Child Development Specialist - Temporary FT

About Us:

The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) is a charitable organization that currently owns and operates five Long Term Care and Assisted Living seniors care communities in Calgary, AB, and Okotoks, AB. We take pride in providing a safe, caring, and comfortable home environment that caters to the complex needs of our senior residents and families.

Putting people first is a way of life at The Brenda Stafford Foundation. It's in our values and it's central to the way we do things. We believe in a person-centered approach to our care, services, and environment. By responding to the individual needs of those we serve, we can all play an important role in optimizing well-being and enriching lives... one person at a time.

The Brenda Strafford Foundation – Heart Home Network (“HHN”) serves women and children impacted by family violence through providing a safe shelter and housing complimented by comprehensive support services for all participants. HHN offers a continuum of care designed to help families develop their potential and transition to safe and healthy lives in the community upon their departure.

Our team members not only have the right skills and knowledge for the job, they are also passionate about the mission, vision, and values of the BSF.

Our Team Members:

• Place people at the heart of our mission
• Embrace quality and innovation with enthusiasm
• Engage with respect and empathy
• Act with compassion and understanding

We uphold our 8 BSF Commitments to:

• Make a meaningful impact through small acts
• Deliver exceptional service
• Understand and celebrate individual uniqueness
• Be present and attentive
• Support and respect personal aspirations
• Bring joy to others
• Empower and honor choices
• Create a homelike atmosphere

The Role:

HHN is a dynamic, mission-driven organization focused on supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence. We are seeking a compassionate, trauma-informed, and creative Child Development Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will provide daily support to children in our Child Development Centre, using a relationship-based, trauma-informed approach that honors each child's unique needs and abilities. You will collaborate with the Child Development Team to implement curricula that fosters emotional, social, and physical growth. Our centre prioritizes inclusivity, trauma-informed care, and an intersectional approach to the lived experiences of all participants. If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Program Delivery

• Observe and support children’s development, behaviors, health, and well-being.
• Provide trauma-informed, relationship-based guidance to staff and clients, ensuring continuity of care.
• Participate in daily program setup and cleanup.
• Resolve conflicts with empathy and solution-focused collaboration with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Child Development to design relevant monthly curricula for HHN children.
• Lead event planning and coordination.
• Cross-Organization Collaboration & Compliance

Work closely with community partners, stakeholders, and HHN teams.

Maintain accurate documentation and track outcomes for families accessing the Centre.

• Complete child development assessments for new children and collaborate on Developmental Support Plans (DSPs) with Case Managers and Family Counselors.
• Communicate with the Manager, Child Development for necessary interventions.
• Manage internal booking calendar to meet ratio and program needs.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, recommending improvements to the Manager.
• Assist with program reports, budget management, and organizational objectives.

Why Join Us:

At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we are more than a workplace—we are a united team. We believe in fostering a culture where you can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. You'll be part of a team that values empathy, compassion, and innovation.

Who We're Looking For:

• Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Development, Social Work or relevant experience
• One (1) years’ experience working with children in the family violence sector, children high support needs children or related experience is an asset
• Current CPR and First Aid Certificate
• Maintains professionalism and confidentiality in all aspects of work
• Ability to work from an intersectional approach to reduce barriers for families who are experiencing high levels of crisis
• Maintain positive team working relationships with all departments
• Uses problem solving and critical thinking skills to support decision making
• Flexible availability and willingness to adapt schedule to meet program needs
• Required to pass police security clearance and child intervention check
• Valid driver’s license of six (6) years with clean drivers abstract of three (3) years is an asset
• Fluency in a second language is an asset

Additional Information:

In accordance with Alberta's Protection for Persons in Care Act, a criminal record check is required for successful candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The Brenda Strafford Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and celebrating an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility for all employees.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a place where your work will truly matter, apply today and become a vital part of our compassionate team!