Along the Way Inc. Child Care & Family Support Specialist- Per Diem Souderton, PA · Part time Company website

Apply for Child Care & Family Support Specialist- Per Diem

Along The Way began in 2016 by providing free in-home child care to low-income single mothers so they could pursue employment or education and begin breaking the cycle of poverty. As a result, 93% of mothers maintained stable employment, and 50% balanced full-time work with additional education, leading to significant career advancements.

Since then, with support from ARPA and other partners, our work has expanded far beyond child care. Today, Along The Way provides comprehensive, wraparound services designed to stabilize families, strengthen communities, and support employers. These services include:
• Child Care Solutions: Filling traditional and non-traditional child care gaps with free to subsidized in-home, on-site, and emergency care for families, employers, and community organizations.
• Case Management & Resource Navigation: Trauma-informed, two-generation support that helps families access benefits, housing, workforce development, and mental health resources.
• Workforce & Employer Partnerships: Innovative cost-share models (like PA Tri-Share) and customized support to reduce employee turnover, increase retention, and build stronger local economies.
• Community-Based Supports: Mutual aid, intergenerational initiatives, and holistic programs that address whole-family needs and reduce system fragmentation.

What started as emergency help for single mothers has become a comprehensive model of care—one that patches urgent gaps while building what should have existed all along.

Highlights:

• $20.00/hr
• Select your own shifts: We have 1st, 2nd, 3rd and weekend shifts 
• Great start to the Early Childhood Education Career Pathway (Day Care Instructors, Teachers, etc).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have reliable transportation to and from clients’ homes (up to 30 miles from Souderton, PA)
• Able to lift, bend, and carry infants and small children (up to 40 lbs) 
• Communicate effectively with diverse individuals
• Able to handle situations ranging from routine to emergency calmly and efficiently    
• References

Preferred, but not required:

• ELRC experience
• Prior child care experience
• Bilingual (Spanish)

REQUIREMENTS:

Caregivers are responsible for ensuring compliance with Along The Way’s policies and procedures. Most importantly, to create a positive and enriching environment where children are nurtured and provided with attention. 

Our Caregiver’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Per Diem team members are required to meet a 5-10 hour work week when hours are available. 

Quality Child Care

• Paying close attention to the children's behavior and environment to ensure their safety And well-being
• Anticipating the children’s needs and planning meals as needed
• Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of the children. 
• Providing assistance with infants and children’s personal hygiene as needed (bathing, dressing, changing,  feeding, administering medications, etc.)
• Organizing your responsibilities efficiently to pick up age-specific Along The Way lesson plans in advance of your shifts with families, and keeping accurate track of which lessons the children have received.
• Balancing multiple tasks, such as feeding, playtime, and bedtime, in a structured and timely manner.
• Adjusting to different family routines, rules, and the unique needs of each child.
• Managing challenging behavior or a busy environment without becoming flustered.
• Coming up with engaging activities and games to keep the children entertained and stimulated outside of lesson plans. 

Reliable Care Provider

• Dependable and showing up on time, every time for a scheduled shift
•  Assuring completion of care notes for each assigned shift
• Handling unexpected situations (e.g., minor accidents or changes in plans) calmly and effectively.
• Quickly thinking of solutions to minor issues that may arise, such as a child refusing to eat or needing comfort
• Communicating appropriately and effectively with mothers, children, staff of other non-profits/businesses and fellow Along The Way staff
• Keeping the parents informed and providing clear, concise reports on the child’s day. 

Professional Development

• Completion of 40 hour on-boarding training requirement
• Participating in staff and training meetings
• Committing to continuing education/training to ensure best-in-class service for our client families
• Attend group supervisions