Developmental Specialist

You Thrive Florida•Pierson, FL

3d•$48,880 - $54,184•Onsite

About The Position

The Developmental Specialist provides training and technical assistance to Education staff regarding children’s development and special needs, and supports the implementation of classroom strategies and interventions for children with suspected or diagnosed disabilities, including children receiving Tier Services and children with an LEA IEP. The role also provides support to the Mental Health Manager, Education Manager, and Senior Program Manager. The position coordinates child screenings, discusses results and referral options with parents, supports referrals for further evaluation, and maintains case notes and records. It collaborates with teaching staff through consultation, classroom observations, monitoring, and modeling; reviews and supports individualization plans and IEP implementation; and provides developmental resources and activities for children and families. The Specialist may conduct home visits, assist with parent and staff training, support program recruitment and training activities, and participate in program monitoring and community activities. The primary work location is Head Start facilities in Hernando, Sumter, and/or Volusia counties, with occasional travel to other counties. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The work involves office and classroom settings, frequent interaction with staff and families, occasional outdoor work, and vehicle operation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, varying exceptionalities, or a related field.
Three years of experience in special education programs working with children with special needs; preschool or primary-setting experience is preferred.
Valid Florida driver’s license and ability to be insured by the company’s current carrier.
First Aid and CPR certification.
Meet applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements and background checks or clearances for working with children.
Ability to arrive at work daily and on time, work with limited direction, and organize work effectively.
Ability to complete work accurately and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish effective working relationships, particularly with parents and children, and to work with children.
Ability to analyze and interpret data and human and family needs; knowledge of early childhood issues and community programs and resources.
Ability to use and operate a personal computer and maintain child and parent confidentiality.
Ability to be reliable, responsible, and accountable to job requirements.
Physical ability to sit and stand for long periods; use fingers, arms, hands, legs, and voice; and perform frequent squatting, walking, handling, grasping, reaching, bending, driving, and lifting or carrying up to 15 pounds.
Physical ability to occasionally push, pull, kneel, balance, turn, and lift or carry up to 50 pounds, participate in active play with children, and rise from the floor or a low chair without hesitation.
Correctable eyesight and hearing.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children with special needs in preschool or primary settings.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and participate in early and ongoing screenings according to Head Start Performance Standard timelines; accurately score and enter results in ChildPlus.net.
Arrange parent conferences to discuss screening results and request consent for referrals to Child Find, FDLRS, or the LEA for further evaluation.
Participate in case review meetings to discuss concerns, screening results, support services, and possible referrals.
Provide parents with information about due process, procedural safeguards, Child Find/FDLRS, the school district ESE continuum of services, and developmental resources.
Provide parent support and written strategies or interventions for use at home; maintain detailed case notes in ChildPlus.net.
Submit reports, documents, and files as directed, and initiate and complete referral packets for Child Find/FDLRS/LEA referrals.
Attend Project Spotlights, staff and parent conferences, service area meetings, and MDATs as needed.
Deliver, pick up, and maintain accurate records for the Lending Library.
Collaborate and consult with teaching staff; conduct classroom observations, monitoring, and modeling; and track progress for children receiving inclusion services.
Conduct home visits as needed and assist teachers with home activities for parents to support children’s development.
Review classroom individualization plans for children receiving developmental services and assist teachers with Support Services, LEA IEP implementation, and activities tailored to children’s needs.
Inform the Mental Health Manager when supplies, materials, or equipment are needed to meet children’s special needs.
Assist with or lead parent and staff trainings and participate in center and classroom activities, parent meetings, and annual parent activities as requested.
Act as an advocate and role model for Head Start families and assist with recruiting children for the program.
Assist in developing and implementing the annual training plan, including pre-service, in-service, T/TA, and ongoing training requirements.
Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information and effective working relationships with coworkers and outside contacts.
Organize and prioritize assignments as directed; participate in community activities, ongoing monitoring, Community Assessment, and Self-Assessment as directed.
Participate in regular safety, storm, and fire drills and follow applicable Head Start, You Thrive Florida, and federal, state, and local policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Perform additional duties as assigned by a supervisor, management staff, program director, or You Thrive Florida management staff.