Children's Center Assistant

OVERVIEW 

Portland Rescue Mission is seeking an Children's Center Assistant. This gifted servant will have a warm and friendly disposition, a natural talent for connecting with kids and an energetic spirit that supports trust, growth, and learning for all.

Are you ready to transform and be transformed as you serve, support and care for children to break the cycle of homelessness and addiction one family at a time? If so, we invite you to thoughtfully consider this unique opportunity.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

• How to apply: We ask all applicants to apply through the Portland Rescue Mission online application form found on our careers page:
• Status: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-exempt
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45am-4:45pm, occasional nights and weekends as needed
• Pay: $17.00- $18.19 per hour
• Location: Shepherd's Door NE Halsey St. Portland, OR)
  • Virtual Tour:

THE PLACE 

Shepherd's Door, Portland Rescue Mission's women and children's facility, is set in a retreat-like setting located in East Portland, designed specifically to support the transformation and growth of women, and women with children, impacted by homelessness and addiction. This 42,000 square foot facility has the capacity to serve 42 adults and 25 children. The Children's Center cares for children (birth-age 12) of mothers in Portland Rescue Mission's year-long New Life program.

THE POSITION 

The Children's Center Assistant will support the Children's Center teachers in creating a Christ-centered, school-like environment for up to 25 children (birth-age 12) while increasing social, language, and motor skills that may be delayed due to environmental factors. Utilizing trauma-informed classroom principles, this role will work with mothers, children, volunteers, and community resources to assist children in the development of educational, emotional, and spiritual growth. Emphasis is placed on building self-esteem, strengthening social skills, and experiencing healthy relationships, with a goal of building connection and trust. 

THE ESSENTIALS 

• Program participants with children living at Shepherd's Door will know their children are well loved and cared for while they remain fully engaged in their program
• Lead Teachers will be supported in focusing on the children and curriculum delivery, knowing other areas of classroom needs are being met by the assistant
• Children's basic needs will be consistently met, including diapering, feeding, playing, and engaging in classroom activities that develop trust and healing
• Portland Rescue Mission staff and volunteers will feel supported, needed, and honored in a classroom that is run on teamwork
• Teach and model Christ-centered parenting to mothers, some who may have had traumatic pasts or have experienced homelessness
• Clearly and appropriately share the Gospel with women and children through Bible lessons, worship, and answering questions
• Invite women and children into a relationship with Jesus Christ and disciple them in a growing spiritual life
• Create a healthy atmosphere by teaching a playful, joyful, and Christlike lifestyle for families living at Shepherd's Door
• Maintain a well-organized, clean, colorful, and joyful classroom and playground environment
• Accept responsibility for other areas in the Children's Center

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a testimony of continued growth in faith
• Adheres to Portland Rescue Mission's Statement of Faith and Code of Ethics
• A personal ethos and work ethic that reflects Portland Rescue Mission's ministry culture – Highly Relational, Christ-Centered, Joyful Servant
• Desire to serve God in the ministry to hurting women and children
• A pleasant, gentle, grace filled manner toward others
• Strong team player 
• Prompt and thorough in job performance, self-starter 
• Creative and logical problem solving, able to learn quickly
• Experience in Mac and Microsoft Windows software
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs., sit on and rise up from the floor, and quickly physically engage with children unassisted 
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive large vans for field trips

EQUIPMENT USED

• Telephone, fax, and voicemail 
• Computer 
• Copier and related office equipment

MISSION AND DISTINCTIVES 

OUR MISSION

To demonstrate the compassion of Christ

OUR UNIQUE APPROACH

From the first sandwich that was shared in 1949, to today's fully integrated emergency, recovery, and training services, Portland Rescue Mission is a highly relational ministry. The Mission builds supportive and caring communities, meets people at their point of need, equips them, and provides a path forward. In-depth partnership with churches and volunteers, multiple tiers of services and a focus on growing Christian disciples is fundamental to Portland Rescue Mission's success.