Child Development Specialist I, II, or III – Temporary

State of Oklahoma•Lawton, OK

12d•$26 - $31

About The Position

The Child Development Specialist I, II, or III – Temporary provides individual and family services to strengthen parenting skills and support young children’s development. The specialist screens and assesses children’s development, coaches and models strategies families can use to support cognitive, personal-social, language, and motor development, and works on an interdisciplinary team to monitor services. Services include screenings, evaluations, intervention, and parent education, provided in children’s natural environments such as their homes or childcare settings. The role may also require telework and remote service delivery. The position is part time, with a Monday–Friday schedule of up to 19 hours per week. The hourly rate is based on education and experience: up to $26.44 for Level I, $28.36 for Level II, and $31.25 for Level III. The position serves Comanche, Jackson, Beckham, Greer, Kiowa, Tillman, Cotton, Caddo, and Harmon counties. Being present in the office is an essential function, and job-related travel is required; occasional in-state overnight and weekend travel may be necessary. Level I is an entry-level role performed in a training status under close supervision. Level II performs the full range of specialist functions with flexibility in developing and implementing programs for individuals, families, and groups. Level III performs advanced technical duties, consults with other Child Development Specialists, and may serve as a lead worker.

Requirements

Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development; alternatively, a master’s degree in special education with at least 18 qualifying graduate, postgraduate, or upper-level hours (300 or above) in specified child development, family, assessment, or early childhood curriculum areas.
For Level II, two years of post-master’s experience in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education.
For Level III, three years of post-master’s experience in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education.
For Level II and Level III, certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC) is required within one year of employment if not already held.
Knowledge of typical and atypical child development from birth through adolescence, childcare and guidance techniques, early childhood education or special education methods and curricula, and community health and welfare resources for children and parents.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with professional and non-professional groups, encourage participation in child development and early intervention programs, and teach child development and parenting skills.
Level III additionally requires experience and ability in assessing children’s development and providing educational programs to parents; knowledge of parent education and early childhood education principles, practices, and ethics, training and instructional techniques, and relevant materials and curricula; and the ability to build effective working relationships, communicate orally and in writing, and exercise initiative and independent judgment.
Applicants must provide documentation of required education, certification, or licensure when applying.
Applicants must pass a background check and be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
Must be willing to perform all job-related travel.
Must be able to talk, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and may need to lift up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Existing Certified Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) certification through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC) for Level II or Level III applicants.

Responsibilities

Provide early intervention services in children’s and families’ natural environments, including homes, childcare settings, and parks.
Educate parents and professionals about child development using materials and curricula developed for this purpose.
Participate in family interviews.
Conduct intakes, client interviews, and assessments, and make appropriate service recommendations.
Work with families and caregivers to identify goals and develop strategies and effective family intervention plans.
Participate in developing and implementing Individualized Family Service Plans in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Serve on an interdisciplinary team monitoring the effectiveness of child health and development services.
Teach parents ways to enhance their child’s developmental potential.
Maintain confidential service records, including progress notes and evaluation reports, in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Assist with selecting, preparing, and distributing child development materials.
Provide individuals and families with prevention information on parenting and child development.
Refer individuals and families to relevant services that support their goals and well-being.
Collaborate with community agencies and plan and conduct community-wide efforts promoting the health, development, and behavioral well-being of young children and families.
Initiate and implement steps for smooth transitions from the early intervention program.
Support the agency’s mission, vision, values, standards, policies, procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and ethical code.
Work effectively as part of a team and assist colleagues.
Perform other duties as assigned.