Developmental Specialist

arc programs•Kelowna, BC

1d•CA$42 - CA$44•Hybrid

About The Position

arc programs exists to create thriving communities, free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity, and hope. We have a bold vision to ensure everyone in our communities feels connected and cared for, and we are excited to be expanding our team to help us accelerate our impact! We are now accepting applications for a temporary, full-time Developmental Specialist to provide support to parents and caregivers of children and youth with developmental delays, neurodiversities, or those at risk for developmental delays. Developmental Specialists support parents and caregivers of children and youth with developmental delays, neurodiversities, or those at risk for developmental delays. They focus on optimizing each child’s development through early intervention, parent education, and connection to community resources. Developmental Specialists provide guidance and support to help families navigate challenges and promote positive developmental outcomes.

Requirements

Need a valid BC Driver's License, regional insurance, and a reliable personal vehicle.
Must undergo a screening process, including a criminal record check.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a related Social Services or Human Services discipline (MEd in Early Childhood Education, MSW, MA in Counselling or MA in Psychology etc.) is preferred.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a Social Services or Human Services discipline (i.e.: BSW, CYC, Early Childhood Care and Education, BA in Psychology etc.) with a minimum of 2-years relevant experience will be considered.
Knowledge and demonstrated understanding of strengths-based family systems and attachment-based support.
Experience in Infant Development Programming.
Well-versed in child development, developmental delays, neurodiversity, ASD, FASD and complex support needs.
Ability to establish trusting relationships with children, youth, and families.
Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

Cooperate with the Practice Lead, Agency Leadership/Management, and administrative personnel to coordinate and implement program services and initiatives.
Monitor caseloads and waitlists in collaboration with the Practice Lead.
Use assessment tools, such as About My Child/About Me and My Support Plan, to help create service-specific intervention plans in collaboration with the family.
Provide services for children with developmental needs, including neurodiversity or risk of developmental challenges, through visits (FCC, community, home-based, virtual) to assess and plan with parents.
Implement developmentally appropriate strategies and therapies for infants and children with developmental needs or those at risk of delay.
Provide monitoring and intervention for older children/youth with FASD and other neurodiversities, supporting families through various stages of development and challenges.
Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood development, including typical and atypical development, Indigenous culture and issues, and local resources and services.
Provide developmental monitoring using a family-centered approach to promote positive parent-child interactions.
Support parents in understanding child development, focusing on the child’s needs rather than diagnoses.
Assist parents in fostering secure attachments and recognizing developmental cues to optimize their child's growth.
Participate in the use of screening tools (e.g., ASQ) to guide decision-making and interventions.
Assist with the completion of Functional Assessments to determine disability service eligibility for families in need.
Collaborate with families, FCC providers (e.g., PT, OT, SLP), and community partners, including schools, to deliver goal-focused interventions and support developmental goals.
Support Child and Youth Care Workers in developing intervention plans for clients needing higher levels of consultation and collaboration.
Provide education, consultation, and advocacy to promote inclusivity and support diverse groups from a developmental perspective.
Work in the best interest of the child (or youth) within the context of healthy family relationships and a supportive community.
Participate in ongoing education and training to stay informed of current standards and best practices.
Building relationships and connections within the community to improve service integration.
Appling culturally safe and agile, trauma informed, relational and person / family-centered modalities.