DESCRIPTION: Developmental Specialist provides assessment, evaluation, intervention services, and strategies to assist families in fostering the growth and development of children birth to three years. This work is performed in a home-based service program designed to directly involve parents in providing an optimal family-oriented social, nutritional, developmental and behavioral program for their child.
The Developmental Specialist will perform the following essential responsibilities:
- Provide screening, evaluation, and assessment of developmental performance of children birth to age three in areas of gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, social/emotional, language and self-help skills.
- Complete enrollment procedures for children eligible for Infant Learning services.
- Develop, monitor, and implement an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that is based on parent goals for their child and family, including family assessment results.
- Assist parents to develop confidence in their abilities as their child's best teacher through joint planning and implementation of functional activities designed to enhance the child's potential for optimum development.
- Assist families in coordinating information and communicating with other service providers and community agencies providing assistance to them and their child.
- Assist families in transitioning to public or private services when the child reaches age three or when exiting the program.
- Work to establish a trusting relationship with families by providing regular contact through home visits.
- Participate in ongoing staff development and education, with the approval of supervisor.
- Maintain confidentiality of children/families and their records.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
- Prepare and submit all required paperwork in a timely manner.
- Drive to and from family visits, meetings, trainings and other locations.
- Perform duties in a manner that promotes safety.
- Perform other duties as mutually agreed.
HOURS OF WORK: Full Time or Part Time Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00 pm
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS:
- Paid VacationSick leave
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Jury DutyFuneral Leave
- Free Employee Assistance Program
- Agency Paid Life Insurance
- Dental and Major Medical Insurance
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech/Language Therapy, or a related field and current professional license.
Experience and Skills: A minimum of three academic credits in child development. At least one year experience in a field of early childhood or preschool activity, with children birth to age five and working closely with parents in forming partnerships to provide services. A current TB test. Valid Alaska driver's license with five (5) years driving experience, and proof of automobile insurance must be submitted prior to employment. Successful candidates must submit to a criminal background check as required by state regulation which includes providing one clear fingerprint card before hire. Candidate must provide a minimum of three verifiable references.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to be flexible, creative, work independently with minimal supervision, while organizing and prioritizing workflow. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Demonstrate basic computer/word processing and typing skills. Training in Parents as Teachers curriculum.
MSSCA is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and consumer need.
