Early Childhood Specialist

One Full Time Position serving Camden and Cape May County

40 hours per week

Salary Range -$46,000 - $48,500

ELIGIBLE FOR FULL BENEFITS

For over 40 years, The Cooperative has been at the forefront of developing innovative strategies in maternal and child health care. We work to improve the region’s health by educating communities, advocating for system improvements, and engaging with stakeholders. The Cooperative is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) coalition of healthcare professionals and consumers licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health as the maternal and child health consortium serving the seven counties of South Jersey.

The Cooperative is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage all qualified candidates to apply for employment with our agency without regard to abilities, age, race, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio economic status, educational levels, military/veteran status, or any other characteristics.

This job description does not encompass all duties and is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or tasks. However, it provides a general overview of the job expectations.

The Cooperative offers a competitive benefit package:

• & Legal Services
• Pet Insurance
• Critical Illness and Accident Plan
• AAA Membership Assistance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Staff Development
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Account
• 401K - The Cooperative contributes 4% after one year of work anniversary

Biggest Perk - Generous PTO and 4% contribution to the 401K after one year of work anniversary.

The Early Childhood Specialist strengthens vulnerable families of infants and young children through engagement and teaming with community partners to decrease risk factors and increase Protective Factors. The Early Childhood Specialist assists families in connecting to supportive early childhood services and promoting developmental health. The Early Childhood Specialist supports child welfare case practice and strengthens systems integration and service linkages at the local level.

• Contribute to The Cooperative's commitment to equity and continuous quality improvement that aligns with the agency’s mission, goals, and advancement.
• Effectively cross-collaborate with agency staff, leaders, and board members to foster a comprehensive approach of information sharing, working committees, and collective representation.
• Routinely disseminate relevant information, presentations, training, and learning opportunities for internal program and agency staff.
• When applicable, will participate in relevant staff development opportunities (trainings, summits, conferences, etc.) to increase skill development, elevate program goals, and engage staff members with timely key learnings.
• Works with families involved with Child Protection and Permanency
• Participates in Child Protection and Permanency Early Childhood/Family Care Plan case conferencing
• Supports referrals for parents of children birth - 5 years of age and individuals who are pregnant
• Provides a developmental screening, developmental resources, and referral to Early Intervention as appropriate
• Strengthens vulnerable families through engagement and teaming with community partners
• Participates in Connecting NJ/Hub meetings
• Markets the Early Childhood Initiative concept and services to the community
• Manages all referrals received; reviews and forwards triaged referrals and reassigns to alternate programs as appropriate
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Bachelor Degree in social work, human services, early childhood education or nursing required
• 1 year experience in infant/early childhood mental health and early childhood development
• Ability to develop rapport with clients from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Knowledge of community resources and sensitivity to community issues
• Basic computer skills necessary
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize work requirements
• Valid driver's license, car, and current insurance policy
• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Must be able to see to read documents and hear well enough to communicate with others
• Must be able to write, type, and use a telephone
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds
• Additional requirements to be determined with input from Director and HR

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travels regularly to sites (in Camden and Cape May Counties) where traffic, weather, and other environmental conditions may be encountered; otherwise works in a climate-controlled professional office environment generally free from hazards and other adverse working conditions