Children's Program Associate

Upper Valley Haven; Hartford (VT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement match

Paid time off

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Upper Valley Haven is seeking a compassionate Children’s Program Associate in White River Junction, VT. The role focuses on direct service to children and families, collaborating with the Children’s Services team to provide high-quality programming.

You will work approximately 20–25 hours per week, mostly afternoons, with after-school and summer programming, on-site at the Byrne Family Shelter. The position includes growth opportunities and benefits.

Qualifications

• Education or training in child development, education, social work, human services, or a related field.
• Experience working directly with children and families, with knowledge of child development and trauma-responsive practice.
• Strong communication, organization, teamwork, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to inclusive, family-centered, and culturally responsive services.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, support, and enrichment for children in after-school, summer, shelter-based, and other programming.
• Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate educational, recreational, and community-based activities in collaboration with the Children’s Services team.
• Use trauma-responsive and inclusive practices to support children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth.
• Collaborate with families, schools, volunteers, service providers, community partners, and Haven colleagues.
• Maintain developmental observations and program records that support quality programming and compliance requirements.

Skills

Child development

Trauma-informed practice

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Relationship-building

Cultural responsiveness

Driver's license

Education

Child development or related field

Job description

Children’s Program Associate

Department: Shelter and Community Programs Location: White River Junction, Vermont Status: Part-time, non-exempt, approximately 20–25 hours per week Compensation: $22.00 per hour plus benefits

About Upper Valley Haven

Since 1980, Upper Valley Haven has provided shelter, food, education, and supportive services to people experiencing housing instability and food insecurity. Our work is grounded in respect, kindness, dignity, accountability, hospitality, and community participation.

Position Summary

Upper Valley Haven seeks a compassionate and experienced Children’s Program Associate to support children and families connected to the Byrne Family Shelter.

This is a collaborative, hands-on role working alongside the Children’s Program Supervisor, other Haven staff, families, volunteers, and community partners. The Associate contributes to high-quality programming and supportive relationships with children and families. The position is focused on direct service, collaboration, and contributing as part of the Children’s Services team.

Why Join Us?

Every day, you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and families, create positive experiences, and contribute to a team dedicated to helping children learn, grow, and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, support, and enrichment for children in after-school, summer, shelter-based, and other programming.
• Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate educational, recreational, and community-based activities in collaboration with the Children’s Services team.
• Use trauma-responsive and inclusive practices to support children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth.
• Collaborate with families, schools, volunteers, service providers, community partners, and Haven colleagues.
• Maintain developmental observations and program records that support quality programming and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Education or training in child development, education, social work, human services, or a related field.
• Experience working directly with children and families, with knowledge of child development and trauma-responsive practice.
• Strong communication, organization, teamwork, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to inclusive, family-centered, and culturally responsive services.
• Valid driver’s license.

Schedule and Work Environment

This is a part-time position averaging approximately 20–25 hours per week. For most of the year, hours follow the after-school program schedule and are generally afternoon to early evening, beginning between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. and ending around 5:30 p.m. The schedule also includes occasional full-day programming and different hours during the summer program. This primarily on-site role includes field trips, outdoor activities, family events, and community-based programming.

Compensation and Benefits

$22.00 per hour

Benefits include employer-funded health, dental, and vision insurance; disability and life insurance; 403(b) retirement matching; paid time off; and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Upper Valley Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse, welcoming, and safe workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.