Child Development Specialist I, II or III

About the role

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) seeks Child Development Specialists to support families with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities. The specialists provide individual and family services to enhance the developmental potential of young children, collaborating with families to develop effective intervention plans.

Responsibilities

• Educate parents and professionals in child development through materials and curricula.
• Collaborate with families and caregivers to identify goals and develop strategies for enhancing their child's development.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams to assess and develop Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
• Teach parents ways to enhance their child’s developmental potential.
• Maintain confidential records of services and progress notes in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Provide early intervention services in the child and family’s natural environment.
• Assist in the selection, preparation, and distribution of materials on child development.
• Provide prevention information and referrals to relevant services.
• Collaborate with other community agencies to promote the health, development, and well-being of young children and families.
• Initiate and implement steps for smooth transitions from early intervention programs.
• Conduct family interviews and assessments, making appropriate recommendations for services.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development.
• Two years of post-master’s degree experience in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education, or certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC).
• Three years of post-master’s degree experience in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education, or certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC).

Qualifications

• Knowledge of typical and atypical child development from birth through adolescence.
• Skills and techniques for childcare and guidance.
• Methods and curricula of early childhood education or early childhood special education.
• Community health and welfare resources for children and their parents.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with both professional and non-professional groups.
• Ability to teach child development and parenting skills.

Skills

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and ethics of parent education, early childhood education, or early childhood special education.
• Experience in assessing children’s development and providing educational programs to parents.
• Training and instructional techniques, and their application.
• Use of materials and curricula used in parenting education, early childhood education, or early childhood special education programs.
• Initiative and independent judgment.

Benefits

Benefits offered include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Pay

The hourly rate for this position is up to $31.25 based on education and experience.

Schedule

This is a part-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the child and family.