Child Development Specialist

Perform developmental assessments of children enrolled in Family Care Connection. Assists families and staff with concerns related to the growth and development of day care and parenting, the referral process for early intervention services, and integration of child development into other core services. Ideal candidate is comfortable working with ESL families, and who is familiar with community resources and supports.

Approx 20%25 travel is required for this position, for managing Home Visits caseload.

Some Evening and Weekend hours may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Refer children and families to early intervention services.
• Ensure drop-in-center and center-based activites are developmentally appropriate.
• Provide consultation and education regarding child development and child-related issues.
• Advocate with families for their children in school and agency related issues.
• Ensure patient safety through following established procedures for building safety and consent and authorizations policies related to confidential information.
• Initiate child development assessments on children, especially with I.E. concerns and work with I.E. Services to help parents with activities and education regarding the special needs of the child.
• Integrate child development into other core services of Family Care Connection.
• Provide a tracking system for all child development assessments due on children enrolled in Family Care Connections.
• Provide child development training for staff and families, including appropriate practice.
• Provide home visits to families.
• Work with the Family Support Worker to improve skills.
• Complete forms and records in a timely manner.
• Create individual plans for child development goals with families.

• Bachelor's degree in Pedology (Child Development) or related education plus 2 years of experience, 
  • OR Associates Degree in Pedology (Child Development) or related education plus 3 years of experience. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in order to teach and counsel families. 
• Computer skills necessary to enter and maintain records and reports, etc. 
• Good organizational skills necessary. 
• Ability to take direction from supervisors and give direction to staff in providing child development assessments and trainings. 
• Strong background in referral and child advocacy.
  
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
   

• Act 31 / Act 33 / Act 34 / Act 73 with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran