Part-Time Childcare Advocate Job Position
The Heights General Overview:
The Heights is a member of Alliance For Hope International that embodies the family justice center model. The Heights is one of about 300 centers who are a part of the affiliation all over the world.
The family justice center model was funded in 2003 by President George W. Bush and has been designated as a best-practice model for family abuse intervention and prevention by the U.S. Department of Justice.
A family justice center brings together multiple agencies under one roof seeking to allow victims of domestic abuse to tell their story one time and get all the help they need in one place.
The Heights FJC brings together crisis workers, law enforcement officers, EMT’s, medical doctors, nurses, CPS associates, social workers, government offices, community organizations, lawyers, the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office, Ellis County Judges, counselors, therapists, long term case managers and the faith community to serve survivors with compassion and empathy.
All of these professionals work together to provide victims of crime and the community with safety, justice, hope, healing and peace
Childcare Advocate Job Description:
The Heights is seeking a part-time compassionate, trauma-informed Childcare Advocate to support children of our clients while caregivers attend appointments and services. Many of the children we serve have witnessed or been impacted by domestic violence. This role is not traditional childcare — it is intentional, healing-centered care designed to restore hope, resilience, safety, and mindfulness in a short-term, drop-in setting.
Essential Job Functions:
Provide continuous, attentive, nurturing, and trauma-informed care and supervision for children of all ages during parent/caregiver appointments to ensure physical and emotional safety
Create a calm, safe, and welcoming environment where children feel seen, valued, and secure
Facilitate age-appropriate activities that promote:
Emotional regulation
Mindfulness and grounding
Resilience and positive self-expression
Play, creativity, and connection
Use trauma-responsive practices to support children who may exhibit stress, anxiety, or behavioral responses related to past exposure to violence
Recognize trauma responses and apply grounding and de-escalation strategies
Reinforce children’s strengths and encourage confidence and hope
Maintain appropriate boundaries while building trust and rapport with children
Ensure safety protocols are followed at all times in the childcare space
Communicate professionally with staff regarding child needs, concerns, or notable observations, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the childcare area
Complete required documentation and trainings in alignment with organizational, program and grant requirements
Adhere to mandated reporting laws, safety protocols, and confidentiality standards
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications & Experience
Experience working with children of various ages (infants through teens preferred)
Trauma-informed mindset and ability to respond with empathy, patience, and consistency
Understanding of how domestic violence and family trauma can impact children (training provided if needed)
Ability to remain calm, grounded, and emotionally regulated in a dynamic environment
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Background check required
Preferred (but not required):
Experience in childcare, early childhood education, social services, advocacy, or youth programming
Familiarity with Camp HOPE America®, resilience-based models, or therapeutic play concepts
Experience working in drop-in or crisis-adjacent settings
Hours:
M-Th 2pm-8pm
Pay:
$16.00/Hour