Children's Advocate - Aliso Viejo Monday-Thursday 2:00pm-8:00pm

Join one of Orange County's best places to work, recognized as a Top Place to Work by the Orange County Register (2025) and the Orange County Business Journal (2019). At Laura's House, we offer more than a job—we offer purpose. Be part of a compassionate, mission-driven team making a real difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors and their families.

About the Role

Bring comfort, creativity, and stability to children during one of the most important transitions in their lives. As our Children's Program Assistant, you will support children in a trauma-informed environment while collaborating with a dedicated treatment team.

Responsibilities

• Provide nurturing, trauma-informed childcare during group/individual parent sessions.
• Collaborate with the treatment team to support each child's emotional and developmental needs.
• Manage and maintain toy, game, and supply inventory.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate play space.
• Support children with age-appropriate activities and assist with conflict resolution as needed.
• Ensure children are fed and have clean diapers upon drop-off; promptly notify parents or staff if diapering is needed.
• Monitor children's physical and emotional well-being and respond appropriately to concerns.
• Create a warm, welcoming environment, including door decorations.
• Supervise volunteers as assigned and model positive, trauma-informed interactions.
• Communicate concerns or notable observations to the Program Director and therapeutic staff.
• Retrieve parents from sessions when immediate child needs arise.
• Accurately document incidents, concerns, or behavioral observations.
• Fulfill all Mandated Reporter responsibilities, including notifying appropriate staff and agencies when required.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as scanning, filing, and other office support as needed.
• Participate in agency events, meetings, and training as a participant or presenter when requested.
• Complete additional duties as assigned to support program operations.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients, staff, and agency information, with legally mandated exceptions.
• Uphold appropriate professional boundaries with clients, children, and colleagues.
• Represent the agency in a positive, respectful, and professional manner at all times.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Child Development or a related field, or equivalent experience (preferred).
• Experience working with children in a caregiving, educational, or supportive setting.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain).
• Completion of 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training as required by California law.
• Valid driver's license, insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Fingerprint background check, drug screening, and TB test.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and engage in active play with children.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell.
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to handle noise and children's play.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain calm in emotionally sensitive situations.
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Bilingual skills (preferred but not required).

You're a Great Fit If You

• Love working with kids and helping them feel safe, seen, and supported.
• Are creative, patient, and great at resolving conflicts.
• Are dependable and reliable.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, especially with children.
• Can juggle multiple tasks without losing your smile.
• Are bilingual in Spanish (a big plus!).
• Can drive and have a reliable car.

Schedule

Monday - Thursday, 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Benefits

• Make a tangible difference every day.
• Collaborate with a diverse, passionate team.
• Enjoy a work culture built on respect, inclusion, and impact.
• Be part of an organization committed to your growth and training.

Location

Aliso Viejo, CA