Early Childhood Counselor

TANAGER PLACE; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pet insurance

Retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program

10 paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Tanager Place in Cedar Rapids is seeking an Early Childhood Counselor to provide direct care and skill-building services for children enrolled in the Therapeutic Child Care program. You will implement trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate practices to support each child’s treatment goals in a safe, structured setting.

You will work closely with families, the TCC Supervisor, and an interdisciplinary team to weave therapeutic and educational supports into daily classroom activities,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related human services field.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children in a structured classroom or group care setting.
• Current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training or certification within first three months of hire.
• Must possess a valid Driver License and meet driving requirements of the Agency.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction, care, and support to children in the Therapeutic Child Care (TCC) program.
• Implement developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed practices to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.
• Collaborate with the TCC Supervisor, Clinical Manager, families, and interdisciplinary team to integrate therapeutic and educational supports.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related human services field

Job description

Make a Difference Every Day — Become an Early Childhood Counselor with TanagerAre you looking for a role where you can truly change lives? Imagine being the reason a child smiles again, builds self-confidence, or discovers a new dream. As a Early Childhood Counselor at Tanager, you won’t just have a job — you’ll have a purpose. Every interaction you have can shape a child’s future, helping them feel seen, supported, and safe. If you believe in the power of human connection, healing, and growth, this is your chance to help a child discover their potential.About TanagerSince 1879, we’ve been dedicated to supporting children and families in Linn County and as the first children's human services agency in the county, our mission continues to evolve with the needs of our community. Today, we serve over 4,000 children and teens annually through prevention, treatment, and outreach programs.We’re more than a non-profit — we’re a community of caregivers working together to Inspire, Empower, and Heal.Position OverviewAs an Early Childhood Counselor, you will be working directly with children and their families to provide skill building services addressing their mental health needs, while delivering direct care services that are:Client-centeredStrengths-basedProfessional and compassionateIn this role, you will provide direct instruction, care, and support to children enrolled in the Therapeutic Child Care (TCC) program. This role implements developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed practices to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment. The Counselor delivers daily routines and targeted interventions aligned with each child's treatment plan goals to promote positive outcomes for children and families. Working closely with the TCC Supervisor, Clinical Manager, the family, and interdisciplinary team, the Counselor integrates therapeutic and educational supports into classroom activities to meet individual needs.Why Choose Tanager?We care for the people who care for our kids. Full-time employees enjoy:Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and pet insuranceFinancial Security: Retirement plan, employer-paid life, short & long-term disabilityWellbeing Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Work-Life Balance: 10 paid holidays, Compassionate Leave, generous PTO policyGrowth Support: tuition reimbursement and opportunities for advancementConvenient Pay: Weekly payrollAnd most of all — the chance to inspire hope and make a lasting impactQualificationsBachelor's degree in Social Work or related human services fieldMinimum of one year of experience working with children in a structured classroom or group care settingAny equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the workRequired Special Qualifications:Current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training or become certified within first three months of hireMust possess a valid Driver License and meet the driving requirements of the AgencyReady to Inspire Hope?If you’re passionate about helping youth find their strength, voice, and purpose — Tanager is the place for you. Join a team where your work truly matters and where every day brings a new chance to make a positive impact.Apply today and start changing lives — including your own.Tanager is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.