Therapeutic Childcare Educator

Tanager Place; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 39,520 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits

Financial Security

Wellbeing Support

Work-Life Balance

Growth Support

Convenient Pay

Job summary

Tanager Place in Cedar Rapids, IA, is looking for a Therapeutic Childcare Educator. This role focuses on providing direct care services and skill-building to children, ensuring a supportive environment that promotes healing and growth.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Child Development, or a related field, with at least one year of experience. Tanager offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience working with children in a structured setting.
• Current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Reporter Training.
• Valid Driver License and meet agency driving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide skill-building services addressing the mental health needs of children.
• Initiate direct care services aligned with treatment plan goals.
• Create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment in the TCC program.

Skills

Client-centered care

Strengths-based approach

Compassionate support

Trauma-informed practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Med Quarter - Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: $39,520.00 - $42,000.00

Job Shift: Day

Make a Difference Every Day - Become a Therapeutic Childcare Educator with Tanager

Are 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 Therapeutic Childcare Educator 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 Tanager

Since 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 Overview

As a Therapeutic Childcare Educator, 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-centered
• Strengths-based
• Professional and compassionate

In 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 Educator 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 Educator 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 insurance
• Financial Security: Retirement plan, employer-paid life, short & long-term disability
• Wellbeing Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Work-Life Balance: 10 paid holidays, Compassionate Leave, generous PTO policy
• Growth Support: tuition reimbursement and opportunities for advancement
• Convenient Pay: Weekly payroll
• And most of all - the chance to inspire hope and make a lasting impact

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or related field

• Minimum of one year of experience working with children in a structured classroom or group care setting
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work

Required Special Qualifications

• Current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training or become certified within first three months of hire
• Must possess a valid Driver License and meet the driving requirements of the Agency

Ready 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.