HIPPY Autism Specialist

R'Club Child Care, Inc•Saint Petersburg, FL

2d•$22 - $22

About The Position

The HIPPY Autism Specialist provides home-based early childhood education, coaching, and family support to caregivers of children ages 2–5 who exhibit characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or related developmental needs. This position combines traditional HIPPY home visiting responsibilities with specialized strategies tailored to support the HIPPY curriculum. The Autism Specialist works collaboratively with HIPPY families, the HIPPY team, and early intervention providers to strengthen parental confidence, increase developmental gains, and ensure equity in access to quality learning experiences. The qualified candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in both community and office settings.

Requirements

The position requires frequent, moderately complex and often highly confidential communication with agency personnel and outside sources as a regular part of the job. Work is varied with some innovations required. Problems to be solved have a moderate degree of complexity. Must exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.
Requires experience working with young children (ages 2-5), particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder or developmental delays. The ability to adapt curriculum activities to meet diverse developmental, sensory communication needs. Strong communication, reading, writing, and leadership skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and independent judgment. Possess reliable transportation for home visits and community-based work.
Some evening and weekend hours will be required.
Bachelor's degree (BA) required in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a closely related field.
Experience working with young children (ages 2–5), especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or developmental delays.
Skill in adapting curriculum activities to accommodate diverse developmental, sensory, and communication needs.
Strong communication, reading, and writing abilities.
Reliable transportation to conduct home visits and community-based work.
Clean driving record

Responsibilities

Maintain an active schedule/case load and have regular contact with clients, community resources, and agency personnel.
Utilize HIPPY activities to meet the developmental and sensory needs of children with ASD.
Deliver weekly HIPPY curriculum lessons using role-playing, modeling, and hands-on activities.
Develop and maintain linkage with various community resources organizations, that offer autism education, local support, behavioral services, and sensory friendly events in the targeted community.
Plan and prepare for weekly home visits. Maintain accurate daily logs, service visit records, database systems as required by stakeholders.
Share expertise and strategies with other home visitors serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or developmental delays.
Use HIPPY screening tools to identify strengths and areas of concern.
Prepare and set up sensory stations for HIPPY events, ensuring materials support sensory regulation, fine-motor development, and engagement with children with ASD.
Attend required HIPPY training, staff meetings, and autism-specific professional development.
Offer guidance on structure, visual supports, routines, and communication tools.
Work collaboratively with the Director of HIPPY and team to ensure program alignment and quality.
Check eligibility annually and collect participants back up documentation.
Perform other duties as assigned.