Senior Child Development Specialist

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

This position determines eligibility for the Birth to Three Regional Program based on infant/toddler disability and milestone evaluations.  Educates & trains families to effectively plan for and address issues with accessible/functional conditions.  Prepares related reports and manages the Child’s Outcomes Summary (COS). Provides case management and/or service provision/intervention as part of the Clinical Eligibility Team.

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Conducts developmental assessment on pre-school handicapped and developmentally delayed children determine the nature, extent severity, and effects of the patient's disability.
   
• Plans, develops, and implements individual and group instructional therapy programs; conducts reassessments to monitor patient progress and evaluate effectiveness of programs in reducing/eliminating patient's problems.
   
• Educates, counsels, and trains patient's family to deal effectively with handicapping conditions. Makes home visits to address the needs of patients and families in the home environment.
   
• Prepares child and therapy assessment reports including therapy progress and summary reports, individual child service programs, services statistics and related correspondence.
   
• Consults with staff professionals for the purpose of integrating services. Contributes expertise in early childhood and special education to staff professionals within the clinic setting.
   
• Plans and conducts parent education programs and professional workshops.
   
• Participates in local education agency and other community service meetings for the purpose of identifying children's needs, determining appropriate educational placement  and programming or appropriate service follow-ups.
   
• Provides technical guidance to lower level staff.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Senior Child Development Specialist
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Speech Pathology or related field.
2. Six months experience in conducting developmental assessment on handicapped and developmentally delayed children.
3. Six months experience in case management which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individuals human service needs.
4. Six months experience in planning, developing and implementing educational, promotional or recreational programs.
5. Six months experience in narrative report writing.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.