Early Childhood Specialist - Per Diem

Wheeler Health; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 38,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Wheeler Health in Hartford, CT seeks an Early Childhood Specialist to work with our medical staff under the HRSA early childhood grant to deliver high-quality services to children 0-5 and their families, including developmental screening, linkage to services, well-child visit coordination and trauma-informed guidance.

The role requires a Master's degree in a related field, extensive knowledge of child development and family systems, and a valid driver's license for community travel.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling or related field is required.
• Extensive knowledge in early childhood development, emotional and behavioral health, family systems, assessment, and trauma-informed practices.
• Valid Driver's License is required for community travel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct team based well-child visits with parents and young children with physicians or nurse practitioners.
• Provide consultations to families on developmental and behavioral concerns such as sleep and feeding.
• Collaborate with Healthy Steps to implement core program components and improve workflows.
• Offer referrals and track follow-up to connect families with community resources.
• Document patient care coordination in electronic medical records and maintain fidelity metrics.
• Participate in reflective supervision and community early childhood meetings.
• Develop knowledge of culture and community traditions to inform practice.

Skills

Early childhood development

Emotional health

Behavioral health

Family systems

Assessment

Trauma-informed practices

Education

Master's degree in Psychology or Social Work or related field

Job description

Wheeler's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life.

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Specialist works closely with the Wheeler Health & Wellness medical staff, under administration of the HRSA early childhood grant, to deliver high-quality services to children ages 0-5 and their families that include developmental screening and linkage to services, well-child visit coordination and support and consultation to medical staff on young child development and trauma informed practices.

Education And Experience/Qualifications

Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling or related human services field is required. Extensive knowledge and demonstrated level of expertise in early childhood development, emotional and behavioral health, family systems, assessment, attachment/separation issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, and abuse and neglect is also required.
Valid Drivers License is required. Safely operates vehicle in the community, based on program needs

LOCATION

Hartford, CT - This position will travel to other locations as needed

SCHEDULE AND PAY

Fee for service, up to 28 hours per week. Hourly rate of $27/hour.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Conducts team based well child visits with parents and their babies and young children with the physician/pediatric nurse practitioner.
Provides consultations with families with babies and young children regarding developmental and behavioral concerns such as sleep, discipline, picky eating, etc.
Collaborates with Healthy Steps team to implement all core components of the program including universal child development screening, making positive parenting and early learning guidance information readily available to all practice staff, and adjusting workflows for optimal efficiency.
Provides consultation to medical professionals and all practice staff re: early childhood development, infant mental health, and trauma informed practice.
Provides referrals and tracks follow-up, as appropriate, to help families make connections to key resources within the community.
Maintains databases required to meet Healthy Steps fidelity metrics including both internal and external referrals.
Collaborates with Healthy Steps team to complete annual site reporting to the National Office, which may include analysis of both external database files and EMR data reports.
Documents all patient clinical activity and care coordination in electronic medical records.
Maintains open communication with medical staff and members of the care team.
Works closely with pediatric providers around care coordination, goal setting, counseling, coaching and education about key aspects of a child’s development.
May conduct home visits and may accompany families to key medical, specialty, and community agency appointments as needed.
May facilitate parents’/caregivers’ groups.
Participates in reflective supervision meetings.
Participates when appropriate in community-wide early childhood meetings.
Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.
Wheeler Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.