CHILD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

The Child Development Specialist I is a key member of the Extended Day Treatment Team. The Specialist is selected based on formal training, real-world experience working with special needs children, and cultural competency. The Child Development Specialist I, under the supervision and guidance of the Child Development Specialist Supervisor, is responsible for maintaining a healthy, therapeutic, and safe environment for the children in his/her care. The Specialist uses a nurturing relationship and various therapeutic and socio-recreational activities in guiding children and helping them learn the competencies needed to lead responsible and fulfilling lives. The Child Development Specialist acts as a healthy role model, using established therapeutic techniques, while concentrating on behavior management and behavior change. With proper attention being paid to individual needs and differences among children, the Specialist promotes social growth and development. The Specialist demonstrates professional competency with proper utilization of supervision and consultation with other professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Securing the safety of children in all situations.
  
• Learning and adhering to agency and department policies and procedures.
  
• Functioning as a healthy role model.
  
• Demonstrating techniques that enhance problem solving abilities and enable growth and maturity.
  
• Relaying and understanding relevant information.
  
• Recording critical information in a timely matter.
  
• Reacting to emergencies appropriately.
  
• Communicating with parents appropriately and in a timely matter.
  
• Communicating with coworkers appropriately and in a timely matter.
  
• Communicating with external professionals (e.g. Teachers, DCF Workers)
  appropriately and in a timely manner.
  
• Managing and assisting in the modification of child behavior.
  
• Understanding and implementing the Extended Day Treatment Behavior
  Management system.
  
• Maintaining appropriate certifications (e.g. Public Service License, First Aid, CPI).
  
• Providing safe transportation to and from EDT for Program participants.
  
• Conducting any other related work to insure that the physical and emotional needs of the children are met and that the Program continues to operate effectively.
  
• Conducting oneself in a professional, courteous manner in all job-related interactions.
  
• Interacting with children in a positive, nurturing, therapeutic manner.
  
• Facilitating or co-facilitating therapeutic groups.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree or Associates Degree plus at least two years of related experience strongly preferred. High school education or equivalent is necessary.
  
• Licensure Requirements: Valid driver's license; Public Service License, Medication Certified, CPI Certified, American Red Cross First Aid and CPI Certified preferred.
  Experience Level: Two years in human service field, or experience working with special needs children preferred.
  
• Specific Skills, Knowledge and Ability Requirements: Knowledge of basic child development, issues related to the effects of abuse and neglect; ability to work effectively with diverse populations, to communicate with children in a supportive, sympathetic, nurturing manner, to implement behavior management strategies, to be action-oriented in achieving program goals and solving problems, to maintain rationality and professional posture in difficult and stressful situations; skills in oral and written expression.
  
• Personal Characteristics: ability to be a good team player and demonstrate flexibility in approach to job and others, to be insightful, self-reflecting, and aware of impact on others, to be patient and empathic, to show good judgment in pressured situations.
  
• Cultural Competency: familiarity, sensitivity, and/or experience working with diverse populations; Bilingual/bicultural skills preferred.
  
• Physical Abilities: Physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the abilities to drive a van, supervise groups of children, physically escort and restrain agitated children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old, and conduct various therapeutic and socio-recreational activities that involve movement and interaction with children.

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