Trauma-informed Care Advisor

Description

Trauma-informed Care Advisor  
West Covina, Calif. | Office/other

About our organization 

Since 1981, Options for Learning has been at the forefront of helping families break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives by providing tools to create a positive foundation for school, social, and life success. Our dedicated and passionate employees have helped our organization become one of Southern California's most innovative and progressive child development organizations, serving nearly 11,000 children throughout the San Gabriel Valley. 

About this position 

This position is responsible for training, coaching, and supporting anyone working with children in the education field, incorporating trauma-informed care practices.  

The trauma-informed care advisor (TICA) increases educator awareness of the unique developmental, mental health, and attachment needs of children from birth through 14 years of age within a trauma-informed context. The TICA provides capacity-building support across a variety of educational settings and roles, with a focus on strengthening trauma-responsive practices that promote safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. 

The trauma-informed care advisor trains and coaches educators across early care, out-of-school time, and school-age settings, including but not limited to child care providers, teachers, instructional aides, site leaders, and other education professionals. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Providing training and coaching to educators and professionals working with children participating in the TIC Bridge Program and other education-related initiatives; 
• Increasing educator knowledge and application of trauma-informed care strategies within learning environments serving children ages 0–14 years; 
• Supporting educators in integrating trauma-informed practices into curricula, classroom management, and daily routines; 
• Increasing educator understanding of preventive and early intervention strategies to reduce behavioral challenges and promote social-emotional well-being; 
• Providing one-on-one coaching, modeling, and supportive feedback in educational settings (classrooms, child care homes/sites, and other learning environments); 
• Communicating with educators to understand behavioral, mental health, and environmental concerns and collaboratively developing support plans; 
• Conducting observations and providing targeted coaching support for children who have recently experienced transitions or trauma; 
• Facilitating and participating in collaborative meetings with educators, education teams, and program partners; 
• Working collaboratively with internal Bridge coordinators, Bridge navigators, and Education teams to support program implementation; 
• Participating in collaborative meetings with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), foster family agencies, schools, and community partners, as applicable; 
• Conducting child abuse reports as required by law; 
• Participating in staff meetings, roundtables, teleconferences, service area processes, and required reporting; 
• Maintaining educator training, coaching, and participation records; 
• Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to all organizational and program policies and procedures; 
• Developing and maintaining professional boundaries and clear communication channels with educators and partners; 
• Tracking program activities and participation data; 
• Remaining current on trauma-informed care, child and youth development, mental health, and education-related research and best practices; 
• Maintaining and replenishing training and curriculum materials as needed; 
• Preparing oral and written reports as required; 
• Representing the organization at community events, professional learning events, and outreach activities related to trauma-informed care and education; 
• Attending designated community and partner meetings as needed; 
• Attending training as required;  
• Performing other duties as assigned. 

What you bring to the table 

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, education, human services, social work, psychology, or related field; 
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience facilitating trainings and/or coaching educators and working with children and families, including children from birth through school-age; 
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma and its impact on child and youth development across age groups (0–14); 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles, mental health considerations, developmentally appropriate practices, and effective teaching strategies; 
• Experience working in educational settings (e.g., early care, after-school programs, schools, or family child care homes); 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations; 
• Ability to adapt to changing program needs and work flexibly across multiple sites and educational contexts; 
• Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making, and independent work skills; 
• Strong time management, organizational, written, verbal, and presentation skills; 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines; 
• Current certification in pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid acceptable to Community Care Licensing (to be renewed every two years); 
• Proof of required immunizations, including measles and pertussis, as required by state law; 
• Proof of annual flu vaccination or approved waiver (ongoing requirement); 
• Successful Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal background check prior to employment; 
• Spanish fluency (contract requirement); 
• Valid California driver’s license, daily use of an automobile, and current automobile liability insurance; 
• Command of Cantonese, Mandarin, or Vietnamese (preferred); 
• Master’s degree in early childhood education, human services, social work, psychology, or related field (preferred).  

What we can offer you 

• Medical/dental/vision for part- and full-time employees (organization pays up to 95% of employee's premiums; prorated for part-time); 
• Organization-paid and matching retirement plan; 
• Professional growth opportunities, including free child development courses and college reimbursement; 
• Generous and flexible PTO; 
• Dedicated, mission-driven colleagues, and much more! 

Job specifications 

• Reports to the training and professional development manager  
• Non-exempt, full-time, year-round position; 
• Eight-hour workday, four-day workweek; 
• Hybrid work schedule with approval by management; 
• Organization-wide winter break; 
• Limited evening or weekend work may be required; 
• Employment, responsibilities, compensation, and other factors may be affected by changes in governmental regulations, the organization’s contracts, or at the organization’s discretion. 

Salary 

• $32.45 - $43.27 per hour (candidates should anticipate receiving an offer within the first quartile of the salary range).