Lead Pre-school Teacher (Family Educator 2) - South Hill

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

As an experienced preschool teacher, you will create a safe and engaging learning environment for preschool children while working as a team to provide quality services to children and families enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). You will document developmental progress to make assessments to scaffold children's learning. With your experience managing preschool children safely, you will also help create an inclusive environment for children who may come with a variety of individual needs

Why It's a Great Department: 

Pierce County Human Services exists to ensure that every person in our community has the opportunity to live with dignity, stability, and hope. As the county’s community and human services department, we strengthen the local safety net by investing in programs that support people at every stage of life—from early childhood and youth development to housing stability, behavioral health, disability support, and services for seniors, veterans, immigrants, and refugees. Working alongside nearly 170 community-based organizations, local governments, and nonprofit partners, we respond to both urgent needs and long-term challenges with compassion, accountability, and collaboration. Whether helping families stay housed, supporting recovery and wellness, connecting people to food and transportation, or expanding access to opportunity, our work is grounded in the belief that strong communities are built when people are seen, supported, and empowered. Together with our partners, we are committed to creating an inclusive, responsive system of care that helps Pierce County residents not just survive—but thrive.

Learn more about the Human Services Department here.

How to be Successful in the Role: 

You will work as a member of a team providing required expectations to children enrolled in the program, demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and interact appropriately with coworkers, supervisors, children, families, and community partners.  Punctuality is essential, including work schedule, meetings, and conferences.  Following ECEAP child guidance and support procedures. Meeting deadlines of assignments with accuracy and information is also important. You'll need to provide excellent customer service, have the ability to multitask, work effectively with distractions, work under pressure, make quick/appropriate decisions, and have the ability to take direction and feedback.

Your Future in this Role: 

Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the Managers, Supervisors, and teams, regularly to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, and gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development, robust online learning, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed.  To view the complete classification, click here.

• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.
• Associate Degree or two-year degree in the field of social work, psychology or a field relevant to the program from an accredited institution of higher education is required and
• Two years of successful relevant experience is required.
• Positions in specific program areas may require program-related experience, education and/or

training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS:

How to Apply:

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style. 

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews. 

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity. 

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: 

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service. 

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.