Child Development Specialist I, II, or III – Temporary

About the role

The Child Development Specialist I, II, or III – Temporary is responsible for providing individual and family services to increase parenting skills and enhance the developmental potential of young children. This includes assessing and/or screening development in young children; coaching and modeling skills for families to implement to enhance their child’s opportunities in cognitive, personal-social, language, and motor development; serving as a member of an interdisciplinary team to monitor the effectiveness of child development services.

Responsibilities

• Provides early intervention services in the child and family’s natural environment (home, childcare, park etc.)
• Educates parents and professionals in the area of child development through materials and curricula developed for this purpose.
• Participates in family interview.
• Conducts intakes, including client interviews, and conducts assessments to make appropriate recommendations for services.
• Collaborates with families and caregivers to identify goals, develop strategies and appropriate effective family intervention services plan.
• Develops and implements the Individualized Family Service Plan according to state and federal guidelines.
• Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team to monitor the effectiveness of child health and 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.
• Being present in the office is an essential function of this job.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Level I: Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or a master’s degree in special education with a minimum of 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours (300 or above) in any of the following areas: typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance/discipline strategies with young children, family systems, family relationships, assessment/evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices.
• Level II: Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or a Master’s degree in special education with a minimum of 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours (300 or above) in any of the following areas: typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance/discipline strategies with young children, family systems, family relationships, assessment/evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices. Two years of post-master’s degree experience working in the area of child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education are required as well as certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC) within one year of employment.
• Level III: Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or a master’s degree in special education with a minimum of 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours (300 or above) in any of the following areas: typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance/discipline strategies with young children, family systems, family relationships, assessment/evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices. Three years of post-master’s degree experience working in the area of child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education are required as well as certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC) within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition Certification requirements: Child Development Specialist II-III: If certification is not held at time of employment, the Certified Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC) must be completed within one year of employment.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of typical and atypical child development from birth through adolescence; of the skills and techniques for childcare and guidance; of the methods and curricula of early childhood education or early childhood special education; and of community health and welfare resources for children and their parents. Ability is required to work cooperatively and effectively with both professional and non-professional groups and encourage participation in child development and early intervention programs; and to teach child development and parenting skills.

Skills

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of typical and atypical child development from birth through adolescence; of the skills and techniques for childcare and guidance; of the methods and curricula of early childhood education or early childhood special education; and of community health and welfare resources for children and their parents. Experience and ability to assess children’s development and to provide educational programs to parents. Ability is required to work cooperatively and effectively with both professional and non-professional groups and encourage participation in child development and early intervention programs; and to teach child development and parenting skills. Plus, knowledge of the principles, practices and ethics of parent education, early childhood education, or early childhood special education; of training and instructional techniques and their application; of the use of materials and curricula used in parenting education, early childhood education, or early childhood special education programs. Ability is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

Work is typically performed in the child’s natural environment (home or childcare setting) or in an office environment with climate-controlled settings and exposure to moderate noise level. Telework and the provision of services remotely may also be required. While performing the duties of the job, employee is required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms and may lift up to 35 pounds. Travel Requirements: Applicants must be willing to perform all job-related travel associated with any of these positions. Occasional in-state overnight and weekend travel may be required.