Childrens Specialist - Overnight

Crisis Nursery; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life & AD&D insurance

Retirement plan

Flexible Spending Account

Health Reimbursement Account

Job summary

Crisis Nursery is seeking a Children's Specialist - Overnight to provide a safe, trauma-informed overnight environment for children birth through six. You will focus on meeting physical and emotional needs, supporting sleep routines, and maintaining a calm, nurturing atmosphere.

The role requires 21+ years, 2 years of college credit in a relevant field or 2+ years of childcare experience, and CPR/First Aid certification.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Two years of college credit in a relevant field or two+ years of childcare or direct care experience.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Successful background check and completion of Mandated Reporter training.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, trauma-informed overnight care for children birth through six.
• Meet physical and emotional needs, support sleep routines, and maintain a calm, nurturing atmosphere.
• Assist with housekeeping tasks and document intakes/discharges with Crisis Support Specialist.

Skills

Communication

Overnight care

Child development

Calm under pressure

Nurturing

Education

2 years college credit in Child Development

2+ years childcare experience

Tools

CPR/First Aid

Job description

Job Title: Children's Specialist - Overnight

Job Type: Full-Time / Hourly

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday

Hours: 10:45pm-7am

Pay Range: $18.75-$20.75 per hour depending on experience

On-Call Shift: Additional shifts may be available based on program needs and employee availability

Position Summary

Children’s Specialists provide a safe, trauma-informed overnight environment for children ages birth through six. On the overnight shift, specialists focus on meeting children’s physical and emotional needs, supporting sleep routines, and maintaining a calm, nurturing atmosphere. Responsibilities include all aspects of direct care, teamwork on housekeeping tasks, and duties as assigned.

Essential Duties

Childcare & Supervision

• Provide attentive, high-quality care, including feeding, diapering/toileting, hygiene, and sleep support.
• Prepare and serve light meals and snacks according to dietary guidelines.
• Support good hygiene practices such as handwashing and dental care before and after sleep.
• Monitor health throughout the night and administer basic first aid or medications as directed.
• Facilitate quiet, age-appropriate activities and calming routines to promote restful sleep.
• Use positive behavior management and de-escalation strategies for challenging behaviors.
• Provide trauma-informed care and support philosophy of care at all times.
• Offer a comforting, nurturing presence during nighttime care and transitions.
• Conduct intakes and discharges with the Crisis Support Specialist, ensuring complete documentation.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain the safety and confidentiality of all children throughout the overnight shift.
• Report any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or maltreatment according to policy and state regulations.
• Complete all required documentation within specified timeframes.
• Review daily shift reports and apply effective overnight care practices.
• Follow licensing requirements, DCFS regulations, and Crisis Nursery policies.
• Support a safe environment through cleaning, sorting, inventorying, and organizing tasks.

Training & Staff Development

• Attend pre-shift check-ins, monthly team meetings, bi-monthly all-staff meetings, and scheduled trainings.
• Complete and maintain all required certifications and training according to licensing and state regulations.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, including training on overnight care and trauma-informed practices.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 21 years of age or older.
• 2 years of college credit in Child Development, Social Work, Early Childhood Education, or relevant field OR 2+ years of childcare or direct care experience preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Successful background check and completion of Mandated Reporter training.

Knowledge & Skills

• Passion for the organization’s mission and goals.
• Strong understanding of child development and overnight care needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and stay calm in emergency or nighttime situations.
• Patience, creativity, and a nurturing demeanor.

Physical Considerations

• Requires lifting and carrying children and equipment; standing, bending, and sitting on the floor.
• Ability to monitor and support children through overnight sleep cycles.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D Insurance, Retirement Plan, Flexible Spending Account, Health Reimbursement Account, and Supplemental Benefits