Developmental Specialist – Autism

Southwest Human Development; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) employer contribution

Job summary

Southwest Human Development in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a Developmental Specialist - Autism to join our Birth to Five Center of Excellence.

You will support young children with autism through DIRFloortime, screenings, assessments, and family-centered Integrated Care Plans, collaborating with a trans-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• 4 year(s): Experience working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers with disabilities including those with autism spectrum disorders and their families using a play-based and relationship approach required.
• Preferred: 1 year(s): Experience working in home and community-based settings preferred.
• Preferred: 1 year(s): Experience using family-centered, team-based, culturally responsive and trauma-informed service delivery models preferred.
• Licenses & Certifications: fingerprint card level 1 and related verifications as described in the job posting.

Responsibilities

• Explain comprehensive services offered by the Birth to Five Center of Excellence (CoE).
• Carry out screening, assessment and provide DIRFloortime intervention services in areas of play, emotional and social development, communication, cognition, attention, motor skills, behavior and relationships and sensory processing.
• Administers, scores and interprets assessment tools used in the DIRFloortime program.
• Design developmentally appropriate SMART goals that are functional in nature.
• Complete an initial enrollment assessment and work with the family to develop an Integrated Care Plan appropriate to the child and family.
• Assess and monitor child and family needs on an ongoing basis.
• Meet agency, program, and contractual timelines; collaborate with other service providers and community partners.
• Maintain the behavior health medical records; develop discharge plans.

Skills

Active Listening

Advocacy

Coaching

Collaboration

Communication

Coordination

Counseling

Courteous

Creative Thinking

Dependability

Spanish Bilingual

Microsoft Office

Cultural Sensitivity

Self-Management

Time Management

Supportive

Education

Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Learning or related field

Master's in Special Education or related, preferred

Job description

Make a difference from day one Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Make a difference from day one Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Make a difference from day one Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference. We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children.

Why candidates love working here

• Contribute to meaningful work that helps children and families build strong foundations for the future.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off, and 401(k) employer contribution every paycheck.
• Build your future with access to learning, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven culture where your work truly matters.
• Join a Great Place to Work Certified organization, with a culture shaped by employee feedback and built on trust, support, and collaboration.

Job title: Developmental Specialist - Autism

Southwest Human Development (SWHD) is seeking a Developmental Specialist - Autism to join our trans-disciplinary team at the Birth to Five Center of Excellence (CoE). This developmental Specialist has experience supporting young children with autism, neurodiversity, difficulties with social communication and/or sensory challenges.

In This Role You Will:

• Explain comprehensive services offered by the Birth to Five Center of Excellence (CoE)
• Carry out screening, assessment and provide DIRFloortime intervention services in the areas of play, emotional and social development, communication, cognition, attention, motor skills, behavior and relationships and sensory processing
• Administers, scores and interprets assessment tools used in the DIRFloortime program.
• Design developmentally appropriate SMART goals that are functional in nature
• Complete an initial enrollment assessment (Birth to Five, Social Determinants of Health, etc.) and works with the family to develop an Integrated Care Plan appropriate to the individual child and family’s needs
• Assess and monitor child and family needs on an ongoing basis
• Uphold continuity of careFacilitate Child Family Team meetings
• Meet agency, program, and contractual timelines
• Collaborate and coordinate care with other service providers and community partners
• Maintain the behavior health medical records
• Develop, implement, and document discharge plans

What It Takes:

• Bachelors in Special Education or related
• Masters in Special Education or related, preferred.
• DIRFloortime Advanced
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card - OR - must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Southwest Human Development is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our employees and the communities we serve.

Learn More About Working With Us

Our core values reflect our commitment to children, families, caregivers, and the communities we serve. They guide how we work, how we support one another, and how we grow as a team. Learn more about our values and benefits here.

Experience

Required

• 4 year(s): Experience working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers with disabilities including those with autism spectrum disorders and their families using a play-based and relationship approach required.

Preferred

Preferred

• 1 year(s): Experience working in home and community-based settings preferred.
• 1 year(s): Experience using family-centered, team-based, culturally responsive and trauma-informed service delivery models preferred.

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Human Development and Learning or related field

Preferred

Preferred

• Masters or better in Special Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Auto Ins Certificate
• CPR and First Aid Cert
• Fingerprint Card Level 1
• FPC DPS Verification
• Driver License
• DES Criminal Affidavit
• DHS Criminal Affidavit

Preferred

Preferred

• DIRFloortime Advanced

Skills

Preferred

• Active Listening
• Advocacy
• Coaching
• Collaboration
• Comforting
• Communication
• Coordination
• Counseling
• Courteous
• Creative Thinking
• Dependability
• Spanish Bilingual
• Microsoft Office
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Self-Management
• Time Management
• Supportive

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.