Job: Developmental Specialist

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for implementation of a broad array of early intervention services. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to direct early intervention services, service coordination, compliance with standards and reporting requirements, public relations, community collaboration/coordination, child find and quality assurance of individual files.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate as a team member in initial and on-going developmental assessment activities with children in the areas of communication, play, cognition, fine and gross motor skills, adaptive behavior, and social/emotional skills.

Administer scores and interpret formal testing instruments as appropriate and summarize results.

Integrate informal assessment, behavioral observation, developmental history and other professional assessment data with formal testing information to reflect a holistic view of the child and his/her needs.

Carry out interview and assessment procedures in a child and family sensitive manner.

Collaborate with families and other staff during team assessments. Coordinate and facilitate on-going and annual assessment procedures.

Participate in planning an appropriate Early Intervention program for each child through the IFSP process.

Make recommendations to families and other team members regarding therapeutic and other developmental services needed to achieve IFSP outcomes.

Design individualized goals and objectives with families so that they are developmentally appropriate, functional in nature, and related to on-going routines of the home, class and/or community.

Complete IFSP and other required paperwork accurately and in accordance with specified regulations and time lines.

Function as on-going service coordinator for children and families.

Implement NAPPR, Inc. Service Coordination Policies and Procedures.

Act as a resource to professionals and families, interpreting and monitoring implementation of all applicable standards, policies and procedures related to IFSP development, implementation and monitoring.

Assist families in locating and accessing needed services provided by NAPPR, Inc. and other agencies/providers.

Build relationships with child and family which support a working partnership to accomplish IFSP goals.

Facilitate collaboration with parents, teachers, and other professional staff through regular contact, paperwork (i.e. Contact Logs), and designated meetings.

Integrate therapy (i.e. OT, PT, SLP), self-help, social-emotional and cognitive goals and objectives into on-going services. Function as a liaison between therapists and families to help with the generalization and carryover of goals.

Facilitate a smooth and timely transition for child and family into the next program placement and/or out of services.

Prepare assessment reports, summary of services, and team recommendations (Transition Summary) in collaboration with team members.

Provide parents with information and opportunities for discussion regarding future placement options. Assist parents in visiting programs being considered as future placements.

Attend program placement meeting (i.e. IEP) to support family, give recommendations, and provide feedback concerning child strengths and needs.

Provide relationship based services which are family-centered and support the daily routine and natural environments of the family.

Demonstrate sensitivity to linguistic, cultural, social, economic, individual and role differences among children and families served.

Perform duties in an organized, efficient and timely manner.

Respond to family's need for changes in their program (i.e. Placement changes, attendance, transportation, and other service delivery issues).

Adhere to established guidelines for billing and documentation.

Share pertinent information with supervisor and team members regarding work progress, successes, barriers, concerns and other areas that may have an impact on the program services or image.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
At least a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field such as Social Work, Community Health Education, Family Studies, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, or other related area.
Certification, or ability to obtain certification, as a Developmental Specialist II or III.
Experience with provision of culturally appropriate services in Native American communities is highly desirable.

SPECIAL SKILLS
Effective oral and written communications skills with internal and external consumers.
Computer experience, knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, external data systems and web application.
Attention to detail with ability to accurately handle large volume of documentation.
Ability to solve unexpected problems as they arise while considering family needs/capabilities and best practices.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and coordinate a high caseload.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels within the organization.

SPECIAL WORKING REQUIREMENTS
An automobile at his/her disposal; a valid, non-suspended NM driver's license and a current automobile liability policy with continuous coverage. Reasonable accommodations may be made at agency's discretion.
Must be able to manipulate and operate office supplies and equipment. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
No substantiation or criminal conviction of child abuse or neglect.
May require need for flexible schedules, including occasional evening and weekend work.
Travel within the state and out-of state required on occasion.