Developmental Specialist (DS I Advanced, DS II, or DS III) – Early Intervention

MECA Therapies LLC•Taos, NM

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

MECA Therapies is seeking compassionate and motivated Developmental Specialists to join our Early Intervention (FIT) team. As the largest pediatric rehabilitation provider in New Mexico, MECA is committed to ensuring children and families have access to the highest quality developmental services within their communities. Our Developmental Specialists partner with families to promote child development through coaching, education, and individualized intervention services that empower caregivers and help children achieve meaningful developmental milestones. The Developmental Specialist provides Special Instruction services to infants and toddlers (birth to three years of age) with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are delivered in natural environments, including homes, childcare settings, and community locations, and focus on promoting development across all developmental domains, including cognitive, communication, physical/motor, social-emotional, and adaptive skills. Working collaboratively with families and interdisciplinary team members, the Developmental Specialist develops strategies that support each child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) while coaching caregivers to incorporate developmental activities into everyday routines.

Requirements

Developmental Specialist I – Advanced: Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or another qualifying field identified by the New Mexico FIT Developmental Specialist Certification Policy.
Developmental Specialist II: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or another qualifying field identified by the New Mexico FIT Developmental Specialist Certification Policy.
Developmental Specialist III: Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or another qualifying field identified by the New Mexico FIT Developmental Specialist Certification Policy.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance.
Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas.
Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain required New Mexico FIT certifications.
New Mexico FIT Certificate of Special Instruction.
Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
Infant-Toddler Developmental Assessment (IDA) Certification.
Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) Certification.
Required Family Infant Toddler (FIT) online trainings.
Mandatory staff meetings, reflective supervision, and continuing education.

Nice To Haves

Professional license, if applicable.
Eligible to obtain New Mexico FIT Developmental Specialist certification.
Experience working with infants, toddlers, and families.
Early Intervention experience.
Knowledge of child development and family-centered practices.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

Participate in multidisciplinary evaluations to determine Early Intervention eligibility.
Provide Special Instruction services that support child development across cognitive, communication, physical, social-emotional, and adaptive domains.
Coach parents and caregivers on evidence-based strategies that promote learning during daily routines.
Develop individualized intervention strategies based on each child's IFSP outcomes.
Collaborate with families, therapists, Family Service Coordinators, physicians, and community partners.
Participate in Transdisciplinary Team Consultation Meetings (TTCMs), IFSP meetings, periodic reviews, annual reviews, and transition planning.
Complete developmental assessments and evaluation reports accurately and within required timelines.
Monitor child progress and modify intervention strategies as appropriate.
Support family participation, informed decision-making, and developmental goal achievement.
Maintain compliance with New Mexico FIT Program requirements, IDEA Part C regulations, ECECD standards, HIPAA, and MECA policies.
Promote ethical, family-centered, culturally responsive services.
Complete documentation at the time of service whenever possible and submit required documentation daily.
Complete developmental progress notes and participate in six-month IFSP reviews.
Document TTCMs, evaluations, and family contacts according to program requirements.
Maintain and update HELP Strands and other developmental assessment tools as required.
Maintain complete, accurate, and compliant records in accordance with HIPAA, ECECD, IDEA Part C, and New Mexico FIT Program standards.
Obtain and maintain all required certifications and participate in ongoing professional development.
Receive ongoing supervision and reflective consultation.
Mentor or supervise designated Early Childhood staff (for experienced Developmental Specialists).