Make a Difference — Become a Therapeutic Childcare Specialist 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 Specialist 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
Tanager's Bright Foundations Therapeutic Child Care (TCC) is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and flexible part time team member to support children in a therapeutic classroom environment. TCC team members play an important role in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and structured setting for children while supporting the social, emotional, and developmental goals of the program. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with children, enjoy being part of a collaborative team, and are looking for flexible scheduling opportunities.
The Therapeutic Child Care Specialist provides direct care, supervision, and support to children enrolled in the Therapeutic Child Care program. This role assists with classroom routines, therapeutic interventions, and developmentally appropriate activities while helping maintain a safe and supportive environment. TCC team members work collaboratively with the TCC supervisor and interdisciplinary team to support children's treatment goals through trauma-informed and relationship-based care.
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
- Bachelor's degree or current coursework in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Psychology, or another related field
- Previous experience working with children in a classroom, childcare, behavioral health, or group care setting
- Knowledge or experience using trauma-informed approaches and positive behavior support strategies
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or current coursework in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Psychology, or related field
- Previous experience working with children in a classroom, childcare, behavioral health, or group care setting
- Knowledge or experience using trauma-informed approaches and positive behavior support strategies
What We Do
Tanager Place is a private non-profit organization based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that provides focused programs and services supporting the well-being and resilience of children, young adults, and families. Their mission is to provide services that inspire, empower, and heal through a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, treatment, and outreach, including inpatient psychiatric care and outpatient clinical services.
