Child Development Specialist I, II or III

About the role

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is seeking Child Development Specialists to support families with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities. The position involves providing individual and family services, conducting assessments, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provides early intervention services in the child and family’s natural environment (home, childcare, park etc.)
• Collaborates with families and caregivers to identify goals, develop strategies and appropriate effective family intervention services plan
• Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team to monitor the effectiveness of child development services
• Teaches parents ways to enhance their child’s developmental potential
• Maintains confidential records of services including progress notes and evaluation reports in compliance with state and federal regulations
• Assists in the selection, preparation, and distribution of materials on child development which will further the purpose of this program
• Provides individuals and families prevention information on topics related to parenting and child development
• Provides referrals to individuals and families for relevant services to assist in achieving goals and enhancing their well-being
• Collaborates with other community agencies as well as plans and conducts community wide efforts to promote the health, development, and behavioral well-being of young children and families
• Initiates and implements steps necessary for smooth transition services from the early intervention program

Requirements

• Level I: Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours in relevant fields
• Level II: Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours in relevant fields plus one year of post-master’s experience working in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education and eligibility for CCPS certification
• Level III: Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours in relevant fields plus three years of post-master’s experience working in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education and eligibility for CCPS certification

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
• Ability to assess children’s development and provide educational programs to parents
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment

Skills

• Knowledge of 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 others
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment

Benefits

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
• A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care
• Retail Savings Plan with a generous match
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees
• 11 paid holidays a year
• Student Loan repayment options & tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and vendors
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

Pay

The annual salary for this position is:

• Level I: up to $53,000.00, based on education and experience
• Level II: up to $56,000.00, based on education and experience
• Level III: up to $61,000.00, based on education and experience

Schedule

Monday to Friday, Primary Hours: 8 am – 5 pm