Developmental Specialist - Autism

Developmental Specialist – Autism

Southwest Human Development is Arizona's largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child's development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time. Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation's largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference. We offer over forty programs and services to more than 140,000 children.

Why choose us? Make an impact in a child's life by promoting child health and development. Be rewarded with a rich benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness plans, 401K matching, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for continued professional growth and development. Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Southwest Human Development (SWHD) is seeking a Developmental Specialist – Autism to join our trans-disciplinary team at the Birth to Five Center of Excellence (CoE). This developmental Specialist has experience supporting young children with autism, neurodiversity, difficulties with social communication and/or sensory challenges. In this role you will:

• Explain comprehensive services offered by the Birth to Five Center of Excellence (CoE)
• Carry out screening, assessment and provide DIRFloortime® intervention services in the areas of play, emotional and social development, communication, cognition, attention, motor skills, behavior and relationships and sensory processing
• Administers, scores and interprets assessment tools used in the DIRFloortime® program.
• Design developmentally appropriate SMART goals that are functional in nature
• Complete an initial enrollment assessment (Birth to Five, Social Determinants of Health, etc.) and works with the family to develop an Integrated Care Plan appropriate to the individual child and family's needs
• Assess and monitor child and family needs on an ongoing basis
• Uphold continuity of care
• Facilitate Child Family Team meetings
• Meet agency, program, and contractual timelines
• Collaborate and coordinate care with other service providers and community partners
• Maintain the behavior health medical records
• Develop, implement, and document discharge plans

What it takes:

• Bachelors in Special Education or related Masters in Special Education or related, preferred.
• DIRFloortime Advanced
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card – OR - must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Our core values embody Southwest Human Development's commitment to services that uplift the lives of children, families and other care providers, and the communities in which they live. These values are intended to guide the professional development, ethical conduct, and skilled practice of all our staff, whatever their specific role within the agency. All staff are valued as making essential contributions to strengthening the foundation that Arizona's children need for a great start in life.

Travel Required: Yes. Some day travel throughout Maricopa County.

Skills:

• Preferred: Active Listening, Advocacy, Coaching, Collaboration, Comforting, Communication, Coordination, Counseling, Courteous, Creative Thinking, Dependability, Spanish Bilingual Intermediate, Microsoft Office, Cultural Sensitivity, Self-Management, Time Management, Supportive

Education:

• Required: Bachelors or better in Human Development and Learning or related field.
• Preferred: Masters or better in Special Education or related field.

Experience:

• Required: 4 years: Experience working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers with disabilities including those with autism spectrum disorders and their families using a play-based and relationship approach required.
• Preferred: 1 year: Experience working in home and community-based settings preferred. 1 year: Experience using family-centered, team-based, culturally responsive and trauma-informed service delivery models preferred.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Required: Auto Ins Certificate, CPR and First Aid Cert, Fingerprint Card Level 1, FPC DPS Verification, Driver License, DES Criminal Affidavit, DHS Criminal Affidavit
• Preferred: DIRFloortime Advanced

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities