Developmental Specialist I (Educational)

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Pittsburgh is looking for a dedicated early childhood educator to work in a therapeutic nursery and preschool setting. The role involves supporting children aged 18 months to 5 years who have experienced trauma, collaborating with families, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have experience in childcare. This position emphasizes teamwork and a commitment to high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.
• Experience working in a childcare setting preferred.
• Desire to work with young children and ability to sensitively respond to their needs.

Responsibilities

• Complete all other duties as assigned.
• Communicate with families on a regular basis and provide necessary support.
• Report pertinent clinical and non-clinical needs or concerns.
• Participate in required unit meetings and treatment team sessions.
• Maintain current and accurate client and program records.

Skills

Experience working in a childcare setting

Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Desire to work with young children

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field

Job description

This is a therapeutic nursery and preschool setting. We serve children 18 months to 5 years that have experienced trauma and display behaviors. The children we serve require more support than what is available in a typically childcare or school setting.

The Matilda H. Theiss Child Development Center is the cornerstone of early childhood mental health services at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. For over 30 years, Matilda Theiss has supported person-centered, family-focused, positive approaches — as well as individualized models of care — across a continuum of services.

Responsibilities

• Complete all other duties as assigned.
• Communicate with families on a regular basis and provide necessary support. Communicate any identified family needs with the treatment team.
• Report pertinent clinical and non-clinical needs or concerns to appropriate classroom, clinical and administrative leadership.
• Actively participate in assigned unit meetings, staff meetings, treatment team, educational enrollment meetings, and supervisory sessions as needed or assigned.
• Consistently adhere to licensing, accreditation, regulatory, and partnership expectations. Actively engage in quality improvement projects and help to ensure inspection and audit readiness at all times.
• Accurately complete all required documentation within assigned timelines. Maintain current and accurate client and program records that meet accreditation, licensing, regulatory, partnership standards.
• Regularly assess, record, and communicate the developmental progress of clients. Utilize assessment information to inform care and to inform guardians of client progress during parent conferences.
• Actively support the Development Specialist by assisting with lesson planning and preparation and curriculum implementation.
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.
• Experience working in a child care setting preferred.
• Desire to work with young children and ability to sensitively respond to their needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Alignment with the core values of UPMC.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran