What are the responsibilities and job description for the Developmental Specialist – Autism position at Southwest Human Development?
Developmental Specialist – Autism
Job Details
Posting Details
Posted on October 25, 2025
LocationsShowing 1 location
Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Travel Required: Yes
Specialist
Full-Time
Requisition #: DEVEL001473
Match Score:
Description
A positive future for every child
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. View benefit information here!
Opportunities for continued professional growth and development.
Supportive and collaborative work environment.
Job title: Developmental Specialist – Autism
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.
Learn more!
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. Learn more about our values and benefits here.
Travel Required
Yes. Some day travel throughout Maricopa County.
Qualifications
Skills
Preferred
Active ListeningNovice
AdvocacyNovice
CoachingNovice
CollaborationNovice
ComfortingNovice
CommunicationNovice
CoordinationNovice
CounselingNovice
CourteousNovice
Creative ThinkingNovice
DependabilityNovice
Spanish BilingualIntermediate
Microsoft OfficeNovice
Cultural SensitivityNovice
Self-ManagementNovice
Time ManagementNovice
SupportiveNovice
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