Child Development Specialist I, II or III

State of Oklahoma•Purcell, OK

5d•$26 - $31

About The Position

The Oklahoma State Department of Health’s SoonerStart program provides early intervention for families with infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays and/or disabilities, in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The program supports families in enhancing children’s learning and development through everyday opportunities. Child Development Specialists provide individual and family services to strengthen parenting skills and enhance young children’s developmental potential. They screen and assess development; coach and model strategies that support cognitive, personal-social, language, and motor development; and work with an interdisciplinary team to monitor services. Developmental and educational services—including screenings, evaluations, intervention, and parent education—are provided in children’s natural environments, such as homes and childcare settings. Office presence is also an essential function. Telework and remote service delivery may be required. This posting covers Levels I, II, and III. Level II is the full-performance level. Level III involves advanced technical duties, consulting with other Child Development Specialists, and potentially serving as a lead worker. The position is part-time and temporary, based in Purcell, Oklahoma. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with hours that may vary. Compensation is up to $26.44 per hour for Level I, $28.36 for Level II, and $31.25 for Level III, depending on education and experience.

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 graduate, postgraduate, or upper-level (300 or above) hours in specified areas.
Relevant coursework for the alternate special education degree must include areas such as typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance and discipline, family systems and relationships, assessment and evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices.
Level II: Two years of post-master’s experience in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education.
Level III: Three years of post-master’s experience in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education.
Level II and III: Certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC), either at hire or within one year of employment.
Knowledge of typical and atypical child development from birth through adolescence; childcare and guidance skills and 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 II and III: Experience and ability assessing children’s development and providing educational programs to parents.
Level III: Knowledge of parent education, early childhood education or special education principles, practices, and ethics; training and instructional techniques; and materials and curricula used in these programs.
Level III: Ability to establish effective working relationships, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and exercise initiative and independent judgment.
Provide required documentation of education, certification, or licensure at the time of application, when applicable.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship and pass a background check.
Must be willing to perform job-related travel; occasional in-state overnight and weekend travel may be required.
Physical capability to talk, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and lift up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Level II and III applicants who already hold the Certified Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) certification through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC) meet the certification preference; otherwise, certification must be completed within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

Educate parents and professionals about child development using program materials and curricula.
Collaborate with families and caregivers to identify goals, develop strategies, and create effective family intervention service plans.
Participate on interdisciplinary teams to complete assessments and develop Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
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.
Provide early intervention services in children’s natural environments, such as homes, childcare settings, and parks.
Assist in selecting, preparing, and distributing child development materials.
Provide prevention information to individuals and families on parenting and child development topics.
Refer individuals and families to relevant services that can help achieve goals and enhance well-being.
Collaborate with community agencies and plan and conduct community-wide efforts to promote the health, development, and behavioral well-being of young children and families.
Initiate and implement steps for smooth transitions from the early intervention program.
Participate in family interviews; conduct intakes and client interviews; and assess needs to recommend appropriate services.
Perform duties in the office as required, along with other assigned duties.
Support the agency’s mission, values, standards, policies, procedures, confidentiality standards, and ethical code; work effectively with and assist peers.
At Level III, perform advanced technical duties and provide consultation to other Child Development Specialists; may serve as a lead worker.