volunteers.
Relationships
Child Life Assistants work closely with the Child Life Supervisor, Support Services, Mental Health, Advocacy, and Forensic Interviewing teams.
Qualifications
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Minimum educational requirement of an associate degree in child development, family studies, or human services field.
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General knowledge and understanding of typical and atypical growth and development in children and adolescents.
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A Minimum of 2 years of experience working with children of all ages and backgrounds.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills.
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Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
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CPR Certification preferred.
In addition to making a significant impact on children’s and families’ lives, ChicagoCAC offers amazing benefits for our staff, which include:
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BCBS HMO and PPO healthcare coverage options with an opportunity to add family members to plans.
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Free life insurance at 2x your salary up to a maximum of $200,000.
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Additional pay of 10% of your salary up to $7,500 per year (available after 6 months of employment) to use towards a menu of benefits such as: additional health benefits, dental, vision, long-term disability short-term disability, 403b plan, a Roth option, legal coverage, dependent care, flexible spending, and taxable spending.
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Taxable spending may be used for health club membership, fitness activities, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, among other options.
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Paid Time Off (“PTO”): PTO starts accruing the first day of employment and accrues at a rate of 35 days in a 12-month period.
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PTO days are used for all days off, including holidays and sick time so you have maximum flexibility in the use of your PTO.
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Timing of vacations may be dependent on client needs, as that’s our first priority.
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PTO goes up to 40 days after 5 years.
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Additional PTO for FMLA-related reasons up to 20 days.
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A remote work policy that provides flexibility in work hours so long as operational needs are met.
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Regular expert training on evidence-based therapy modalities, which includes being able to earn Continuing Education Units.
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The ability to wear jeans and enjoy afternoon milk and cookies every Friday!
If you share our passion for providing hope and healing to children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma, and possess the qualifications we’re looking for, please submit an application!
ChicagoCAC’s Compensation Philosophy:
We believe in fair compensation for your work. Our salary scale is comparable to salaries you would find in Chicago, IL. We believe our compensation program is designed to support, reinforce, and align our values, business strategy, and operational & financial needs with a goal of growth and profitability.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
ChicagoCAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer: BIPOC, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact our People & Culture Department at (312) 492-3700.
Salary commensurate with experience.