Job Title: Childcare Program Coordinator
Location: LC Valley Shelter
Reports To: Shelter Director
Date Revised: July 2025 

Ministry Requirement

UGM considers every position one of ministry and a vital and valued part of our team. Therefore, it is essential that all employees of UGM have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and subscribe to our Statement of Faith and Core Values. Additionally, employees must be willing to lead and/or participate in Bible study, prayer, devotions and sharing the Gospel. 

Summary of Position

The Childcare Program Assistant supports the Childcare’s Program Supervisor in the structure and implementation of Christ-centered programming for children at the LC Valley Shelter. This includes addressing the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of children and their families. This position actively engages children and parents in a trauma-informed, grace-based, and developmentally appropriate setting. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Result Area #1: Children’s Program Implementation

• Assist in the planning and delivery of daily programming for children.
• Maintain physical presence in the classroom to lead and supervise activities.
• Partner with supervisor and volunteers to implement biblical, age-appropriate curriculum.
• Update and post weekly activity and curriculum calendars
• Support child assessments, intake paperwork, and developmental planning.
• Regularly engage with mothers to build trust and offer parenting support.
• Encourage and model biblical parenting using Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).
• Help coordinate and support seasonal programs and events (holidays, camps, school breaks).

Key Result Area #2: Classroom and Volunteer Support

• Assist Childcare Supervisor to provide leadership to classroom volunteers and associate staff.
• Assist in training and coaching volunteers in program goals, classroom management, and child engagement.
• Partner with volunteers to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment indoors and outdoors.
• Support weekly classroom organization and supply inventory.
• Assist in coordinating volunteer schedules and staffing needs with supervisor.
• Foster a team culture of joy, excellence, and grace.

Key Result Area #3: Communication and Administration

• Communicate daily with supervisor and shelter team regarding program updates, concerns, or family needs.
• Participate in weekly team meetings and report relevant observations and conversations.
• Reinforce UGM standards of conduct, safety, and spiritual care among children and volunteers.
• Use biblical conflict resolution and Peacemaker principles to address and resolve interpersonal issues.
• Stay current with UGM policies and procedures; reflect the mission and values in all interactions.

Other Duties:

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. Employees are expected to be flexible and may be required to perform other duties as needed to support the mission of Union Gospel Mission and the operations of the LC Valley Shelter.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Committed Christian, able, and willing to model servant-leadership and interested in being part of a ministry for the poor, homeless, drug addicted and mentally ill.
• Grounded in the Christian faith as a mature, active member of the body of Christ in accordance with Union Gospel Mission Statement of Purpose, Statement of Vision, and Statement of Faith.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to show empathy, discernment, and leadership.
• Computer literate Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to follow and give instructions.
• Must have a teachable spirit and the ability to multi-task, listen, and make sound decisions in alignment with UGM’s purpose.
• Valid Idaho State Driver’s License.
• Minimum three years of sobriety, if in recovery.
• Insightful, trustworthy, honest, reliable, model appropriate boundaries and strong work ethic.
• Valid Washington or Idaho state driver’s license– required.
• CPR/First Aid certified (or willing to obtain).
• Yearly TB clearance – required.
• Criminal background check clearance – required.  

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS: 

Occasionally = 1%-33%; Frequently = 34%-66%; Continuously = 67%-100%

• Work primarily takes place indoors, with the possibility of 1-2 hours outdoors with kids when the weather permits. Summer hours may require 2-3 hours daily outside – frequently.
• The position involves sitting at a desk or in meetings – occasionally.
• The position involves spending a few nights a year at our UGM camp or other facilities for staff retreats, & CWC House camps. - occasionally.
• Classroom time requires the willingness & ability to sit on the floor, lift children onto a variety of items (including into cribs & onto a changing table), sitting, standing, and the ability to model & participate in child related play and activities of all ages & development levels. – continuously.
• Driving to secondary locations for meetings - occasionally.
• Requires working with a diverse population, many of whom struggle with homelessness, addiction, and mental illness – continuously.
• Requires a sustained level of high energy, stamina, and the ability to move about all of the facilities on a regular and ongoing basis – frequently.
• Requires the ability to hear, see, and speak clearly – continuously. 

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS USED: 

• Computer (Microsoft 365, Word, Excel, Outlook, Web Browser, Waypoint, UKG Ready HR), Copier/printer, Phone, Fax  

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

• Associate degree or higher in Child Development or a related field preferred.
• At least two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requirements: 

Union Gospel Mission is a privately funded 501 (c)3 non-profit, evangelical Christian ministry. Our designated purpose is religious and we are a Christ-centered ministry which is dedicated to sharing the Gospel and helping the homeless and impoverished. We consider every position to be essential in the fulfillment of our ministry and Statement of Purpose. As such, each employee must have a relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. All employees must:

• Be able and willing to share the Gospel and participate in all of the ministry activities of Union Gospel Mission.
• Subscribe to Union Gospel Mission Statement of Faith and Statement of Purpose upon hire and continuously while employed.
• Adhere to Union Gospel Mission Employee Handbook.