Lead Teacher - Interim House West

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

SUBSIDIARY: Interim House West

DEPARTMENT: Addiction Services

Reports to: Family Service Coordinator

ROLE TYPE: Full-Time-Exempt

Job Description:

The full-time lead teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate toddler classroom within a facility that serves families enrolled in a residential drug rehabilitation program.  This role blends early childhood expertise with trauma-informed care, supporting both the healthy development of toddlers and the stability of parents working toward recovery. The Lead Teacher works with the Family Service Coordinator to ensure high-quality curriculum implementation, classroom management, family communication, and compliance with IHW programming.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure constant supervision and maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom.


• Follow all health, safety, and sanitation protocols, including diapering, toileting, and snack routines.


• Maintain accurate daily records, lesson plans, developmental observations, and progress notes.


• In collaboration with the Family Service Coordinator, develop a daycare, preschool, and after-school program and ensure the program objectives and goals are met.


• Collaborate with case managers, therapists, and program staff to support the family stability and parenting goals.


• Participate in family meetings, conferences, and parent education sessions as needed.


• Engage in staff meetings, professional development, and cross-department collaboration.


• Involve mothers in the planning and implementation of daily program activities for the infants, toddlers, pre-school, and after-school programs.


• Attend Interim House West team meetings to discuss women and children’s treatment plans and progress.


• Assist the Family Service coordinator in the completion of quarterly reports and individual service plans for DHS-funded children.


• Support the IHW mission of providing consistent, compassionate care that strengthens families in recovery.


• Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License required for field trips


• Other duties as assigned.

Skills:

Knowledge of Trauma-informed practice

Knowledge of Cultural humility and non-judgmental communication

Strong understanding of toddler development

Team leadership and mentorship ability

Emotional resilience and professionalism

Commitment to family-centered care

Ability to remain calm, patient, and flexible in a dynamic environment.

Strong communication and collaboration ability

Experience:

• Experience or training in trauma -informed care, behavioral support, or working with families affected by substance use.


• 2 years of experience with children experiencing delays in their cognitive, communication, or perceptual motor skills development.

Education Requirement:

Associate’s degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or the human services field, including 15 credit hours related to children with developmental disabilities or delays.

Additional Qualifications: CPR/First Aid Certification

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.