Unitarian Universalist Metro Atlanta North (UUMAN) Nursery Staff Member – Job Description

Position: Nursery Staff Member (Paid)
Reports to: Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)
Schedule: Sundays, 9:45 AM–12:15 PM (with occasional special services/events *optional)
Ages Served: Infants through age 4 years
Staffing Model: Nursery Staff Member + 1 volunteer present at all times (child:staff ratio of 5:1)
Term: Year-round position. Scheduled Sundays off include: Sunday of Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and New Year’s. Additional requested time off may be arranged in advance. (Note: Easter is a working Sunday.)

Compensation: $17-20/hour depending on experience

Position Summary

The Nursery Staff Member provides warm, attentive, developmentally appropriate care to infants, toddlers, and children up to age 4 years during Sunday services and select church events. This role focuses on creating a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for young children and their families. The Nursery Staff Member works alongside a trained volunteer each week.

Key Responsibilities

Child & Family Care

  • Maintain a caring, calm, and supportive presence with children and parents.

  • Ensure a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for children ages 0–4.

  • Assist with drop-off and pick-up; help children transition comfortably into the nursery space.

  • Supervise snack time (nut-free environment).

  • Change diapers and assist with toileting as needed.

  • Label children’s bottles and cups with their names, and ensure each child uses only their own items.

  • Maintain excellent handwashing/hand hygiene, especially after diapering and before/after snack time.

  • Communicate with families in a friendly, respectful, confidential, and inclusive manner.

Safety, Check-In, & Documentation

  • Check children in/out using Breeze (church management system), and ensure required forms are on file.

  • Learn and follow all safety and emergency procedures; uphold mandatory safety standards.

  • Maintain confidentiality and sign a confidentiality agreement before starting.

  • Serve as a mandated reporter; provide current certification or complete the free online training before onboarding.

Volunteer Partnership

  • Work with a rotating weekly volunteer; model positive interactions and child-safe practices.

  • Assist in orienting new volunteers in the nursery space and offer input on volunteer readiness when requested.

  • Support the DRE with on-the-ground communication if a volunteer is running late or absent (DRE handles scheduling).

Care of Nursery Space

  • Ensure toys and surfaces are safe, clean, and sanitized.

  • Perform routine cleaning/disinfecting of toys and materials; if additional time beyond paid hours is needed, it will be compensated.

  • Monitor nursery supply and snack levels, communicating any needs to the DRE in a timely manner.

Professionalism & Community Expectations

  • Demonstrate professionalism in childcare, including maintaining confidentiality, following best practices, calmly prioritizing tasks, and knowing when to reach out for support.

  • Maintain a working knowledge of age-appropriate developmental needs for children ages 0–4 years and an ability to adapt care for various personalities and needs.

  • Attend the annual Ministry of Children and Youth Volunteer Training in August.

  • Dependability is essential; excessive tardiness or unplanned absences may result in termination.

  • Complete background check before starting and then annually.

Qualifications

  • 18 years or older (required)

  • Experience caring for infants and toddlers in a childcare, preschool, or similar setting.

  • Current American Heart Association child and infant CPR certification f (or willingness to complete prior to/at onboarding).

  • Mandatory reporter certification (or willingness to complete prior to/at onboarding).

  • Up-to-date immunizations.

  • Ability to sit on the floor, engage in play activities, and lift up to 30 lbs.

  • Warm, patient, reliable, and committed to the well-being of young children.

  • Ability to maintain positive, cooperative relationships with parents, volunteers, and church staff.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their experience and interest in the position to recruitment@uuman.org.