BRIDGES Child Development Specialist

Children's Home Society of Florida

Since opening our doors in 1902, CHS became a part of Florida's history. 

CHS has been committed to growing and evolving to provide the right services and solutions to address the needs of children and families throughout the changing times. Every day, our team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, we’re changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families’ lives for generations to come.

Join our team to continue to do good and create history serving Florida's children and families!

The Child Development Specialist evaluates developmental skills of infants and toddlers, develops a plan for services, and provide direct developmentally- focused services and consultation to children and families. Overall, the Child Development Specialist contributes to the CHS high performance culture by exhibiting our values and providing quality results that position CHS as the leader in delivering proactive behavioral health, case management, community and early childhood solutions for children and families.

Why Join Chs?

• Uplifting mission-driven work culture
• Make an impact in your community and become a part of Florida's history!
• Growth and professional development opportunities
• Great benefits package, including generous paid time off and holidays

Primary Job Functions

1. 1. Evaluate developmental skills of infants and toddlers, develop a plan for services, and provide direct developmentally- focused services and consultation to children and families.
2. 2. Contribute to a positive, engaging work environment.

• Provide initial and ongoing developmental evaluation for children and when necessary, assist in the development of a plan to monitor areas identified within the initial evaluation (For Early Steps, Individualized Family Support Plan).
• Implement individualized plans for assigned clients to meet the needs, interests and abilities within the child's natural routines.
• Review individualized plan, and modify as needed.
• Maintain records as required by law and administrative regulations.
• Provide direct developmentally-focused services to the child and their family within the child's natural environment.
• Provide consultative services to the child's family in the child's natural environment.
• Complete progress notes and any program specific documentation as required.
• Coordinate services for client’s, within the community as required.
• Act as a liaison for the program with community agencies/organizations as required.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams and staff meetings as required.
• Develop a strong knowledge base and stay current on job-related issues and trends.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, training and education, as well as the quality process.
• Comply with CHS’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and other obligations.
• Assist with training other team members and providing back up when necessary.
• Pick up projects on the fly; perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
• Demonstrate the CHS Common Bond values in the performance of all job duties.

Job Qualifications

Education, Licenses & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited university, in early childhood or early childhood/special education, child and family development, family life specialist, communication sciences, nursing, psychology, social work or equivalent degree based on transcript review by the CHS Corporate Office or by the funder when the contract specifically reserves such authorization OR a valid and current Florida License as a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Psychologist, School Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Counselor, or Mental Health Counselor
• Master’s degree in early childhood or early childhood/special education, child and family development, family life specialist, communication science, nursing, psychology, social work or equivalent degree, preferred
• For Early Steps program, one of the following:
• Florida Driver’s License within 30 days from hire is required, along with daily access to a reliable and insured vehicle
• For Early Steps Program, ability to attain Early Intervention Professional Competencies through completion of the online ITDS Competency Modules or coursework from an approved Florida College or University ITDS Certification Program or a combination of both
• For Early Steps Program, Ability to obtain and maintain a Medicaid Provider number
• Department of Education Pre-K Disabilities Endorsement
• Certification in Infant-Toddler Developmental Specialist (ITDS), SKI-HI, Vision Impaired In-service in America (VIISA), In-Home Sensory Impaired Training and Education (INSITE) or completion of university certificate in Hearing specialist or Vision specialist in Early Intervention.
• Early Intervention credential or equivalent certificate from another state

Experience:

• Three years experience with children and families. For Early Steps programs, one year of documented professional hands on experience in Early Intervention with 0-5 year old children with special needs and/or developmental delays and their families

Knowledge Of:

• COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Skills And Proficiency In:

• Planning, project management, organization and time management
• Oral and written communication
• Collaboration, teamwork, consulting, facilitation, coaching and mentoring
• Computer systems and MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Ability To:

• Planning, project management, organization and time management.
• Oral and written communication, including presentation and platform.
• Collaboration, teamwork, consulting, facilitation, coaching and mentoring.
• Computer systems and MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Perform at a high level of autonomy, with general supervision.
• Ability to coach parents in ways to help child achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to appropriately document according to required guideline.
• Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, conduct, monitor and evaluate service plans.
• Perform under strong demands in fast-paced, diverse, sometimes ambiguous environments.
• Commit to providing high customer satisfaction with positive service delivery results.
• Meet critical deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy and quality.
• Handle highly stressful, sensitive situations; maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Demonstrate the behaviors of our CHS Common Bond Values.
• Be energetic, passionate and adaptable with a deep commitment to social service, empathy for children and families and a positive approach to embracing and managing change.  

Together, good can be done.