Domestic Violence Shelter - Child Activities Residential Advocate (CARA)

200 Wood Hill Rd, Rockville, MD 20850, USA Req #639

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

The Child Activities Residential Advocate (CARA) will plan, coordinate and implement child or parent-child activities at the BAK shelter for woman and children fleeing domestic violence, and assist with other residential duties. A minimum of 20 hours per week will be involved in child activities with the remaining time involved in residential duties to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of BAK residents. This position may have a flexible schedule to include some evening hours.

Note: This is an essential position, and CARA is expected to report to work during weather emergencies or other unusual events.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a trauma informed care environment that is nurturing, supportive, and positive for children, parents, staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate with community partners on the provision of services, activities and resources for children, including school transportation, trauma counseling and after school tutoring.
• Coordinate recreational and leisure time activities and assist parents with age-appropriate activities for their children. Organize multicultural parties and communal celebrations on a regular basis.
• Provide for a range of activities for children of all ages and coordinate off-site activities with residential staff, volunteers and community partners.
• Provide regular support and coverage for the Childcare Specialist during breaks and special activities. Help organize BAK’s special seasonal events such as the Holiday Store, Summer Camp and Birthday celebrations.
• Coordinate efforts with the clinical team to develop and conduct age-appropriate curricula for psychoeducational groups and activities for children and their parents.
• Develop monthly activity calendar, arrange donations and provide outreach to volunteers and other agencies. Assist Residential Coordinator with other duties as assigned to include data input, activity fliers and coordination of community activities.
• Read the current Log at the start of every shift and add client notes, shift log notes and critical incident reports that are neat, timely and accurate. Assist at Community Meetings to discuss resident concerns and build a sense of community.
• Provide supportive assistance to residents in developing life skills as identified in their service plan. Assist in the sorting, storing and distribution of donations to the center.
• Assist with transportation duties as requested and with weekly recreational and leisure time activities at the Center.
• Attend staff meetings, professional training, workshops and seminars to gain additional knowledge of available resources and skills.
• Maintain confidentiality of family records and information. Maintain First Aid and Infant/ Child CPR certification.

Position Qualifications:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development or therapeutic recreation and two years of experience in a relevant program area.
• Must have experience working with young children in a recreational capacity and an understanding of trauma recovery. Nurturing, patient, and calm manner, good communication skills, and ability to maintain flexibility and sensitivity to family issues are required.
• Must have valid driver’s license with not more than three points.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Starting pay $20/hour

The Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) has been helping people across the Washington metropolitan area meet emotional, social, and physical challenges for more than 120 years. A nonsectarian provider, we serve people of all religious backgrounds, races and ethnicities, helping the youngest child to the most fragile senior, from individuals to entire families. JSSA provides services and support to nearly 31,000 individuals a year through our wide range of counseling, educational, specialized employment, in-home support, hospice and nursing care, and social services. We are a growing Agency and strive to be an Employer of Choice. As such we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a healthy work-life balance, collaborative team environment and many opportunities for personal growth and professional development. We pride ourselves on our mission to be the first place for the Jewish community, as well as the community at large, to turn for clinical and social services of the highest quality that sustain and nurture all who seek assistance. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. AA/M/F/D