Early Childhood Specialist

Position Overview

To work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide developmental expertise in infant/toddler development. To make weekly home visits to eligible families with the purpose of working intensely with infants, toddlers and their families to facilitate school readiness through a focus on child development and bonding between parent(s) and infant/toddler.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Using observation, assessment skills, and knowledge of infant/toddler development and infant mental health strategies, specialist will assess needs in families whose infants are at risk for atypical development, psychosocial or emotional disorders.
2. Develop goal plans to prepare infants/toddlers for pre-school readiness integrating infant-parent psychotherapy, supportive counseling, developmental guidance, concrete services to families, and advocacy as needed by infants and parents.
3. Demonstrate ability to establish a trusting relationship with parents of varying economic, cultural, and developmental situations. Communicate effectively with and on behalf of parents and young children.
4. Maintain knowledge of community resources and procedures for accessing resources.
5. Evaluate financial need and identify resources working in a consultative role with other community agencies in meeting client needs.
6. Maintain accurate and timely records by documenting all family contacts and contacts on behalf of families in data management system. This would include referrals to community agencies or health care professionals.
7. Effectively assess child developmental progress utilizing on line assessment and documentation program.
8. Follow applicable policies and procedures regarding recipient rights, confidentiality, and disclosure of privileged information.
9. Maintain a positive working relationship with supervisor, staff, and other community agencies to promote effective interventions.
10. Participate in EHS staff meetings, reflective consultations and supervisions. Collaborate with other education and health professionals in the delivery and evaluation of services.

Other Hiring Contingencies:

DHS Child abuse and neglect clearance.

Criminal history clearance.

Medical exam

Negative TB Test

1. Training: All staff will participate in professional development training and ongoing CAA trainings as deemed appropriate.
   
   NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Essential Qualifications:

1. Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related human service field. A Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or Early Childhood Education is preferred.
2. Training: That required for successful completion of education described above.
3. Certification/Licenses: Licensed Social Worker in the State of Michigan preferred. Endorsement in Infant Mental Health Level II preferred.
4. Work Experience: Minimum two years of experience in relevant work with families with multiple challenges. Demonstrated knowledge of typical and atypical infant development and family dynamics.
5. Transportation: Reliable transportation to complete home visits throughout the workday.
6. Basic Skills: Excellent verbal and written skills with an ability to accurately complete and document case notes/lesson plans and other reports in a timely fashion. Ability to communicate complex ideas and advocacy for children/families with other providers. A demonstrated ability to set and keep appointments and to work independently.
7. Problem Solving, Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills: High level of independent problem-solving and decision making skills. Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrating tact, courtesy and empathy.
8. Physical and Mental Capacities: Must be able to visit clients in their homes (including non-handicapped accessible) with possible exposure to environmental hazards.