Human Development Specialist I

Fairfax County Government; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfax County Government is seeking staff to deliver out-of-school-time programs at multiple Fairfax County Public Schools. The role involves creating inclusive, youth-centered activities, coordinating schedules, and ensuring safe, accessible programming for diverse populations.

Position requires daily engagement with staff and participants, ability to work a split shift, and collaboration with CRCC staff to support community-based outreach and program delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include an associate’s degree in a related field and one year of child-related programmatic or human services experience.
• Knowledge of human-centered and development practices is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively and supervise program activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide access to inclusive in-person and virtual universal programs.
• Establish positive relationships with participants, parents, staff, and community groups.
• Deliver and adapt equitable programs to meet diverse needs.
• Transport participants to programs and events to increase access.
• Supervise participants and promote positive behavior and development.
• Assist in staff recruitment, training, and evaluation and oversee volunteers.

Skills

Human development

Program coordination

Safety procedures

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Associate degree in related field

Job description

Job Announcement

Positions located within Region 2 of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) at the following schools:

• Timberlane Elementary School, 2737 West St, Falls Church, VA 22046
• Lemon Road Elementary School, 7230 Idylwood Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043
• Stenwood Elementary School, 2620 Gallows Rd, Vienna, VA 22180

Join the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) to support our mission of partnering with communities, families, and individuals to provide equitable access to resources and promote positive outcomes for all ages and abilities. Our vision is to see connected communities where all individuals and families are supported and empowered to thrive.

Work as part of the Culture, Recreation, and Community Connections (CRCC) Division to deliver out‑of‑school‑time care, recreation, and culturally enriching programs for school‑age youth with diverse needs. Activities include human‑centered program design, scheduling and facilitating programs at school sites, creating equitable and culturally appropriate programming, supporting operations, coordinating events, and ensuring inclusive practices for children with special needs. The role requires daily engagement with staff and participants.

Schedule: 32.5 hours per week, year‑round (52 weeks per year). Split‑shift Monday through Friday between 6:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.; full‑day schedule of 6.5+ consecutive hours when Fairfax County Public Schools are out of school (teacher workdays, winter break, spring break, summer).

Fairfax County is highly diverse. Bilingual candidates speaking English and another language are encouraged to apply.

Illustrative Duties

• Provide access to in‑person and virtual universal programs with targeted strategies that ensure an inclusive approach to service delivery.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with participants, parents, staff, school officials, and community groups.
• Deliver, coordinate, and adapt equitable programs and activities to meet the needs of the population served.
• Increase access to programming by transporting community members and participants to programs and events.
• Supervise participants during programs and promote positive behavior and developmental relationships.
• Assist in the administration of facility operations, program planning, and participant and staff oversight.
• Support recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of staff and volunteers.
• Adhere to revenue and expense limits.
• Ensure staff compliance with operating procedures, safety/security standards, and facility rules.
• Assist in the development and implementation of community outreach plans and targeted interventions for underserved populations to increase participation and engagement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of human‑centered and human development practices.
• Knowledge of fiscal record keeping and inventory procedures.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and first aid methods; ability to assume administrative responsibilities for assigned areas.
• Ability to direct and coordinate the work of subordinate staff and volunteers and supervise program activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain supportive relationships with participants, parents, staff, school officials, and community groups.
• Ability to provide a range of experiences to meet individual intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in human development, social work, early childhood education, recreation, or a related field; plus one year of child‑related programmatic experience or human services experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: First Aid/CPR certification required within 90 days of appointment. Some positions may require additional certification or the ability to acquire necessary certification within a specified time period.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Background checks (criminal and Child Protective Services Registry), TB screening upon hire.

ADDITIONAL WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: Split‑shift Monday through Friday, 6:45 a.m.–6:15 p.m.; full‑day work when FCPS is out of school.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a child‑related field such as elementary education, nursing, or recreation.
• Two years of child‑related programmatic experience with one year in a supervisory role.
• Relevant certifications from recognized Montessori organization, Child Development Credential, early childhood certificate, or Virginia state license.
• Experience in a school‑age childcare setting with children who have special needs.
• Recent experience working with children and youth with special needs (past two years).
• Experience working with a diverse, multicultural population.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Position is active in nature. Must monitor, supervise, and interact with program participants, frequently standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, kneeling, squatting, twisting, and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Must be mobile and able to apply CPR and first aid. Administrative duties require keyboard use.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Panel interview, may include exercises.

EEO STATEMENT

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status. Reasonable accommodations are available for persons with disabilities during application and interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. For accommodations or application assistance, contact TTY 703‑222‑7314 or [e-mail].