Child Development Specialist - Linda Ray Intervention Center

Overview

The University of Miami Department of Psychology has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Child Development Specialist to work in Miami, FL.

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.

• Provides evaluations, reports, goals, direct therapy, and consultation services.
• Implements services and activities for children with a variety of developmental and diagnostic indicators.
• Delivers consultation services to parents, caregivers, teachers, and community specialists and professionals regarding client progress and recommendations.
• Assists children with physical, social, and behavioral needs.
• Maintains effective communications with parents.
• Preserves confidentiality while communicating with parents and other departments about individual children and family needs and progress.
• Ensures all licensing regulations are complied with at all times.
• Inputs patient data into appropriate computer systems in a timely manner.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in education or relevant field required
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience required. Experience working with children with delays or disabilities.
• FL Department of Education Teacher eligibility or professional certificate, or Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialist (ITDS) certification preferred.

This position requires a screening through the Clearinghouse. For more information go to,

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.  for additional information.

Job Status: Full time

Employee Type: Staff