Developmental Specialist

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for the direct provision of services in accordance with individual program model to each program participant. While in the context and parameters of the unique program model(s), this position exercises professional discretion and judgement when implementing program components in order to ensure that the services provided support and promote individual client development.

This position reports to an Early Intervention Supervisor, who is responsible for providing ongoing support and mentorship.


Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promote the mission, values, and vision of The Arc of Palm Beach County.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Arc and CSC policies,
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of:
  • Child Development, both typical and atypical
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Planning and Intervention
  • Family Professional Partnerships/Engagement
• Develops individualized engagement and/or treatment approaches based on observations, analysis and synthesis of individual child/family needs.
• Conduct effective and meaningful interactions with clients and their families.
• Interactions are done in accordance with the service rendition model of each individual program. These can include but are not limited to:
  • One-on-one sessions during which child and/or family member and/or caretaker is engaged and trained/educated in identified necessary developmental skills.
  • Well-baby visits during which child and/or family member and/or caretaker is engaged and trained/educated in identified developmental topic areas.
• Provides service in natural setting, in the context of the family's typical routines and activities so that information is meaningful and directly relevant to supporting each individual child.

• Natural setting is defined as an environment and context in which the family feels comfortable and is ready and able to received services, these can include, but are not limited to, client's home, childcare center, pediatric practices, other community based sites, etc.

• Provide parents with information, education and parenting strategies/interventions to support the understanding and management of developmental issues and/or concern and common behavior problems.
• Complete all required program documentation, compiling of program statistics as required in a timely manner.
• Identify quality community resources and provide referrals and follow-up as appropriate to foster community connections.
• Develop and foster positive relationships with internal and external partners (i.e.: EA, pediatric practices, ES, CF, ELC, etc.).
• Actively participate and engages in all aspects of supervision activities, including Reflective & Administrative Supervision, Reflective Practice, and Field Observations.
• Manage a flexible schedule, possibly evenings as needed for service provision to families.
• Ability to use computer remotely for data entry, note-taking, report writing.
• Ability to perform essential job duties with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to learn to interpret assessment data and develop implementation plans.
• Complete all required programmatic trainings for The Arc of Palm Beach County and Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County.
• Learns effective instructional practices which will be utilized in service delivery with clients.
• Exhibit strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Communicate effectively verbally and written, conveying information appropriately and concisely.
• Maintain the ability to meet the physical requirements of this position as related to duties at all times.
• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Early Intervention.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and team members.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Maintain professional and courteous demeanor. Fosters an environment that values trust, competence, teamwork, innovation, and mutual respect.
• Actively participates in working toward attaining the program or team shared vision.
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible and meets performance expectations within a changing environment
• Demonstrates job knowledge and skills essential to the effective performance of current position responsibilities.
• Takes initiative for learning new skills, enhancing knowledge and integrating new subject matter into existing performance and operations.
• Demonstrates the ability to plan, organize and successfully execute projects and work assignments.
• Demonstrates a high level of work output on a regular basis, produces work efficiently, makes the most effective use of time, approaches work in an organized manner, determines proper procedures required, completes work within acceptable time frames to meet deadlines.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, agencies, vendors, donors, and funders.
• Identify concerns, generate, and evaluate alternate solutions and make sound recommendations.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor or Master degree preferred in child development, early childhood, social work, psychology or related field (OT, PT, S/L,) and/ or humanities.
• 1-2 years of experience working with children in either classroom, office or home-based setting with developmental focus.
• CPR and infant CPR training; current Florida driver license and auto insurance as well as the availability (or utilization) of personal transportation is required.
• Fluency in English as well as Spanish and/or Creole preferred.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Regularly walk, sit, stand reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear.
• Occasionally kneel, bend, crouch, and lift and/or carry office equipment, and boxes up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional driving to project sites, which may include walking, climbing and/or bending to perform inspections and observations.
• Primary working conditions are typical for an indoor/office environment requiring sitting for an extended period of time; frequent use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

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