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.