EI Developmental Specialist

Job Location: Northern Berkshire County

Job Type: Full Time/37.5 hours

Early Intervention Developmental Specialist

Position Highlights

Are you a child educator or psychology major who has a passion for working with children and families? We are seeking an Early Intervention Developmental Specialist to assessments and therapeutic developmental services to children served in the early intervention program, in individual group settings, or play therapy sessions using a family centered, coaching approach. These children are between the ages of birth and three years whose development is at risk by certain biological or environmental factors.

About Us

As part of the UCP affiliate network, UCP of Western Massachusetts offers a variety of community programs and services for persons with disabilities and other similar service needs, including Assistive Technology, Early Intervention, Individual and Family Support, and Adult Family Care. UCP has offices in western Massachusetts and is COA accredited. UCP of Western MA is guided by a set of core principles - Respect, Integrity, Communication, and Empathy. Our team is dedicated to providing a "Life Without Limits" for people with differing abilities, and we are seeking a motivated and talented individual who shares our commitment to these principles to join us in our mission. Learn more at http://ucpwma.org

Developmental Specialist Responsibilities

• Provision of therapeutic, developmental services at home, daycare, group or any natural environment as determined the parent/caregiver chooses and in partnership with the family
• Empowering families to advocate for the rights and needs of their child/children
• Providing education and guidance to families on individual children’s growth and development across all developmental domains, parenting issues and community services
• Providing instruction to parents in implementation of developmental activities at their level of understanding, emphasizing and understanding of principles behind activity selection, provide support and guidance for families to assist with utilization of community resources available to them (i.e. SSI, respite care, etc.)
• Preparing and submitting child assessment and progress notes in accordance with program policies and procedures
• Serve on trans-disciplinary team administering developmental assessments- administer/observe child’s physical, emotional, communication, and cognitive responses to a variety of developmental tasks and record those observations
• Serve on intake team to verbally present information to the family about the Early Intervention Program and answer questions.
• Serve on Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team - explain the IFSP process to parents/caregivers, development of parent/caregiver directed goals, and establishment of client service plan
• Serve as case manager and provide oversight of the child’s case, assuring that goals and services on the IFSP, and as determined by the child’s parents/caregivers, are met
• Provide assistance with transition planning prior to discharge from the program
  
  

Developmental Specialist Qualifications

• 300 or more hours of practicum or work experience with children birth to 5
• Bachelor's degree with at least 4 3-credit courses that focus on infant, toddlers, and/or families
• Major or concentration in a related field preferred
• Certification as an Early Intervention Specialist by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), or ability to achieve full certification within two years of hire.
• Experience with family therapy, behavioral change programs, autistic population, parenting concerns and issues.
• Familiarity with child development, specialized treatment approaches to families of disabled children (i.e. grief therapy, crisis intervention, group facilitation, individual and group counseling, family dynamics, psychosocial development, family adaption’s, community and financial resources).
• Ability to design and facilitate developmental playgroups, parent support groups/sibling groups, etc.
• Ability to maintain CPR/First Aid certification for children/infants
• Maintain valid driver's license, current auto insurance, availability of a private vehicle.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Comfortable learning and conducting services with remote application such as Zoom when necessary
• Evidence of immunity for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Must be able to climb, stoop, get up and down from floors, sit on floors for varying periods of time, reach with hands and arms as well a lift and move up to 40 pounds.
• Must have an acceptable CORI, SORI, DPPC and National Fingerprint Check.
  
  

Developmental Specialist Benefits Include

• Sign on bonus program
• Professional development support including professional license renewal and memberships up to $500 annually
• Medical, dental and vision insurance after first month of employment
• Earn two weeks vacation in first year of employment, three week rate after first year
• Three personal days per year
• Earn up to seven sick days per year
• 403(b) retirement program with company match after one year
• Mileage reimbursement
• May quality you for student loan forgiveness
• Employee referral program and more!