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Employment Opportunities
South Hills Interfaith Movement’s (SHIM) mission is to mobilize community resources and implement sustainable programs that compassionately help neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. SHIM provides food, clothing, financial aid, education, family support, and a host of other services to 8,000 people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods. In response to the unique challenges faced by the local refugee and immigrant population, SHIM operates programming designed to support children and families in this demographic.
Job Type
Part-time
Description
South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) is a human services organization dedicated to mobilizing community resources and implementing sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. We provide direct assistance (food, clothing, and utility assistance) as well as a variety of programs including service coordination, children and youth programs, and the South Hills Family Center.
Program Summary:
SHIM’s Preschool Program strives to equip nonnative English-speaking preschoolers with the necessary academic skills and social confidence to overcome barriers and minimize the education gap upon entry to their academic journey. SHIM Preschool currently operates September through May, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 11:45 am. Enrichment and kindergarten camps occur during the summer months. Preschool integrates English as a Second Language and social emotional curriculum into the PA Learning Standards to create a holistic environment that supports each child’s unique stage of development and abilities. SHIM’s Preschool is licensed through the PA Department of Education as a private academic nursery school.
Job Summary:
The Preschool Aide is a part time, full-year position. The Preschool Aide is responsible for assisting the program in running the day-to-day programming and ensuring the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children ages 3 – 5 years old. The responsibility of the Aide is to work in conjunction with the program staff and volunteers to provide a safe and educational environment for all students. The Aide is expected to be on site Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Essential Functions:
· Assist the Lead Teacher in preparing for weekly lessons
· Help to create, clean, organize, and maintain a classroom environment
· Participate in the arrival and dismissal procedures at the beginning and end of the school day
· Establish positive and trusted relationships with students and families
· Engage in physical activity/play, communication, and activities with students
· Supervise activities to ensure safety at all times and follow appropriate safety plans
· Work cooperatively with staff and volunteers
· Participate in staff meetings and trainings
· Understand, support, and implement the preschool teaching philosophy of “learning through play”
· Appropriately correct student behavior when needed
· Assist in consistent evaluation and monitoring of each student to measure growth
· Other duties as assigned
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
· Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive, calm attitude
· Demonstrated ability working with children, youth, or community development
· Sensitivity and awareness of working with a multi-cultural community
· Ability to positively guide and direct students
· Strong interpersonal, organizational, and verbal communication skills
· Must possess initiative, creativity and problem solving skills
· Ability to work as a team member and to be highly flexible
· Familiarity with early learning standards preferred
· Experience with English learners preferred
Education and Experience:
· High school diploma or equivalent required
· Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or Special Education preferred
· Relevant experience or education within youth development, education, social emotional support, and program management may be considered
Supervisory Responsibility:
None
Physical Requirements:
· Ability to reasonably engage in play with students
Clearance Requirements:
· Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
· Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
· FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint); requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI and have the background check run through the PA State Police’s designated agencies
· NSOR
· Mandated Reporter Training
Salary Description
$15-$16 per hour
Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- 9 Holidays
- 3 Floating Holidays to be used at the employee’s discretion
- Generous paid time off, starting at 3 weeks
- 401(k) plan
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Flexible scheduling promoting life/work balance
- Monthly stipend to help employees with health insurance costs, retirement savings, or other personal expenses
Applicants can expect to be contacted within a week of their submission.
Clearances
Pennsylvania Act 153, enacted in 2014, requires comprehensive background checks for individuals 14 years and older who interact with minors in both paid and volunteer roles, aiming to strengthen child protection within the state. As a result, employees will be required to undergo the following background checks.
SHIM partners with AssureHire to facilitate employee background checks for employees.
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- Pennsylvania Criminal History Check through the Pennsylvania State Police (Act 34)
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Check through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (Act 33)
- FBI Criminal History Check; this check requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI (Act 114)
- NSOR; This national search must be performed for any individual working for or as a regulated child care provider and any relative child care providers.
- Mandated Reporter Training; Act 31 of 2014 requires the health-related boards to complete 3 hours of approved training on child abuse recognition and reporting.
SHIM employees are motivated individuals who choose to better the lives of their neighbors. We welcome neighbors with diverse backgrounds, and strive to hire individuals committed to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


“My favorite thing about SHIM is helping people! It’s my purpose and I am so lucky to work with so many people that happen to share the same idea!” -Becky Brown, After School co-director
SHIM will not deny any individual from receiving employment based upon age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical or mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status and other characteristics that make individuals unique.
Interested internship candidates should send their resume to volunteers@shimcares.org.
Have questions about employment at SHIM?
Please contact Jessica Christopher
(412) 854-9120 ext. 125
HR Manager
jchristopher@shimcares.org

