The mission of Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter is to provide a safe haven, high-quality care and hope for the future to children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Since 1993, the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter (NWACS) has cared for more than 10,000 children in crisis from throughout the state of Arkansas. As the largest emergency children’s shelter in the state, NWACS annually serves more than 500 children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. Our 36-bed, state-of-the-art complex offers an array of trauma-informed services including onsite counseling and therapy, medical services, and a school. The combination of these features create a stable, secure and loving environment where children who have experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect can begin to heal.

OUR VALUES:
Compassion: Recognize and meet the needs of children with respect, sensitivity and unconditional love;
Excellence: Set the standard for high-quality service to children by performing above the expected; 
Integrity: Strive with our words and actions to be worth of the trust placed in us.

• Actively supervises and interacts with residents at all times while documenting and communicating with Case Managers and Supervisors concerns and feedback in regards to each resident.
• Actively participates in promoting health development, behavior management, learning and overall individual success with each resident.
• Actively engages with residents in their daily activities, developing positive relationships that supports residents in meeting their goals.
• Works in collaboration with Case Managers, Counseling Staff and Education to meet the overall needs of each resident.
• Transports residents to/from community activities and medical appointments, as assigned
• Attends and participates in required trainings aimed at understanding and applying child and adolescent development principles.
• Models and promotes positive relationship-building and interactions between residents and staff.
• Adheres to all shelter policies and procedures as set forth by federal and state guidelines as well as by the direction of our Board of Directors and Executive Director.
• Demonstrates and promotes diversity and cultural competency with residents and staff.
• Sets, maintains and communicates appropriate personal and professional boundaries with peers, support staff, volunteers, supervisors and other professionals.
• Attends all meetings, trainings and other events as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Twenty-one years of age or older
• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Physical stamina and agility required to care for active children and youth
• Physical ability to use authorized techniques for management of aggressive behaviors
• Must pass all criminal history, child maltreatment and background checks
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening
• Valid driver’s license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record required to drive shelter vehicle and/or for shelter business

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with children in crisis
• Experience exercising Trust Based Relational Intervention and Conscious Discipline
• Relevant college courses or college degree (e.g., Education, Social Work, Human Services, etc)

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Basic knowledge with Microsoft Office and other database programs
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including but not limited to: computers, telephone systems, calculators, and copiers
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Flexibility, reliability, and self-motivation
• Ability demonstrate professionalism, interpersonal skills and strong communication

Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands

The demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Tasks may involve walking, standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must pass all criminal history and child maltreatment background checks.
• Must submit to pre-employment drug screen as well as random drug screens when directed.
• Valid driver's license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record required to drive shelter vehicle for shelter business.
• Must maintain confidentiality and privacy regarding all Children’s Shelter residents' information in accordance with NWACS policy and all applicable Federal and state laws/regulations.
• Attend and participate in mandatory trainings, staff meetings, and all other events, as required.
• Set, maintain and communicate appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner per NWACS procedures.

We currently have full-time openings on 2nd and 3rd shifts, and part-time openings on weekends.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed.  This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.  Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. NWACS offers excellent benefits and a competitive salary based on experience. For consideration, qualified candidates may submit a detailed resume and cover letter.