Human Services Practitioner - Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist (Early Steps) Polk County

University of South Florida; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Infant Toddler Development Specialist at the University of South Florida delivers multidisciplinary evaluation and early intervention for children birth to three, supporting IFSP goals in natural environments as part of a coordinated team. The role serves families in the Bay Area and Polk County, Florida, aligning with Part C and Medicaid procedures.

You will work within USF's Early Steps program, developing individualized goals, coaching caregivers, and coordinating with teachers,

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field.
• Bachelor's degree candidates must have at least two years of applicable experience.
• Master's degree can substitute for required experience; specific licenses may be required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multidisciplinary evaluations for children birth to three to determine eligibility.
• Provide direct early intervention services and coach caregivers in natural environments.
• Collaborate with professionals across disciplines to meet developmental goals.
• Document patient-related work, progress, and communication with Early Steps staff.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and community outreach related to early childhood.

Skills

Early intervention experience

Family coaching

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education/related field

Master's degree in Education/related field

Job description

The Infant Toddler Development Specialist is responsible for providing multidisciplinary evaluation and direct intervention for children with a diverse range of developmental needs. As part of a multidisciplinary team and as an individual provider, the Infant Toddler Development Specialist assists families in meeting IFSP goals by providing early intervention services in the natural environment, in accordance with Part C and Medicaid procedures.

This position will serve patients in Polk County

This position is Grant Funded.

This position requires a Level II Background Check.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Each position assigned to this classification must require specific training at the Bachelor's degree or Master's degree level in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, or other field appropriate to the program content.
• Bachelor's degree candidates must have at least two years of applicable experience.
• The Master's degree may substitute for the required experience. Specific certifications or licensures may be required or preferred for certain program areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and two or more years' experience providing early intervention services for children birth to age five and their caregivers.
• Experience administering early childhood developmental assessments including the Battelle Developmental Inventory-Second Edition Certification or eligible for certification as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist with the Florida Part C program.

Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.

SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements

A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:

• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree

Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.

Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

40% Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Assessment

Conduct multidisciplinary evaluations for children ages birth to three to determine eligibility for the Bay Area Early Steps program, at clinic locations in two separate counties.

Develop individualized goals and strategies for children who are eligible for the program.

40% Early Intervention Service Delivery

Provide direct intervention for children ages birth to three in the Bay Area Early Steps program. Strong skills in coaching caregivers within the natural environment to address a diverse range of developmental needs within early childhood.

10% Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Consultation

Consult and team with providers across disciplines to assist children in meeting their developmental goals.

5% Documentation and Case Management

Document all patient-related work, including assessment results, intervention goals and strategies, progress monitoring data, and communication with other Early Steps staff and providers.

5% Professional Development and Community Engagement

Participate in ongoing training, family events, and other community professional development related to early childhood assessment and intervention and the Part C program.