Child Development Specialist

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CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Child Development Specialist works with children, their parents, and educators in assessing a child’s development needs, deficiencies, and goals. Moreover, this position offers parents and caretakers advice on how to best overcome the challenges presented by developmental issues.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Provides evaluations, reports, goals, direct therapy, and consultation services.

2. Implements services and activities for children with a variety of developmental and diagnostic indicators.

3. Delivers consultation services to parents, caregivers, teachers, and community specialists and professionals regarding client progress and recommendations.

4. Assists children with physical, social, and behavioral needs.

5. Maintains effective communications with parents.

6. Preserves confidentiality while communicating with parents and other departments about individual children and family needs and progress.

7. Ensures all licensing regulations are complied with at all times.

8. Inputs patient data into appropriate computer systems in a timely manner.

9. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Implement the Florida FLEPIC coaching model for center-based services to provide evidence-based coaching to caregivers and early intervention providers.

• Support early interventionists and service coordinators in strengthening coaching practices during classroom time and at team meetings.

• Provide reflective feedback and model effective coaching strategies that promote caregiver engagement and child development.

• Participate in professional development on the FLEPIC framework to maintain fidelity in coaching practices.

• Participate in initial and ongoing eligibility evaluations and assessments with the multidisciplinary team.

• Conduct developmental screenings and assessments as assigned, using standardized tools in accordance with Early Steps policies.

• Interpret evaluation results for families and team members to support eligibility determination and service planning.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, including therapists, service coordinators, and family resource specialists, to ensure coordinated, holistic service delivery.

• Utilize coaching and modeling strategies to support caregiver competence and confidence in promoting child development within daily routines.

• Develop and implement strategies to support the Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) outcomes based on family priorities and developmental needs.

• Monitor child progress toward IFSP outcomes and adapt strategies in collaboration with the caregiver and team as needed.

• Assist in reviewing and updating IFSPs during six-month reviews and annual meetings, ensuring goals remain relevant and attainable.

• Attend and contribute to IFSP meetings, team case reviews, and transition conferences as required.

• Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.

• Use data to inform decision-making and support accountability in service provision.

• Provide support in classroom settings in emergency situations where staff shortages pose an immediate risk to child safety or supervision, and when no other qualified personnel are available to respond.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience required

Certification and Licensing:

• eligibility for Fl Teaching Certificate or Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist ( ITDS)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.

• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.

• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.

• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.