Child Development Specialist - AZ STEPS

Job Title: Child Development Specialist - AZ STEPS The Child Development Specialist provides training, consultation, and technical assistance to early education and childcare programs to promote positive behavior supports and prevent expulsion. This role partners closely with early childhood professionals and families to strengthen social-emotional development, build caregiver capacity, and support young children’s emotional well‑being through a relationship‑based, consultative approach aligned with the agency’s mission. In This Role You Will: Provide consultation, coaching, and technical assistance to early education and childcare providers focused on positive behavior supports and expulsion prevention. Collaborate with educators, childcare staff, and families to promote children’s social‑emotional development and emotional wellness. Support children’s emotional regulation, coping skills, adaptive functioning, and social competence through early intervention strategies. Build caregiver and provider capacity using a strengths‑based, relationship‑centered approach. Deliver training and resources to enhance understanding of child development, behavior, and trauma‑informed practices. Partner with families to support consistent strategies across home and childcare environments. Ensure services are delivered in alignment with the agency’s mission and values, emphasizing emotional wellness for young children in DES‑contracted childcare programs. What It Takes: Bachelor’s or higher in Early Childhood Education, Education, Family Studies, Child Development, Counseling, or a related field. Experience working with young children in classroom settings. Infant Mental Health knowledge preferred. Knowledge of code of ethics (NASW, ACA, NAEYC) preferred. Possess an insured & reliable vehicle and a valid AZ driver’s license. Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card – OR – must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. DES Criminal Affidavit Required. AZ DHS Criminal History Affidavit Required. FPC DPS Verification Required. Experience Required: Experience working with young children in classroom settings. Preferred: Knowledge of code of ethics (NASW, ACA, NAEYC). Infant Mental Health knowledge. Education Required: Bachelors or better in Early Childhood Education or related field. Preferred: Masters or better in Early Childhood Education or related field. Licenses & Certifications Required: Auto Ins Certificate. DCS APS CBC Online Check. CPR and First Aid Cert. DES Criminal Affidavit. Driver License. Fingerprint Card Level 1. FPC DPS Verification. SWHD takes the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve very seriously. We strongly believe vaccination is a critical safety measure to protect each of us and the communities we serve. COVID vaccinations have proven to be highly effective at protecting people from getting COVID‑19 or from getting severely ill from it. Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southwest Human Development