Child Development Specialist

United Way for Greater Austin•Austin, TX

3h•Hybrid

About The Position

United Way for Greater Austin and Help Me Grow Central Texas are committed to improving the lives of families in Central Texas. The Child Development Specialist provides direct developmental coaching and guidance to families and professionals supporting children ages 0–5 who have a developmental concern but do not qualify for Part C Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) or Part B Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). This role fills a critical gap in the developmental-support system by offering timely, individualized assistance to families who often have limited options for help. In this role, you will provide hands-on developmental coaching, respond to parent concerns, and equip caregivers with practical strategies to support their child’s growth using a strengths-based, culturally responsive approach. You will collaborate closely with pediatric providers, ECI programs, school districts, and early learning settings to promote consistent use of validated developmental screening tools and to ensure families receive coordinated, actionable next steps.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in early education, special education, child development, social work, or a related field.
Valid Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification from a state-approved certifying board or relevant governing body is required.
Specific knowledge/experience in child development, early childhood education, psychology, social work, or a related field and/or minimum 2 years of experience working with children ages 0-5 and their caregivers, preferably in a community-based or healthcare setting.
Strong knowledge of local early childhood systems and community-based organizations that serve young children and families.
Experience conducting developmental screenings and using evidence-based guidance tools.
Familiarity with trauma-informed and family-centered care principles.
Ability to travel within Central Texas for meetings, trainings, and community engagement.
Bilingual in Spanish.

Nice To Haves

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including comfort discussing sensitive developmental concerns with families.
Demonstrated cultural responsiveness, humility, and ability to work effectively with diverse families and providers.
Understanding of IDEA Parts B and C, relevant disability laws, and the ability to explain these to families and early childhood professionals.
Familiarity with case management, trauma-informed, and family-centered care principles.
Experience in motivational interviewing or other family engagement techniques.
Ability to collaborate across agencies and disciplines to coordinate services and reduce duplication.
Capacity to work independently and as part of a cross-functional, hybrid (remote/in-person) team.

Responsibilities

Respond to phone, email, and text inquiries from families and early childhood providers regarding developmental concerns.
Build trusting relationships with families that honor their practices, beliefs, and parenting values.
Conduct developmental screenings when needed and offer culturally responsive parent education through workshops and one-on-one coaching.
Coach families to navigate referrals to early intervention programs, early education providers, behavioral supports, and other community-based resources.
Provide individualized follow-up, developmental coaching, and care coordination for families – especially those not eligible for ECI or awaiting services.
Enter and maintain referral and service data to track outcomes, barriers, and utilization for continuous improvement.
Assist families transitioning from ECI to ECSE in partnership with ECI Service Coordinators.
Facilitate training for pediatricians, early educators, and social service providers on developmental screening, follow-up, and navigation resources.
Develop and maintain a community asset map of early childhood resources that reflect all families.
Contribute to grant deliverables and implementation activities to ensure fidelity to the Help Me Grow framework.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.