Childcare and Family Services Specialist

Northlake Behavioral Health System; Mandeville (LA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Northlake Behavioral Health System is seeking a dedicated Childcare and Family Services Specialist for The Ness Center in Mandeville, LA. The role provides hands-on childcare for birth to 11 years, coordinates activities, and links families with resources to support mothers in recovery and healthy futures.

Must meet education/experience requirements and maintain safety standards. The position requires a valid driver’s license, BLS certification or willingness to obtain, and ability to work with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or equivalent with relevant experience as specified.
• Experience in childcare, family engagement, and service coordination.
• Ability to complete required prevention curriculum and safety trainings.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and hands-on childcare for children from birth to 11 years.
• Plan and lead developmentally appropriate activities and parent-child bonding.
• Coordinate schedules with PPW team to support mothers’ treatment participation.
• Deliver prevention education and parenting programs after training.
• Coordinate developmental screenings and referrals for children.
• Assist mothers with school enrollment and connections to family services.
• Communicate with external agencies to support children's care and family reunification.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing environment; document activities and follow-up.
• Protect confidentiality and report safety concerns or abuse.

Skills

Childcare

BLS certification

Driver's license

Communication

Coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work / ECE / Child Development / Psychology

Associate degree with 3 years relevant experience

High school diploma with 4 years relevant experience

Tools

Background check & drug screen

Driving record

Job description

Position Title: Childcare and Family Services Specialist

Facility: The Ness Center

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt/Hourly

In addition to successfully completing a pre-employment background check and drug screen, candidates must also possess a clean driving record in order to be added to the company vehicle insurance.

Position Summary

The Childcare and Family Services Specialist oversees children’s daily programming and provides hands‑on childcare for children participating in The Ness Center’s Pregnant and Postpartum Women’s (PPW) Program. This position creates a safe, nurturing environment while coordinating age‑appropriate activities, developmental support, prevention education, healthcare referrals, and family resources. The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, understands the importance of early childhood development, and is passionate about supporting families as they work toward healthier, more stable futures.

Essential Duties

• Provide direct supervision and hands‑on childcare for children from birth through age 11, including age‑appropriate feeding, diapering, toileting, soothing, and daily routines.
• Plan and lead developmentally appropriate activities that promote learning, social‑emotional development, healthy routines, and parent‑child bonding.
• Coordinate children’s schedules and activities with the PPW team to support mothers’ participation in treatment.
• Deliver assigned prevention education and parenting programs after completing required training.
• Coordinate developmental screenings, pediatric referrals, educational services, and other resources for children.
• Assist mothers with school enrollment, educational meetings, and connections to family support services.
• Communicate with authorized outside agencies and caseworkers as needed to support children’s care and family reunification.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing environment; document childcare activities, observations, referrals, and follow‑up.
• Protect resident and family confidentiality and promptly report safety concerns or suspected abuse or neglect.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be at least 21 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related Human Services field; OR an associate degree in a related field with three years of relevant experience; OR a high school diploma or equivalent with four years of relevant experience in childcare, early childhood programming, or family support.
• Experience or demonstrated ability in childcare, child development, family engagement, and service coordination.
• Ability to complete required prevention curriculum, childcare safety training, and applicable background and clearance requirements.
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or willingness and ability to complete company‑provided training.
• Valid driver’s license and clear driving record in order to transport clients and their children to activities and appointments, as needed.

This position is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families while helping mothers focus on recovery and building a stronger future.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northlake Behavioral Health System and The Ness Center are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or class.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process. For accommodation requests, please contact [e-mail].