Early Childhood Counselor
Compensation
Pay not listed
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting, call expectations and time off.
Job Description
- Job Location: Med Quarter - Cedar Rapids, IA
- Position Type: Full Time
- Education Level: 4 Year Degree
- Salary Range: Undisclosed
- Job Shift: Day
Make a Difference Every Day — Become an Early Childhood Counselor 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 Early Childhood Counselor 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 As an Early Childhood Counselor, you will be working directly with children and their families to provide skill building services addressing their mental health needs, while delivering direct care services that are: Client-centered Strengths-based Professional and compassionate In this role, you will provide direct instruction, care, and support to children enrolled in the Therapeutic Child Care (TCC) program.
This role implements developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed practices to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment. The Counselor delivers daily routines and targeted interventions aligned with each child's treatment plan goals to promote positive outcomes for children and families.
Working closely with the TCC Supervisor, Clinical Manager, the family, and interdisciplinary team, the Counselor integrates therapeutic and educational supports into classroom activities to meet individual needs. 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 Qualifications: Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related human services field Minimum of one year of experience working with children in a structured classroom or group care setting Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work Required Special Qualifications: Current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training or become certified within first three months of hire Must possess a valid Driver License and meet the driving requirements of the Agency Ready to Inspire Hope?
If you’re passionate about helping youth find their strength, voice, and purpose — Tanager is the place for you. Join a team where your work truly matters and where every day brings a new chance to make a positive impact. Apply today and start changing lives — including your own.
Tanager is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Key Responsibilities
The counselor provides direct mental health support and skill-building services to children within a therapeutic child care program. They implement trauma-informed practices and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to deliver care aligned with individual treatment plans.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in social work or a related human services field. A minimum of one year of experience working with children in a structured setting is required, along with a valid driver's license.
Qualifications
- Education
- Bachelor degree
Key Skills
Early Childhood Mental Health — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 64% are remote, 30% have no call, 54% require no weekends.
Counselor pay on WeekdayDoc is down 2.0% vs. the prior quarter (through Oct 2026).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | not listed | Counselor median $72k (middle half $62k–$81k)336 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost of living | Iowa index 87.8 | US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Counselor listings in Iowa | 176 active | 13,602 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 64% remote · 30% no call · 54% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Iowa Counselor listings: 14% state a sign-on bonus (median $8k) · 11% offer loan repayment176 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| Counselor pay trend | −2.0% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
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