Developmental Specialist

arc programs; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

arc programs is seeking a full-time Developmental Specialist in Kelowna to support families of children with developmental delays and neurodiversities. The role involves direct intervention, guidance, and coordination with community resources. Ideal candidates will have a master's or relevant bachelor's degree, experience in family support, and a commitment to promoting positive developmental outcomes.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Accrued vacation and sick time

Qualifications

• Master's in Social Services preferred; Bachelor's with 2 years relevant experience considered.
• Knowledge of neurodiversity, ASD, FASD, and complex support needs is crucial.
• Experience in family support roles and attachment-based care.

Responsibilities

• Support families of children with developmental needs through assessments and interventions.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams to implement child-focused care plans.
• Provide education and advocacy to promote inclusivity and developmental support.

Skills

Understanding of strengths-based family systems

Child development knowledge

Experience in Infant Development Programming

Ability to establish trusting relationships

Experience in multi-disciplinary teams

Education

Master’s degree in Social Services or Human Services

Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or Human Services

Job description

Who We Are:

arc programs exists to create thriving communities, free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity, and hope. We have a bold vision to ensure everyone in our communities feels connected and cared for, and we are excited to be expanding our team to help us accelerate our impact!

We're Hiring:

We are now accepting applications for a full-time Developmental Specialist to provide support to parents and caregivers of children and youth with developmental delays, neurodiversities, or those at risk for developmental delays.

Developmental Specialist focus on optimizing each child’s development through early intervention, parent education, and connection to community resources. Developmental Specialists provide guidance and support to help families navigate challenges and promote positive developmental outcomes.

Hours / Schedule:

Full-Time, Permanent – 37.5-hours per-week.

Responsibilities:

Using a guided caregiver-driven approach which focuses on the family’s individual needs and, strengths, Developmental Specialists may (depending on the family’s service preferences):

• Cooperate with the Practice Lead, Agency Leadership/Management, and administrative personnel to coordinate and implement program services and initiatives.
• Monitor caseloads and waitlists in collaboration with the Practice Lead.
• Use assessment tools, such as About My Child/About Me and My Support Plan, to help create service-specific intervention plans in collaboration with the family.
• Provide services for children with developmental needs, including neurodiversity or risk of developmental challenges, through visits (FCC, community, home-based, virtual) to assess and plan with parents.
• Implement developmentally appropriate strategies and therapies for infants and children with developmental needs or those at risk of delay.
• Provide monitoring and intervention for older children/youth with FASD and other neurodiversities, supporting families through various stages of development and challenges.
• Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood development, including typical and atypical development, Indigenous culture and issues, and local resources and services.
• Provide developmental monitoring using a family-centered approach to promote positive parent-child interactions.
• Support parents in understanding child development, focusing on the child’s needs rather than diagnoses.
• Assist parents in fostering secure attachments and recognizing developmental cues to optimize their child's growth.
• Participate in the use of screening tools (e.g., ASQ) to guide decision-making and interventions.
• Assist with the completion of Functional Assessments to determine disability service eligibility for families in need.
• Collaborate with families, FCC providers (e.g., PT, OT, SLP), and community partners, including schools, to deliver goal-focused interventions and support developmental goals.
• Support Child and Youth Care Workers in developing intervention plans for clients needing higher levels of consultation and collaboration.
• Provide education, consultation, and advocacy to promote inclusivity and support diverse groups from a developmental perspective.
• Work in the best interest of the child (or youth) within the context of healthy family relationships and a supportive community.
• Participate in ongoing education and training to stay informed of current standards and best practices.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• A master’s degree in a related Social Services or Human Services discipline (MEd in Early Childhood Education, MSW, MA in Counselling or MA in Psychology etc.) is preferred.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a Social Services or Human Services discipline (i.e.: BSW, CYC, Early Childhood Care and Education, BA in Psychology etc.) with a minimum of 2-years relevant experience will be considered.

Other Skills and Attributes:

• Knowledge and demonstrated understanding of strengths-based family systems and attachment-based support.
• Experience in Infant Development Programming.
• Well-versed in child development, developmental delays, neurodiversity, ASD, FASD and complex support needs.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with children, youth, and families.
• Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Given the nature of our work, please note that all shortlisted candidates:

• Need a valid BC Driver's License, regional insurance, and a reliable personal
• Must undergo a screening process, including a criminal record

Wage / Benefit:

$42.05 - 43.55per hour, based on relevant experience and education.

Upon successful completion of a trial period, this position is eligible for a full benefit package (including dental plan, vision coverage, life insurance, extended medical coverage, long-term disability plan, and RRSP or TFSA contributions); as well as accrued vacation and sick time at 5.8% - above BC Employment Standards

Why we’re an employer of choice!

Like most in the social services sector, arc programs is an equal-opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and ensure everyone on the team demonstrates cultural safety and sensitivity of all populations we serve.
But we believe there’s more to our work culture that promotes high levels of employee satisfaction and retention…

We are inclusive.

We use an anti-oppressive lens to inform our work with folx of all cultures, races, ethnic backgrounds, disabilities, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socio-economic status, religions, and other oppressions to enhance our approach to equality.

We are ever-evolving.

We recruit and retain highly skilled staff and support their development through training, education,
research, best practices, and innovation.

We foster a culture of continuous learning, utilizing a two-eyed seeing approach – incorporating the strengths of western knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge: ways of knowing, doing and being – while engaging meaningfully with the provincial community social services sector, Indigenous communities, and agencies.

Discover more about our agency services and work culture at arcprograms.com.

If you feel a connection to our values and work, we’d love to hear from you!

Click the “Apply for This Job” Button.

We appreciate your interest, but kindly note that due to the high number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

We acknowledge that arc programs is situated in the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of the Syilx peoples in the Okanagan and West Kootenay region. We also acknowledge the Métis and Inuit peoples who reside in these regions.