Child Development Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Child Development Specialist in Mossel Bay to assess, diagnose and provide therapeutic interventions for young children with developmental delays or disabilities. You will work with families, educators, and healthcare providers to craft comprehensive support plans.

The role emphasizes direct therapy, parent education, and collaboration across professionals to ensure coordinated care and ongoing progress monitoring in the Mossel Bay area.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working directly with young children with developmental challenges.
• Proficiency in administering and interpreting child development assessment tools.
• Strong knowledge of child development theories, disabilities, and intervention methodologies.
• Excellent clinical, counselling, and communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in facilitating parent training and support groups.
• Registered or eligible for registration with relevant professional bodies (e.g., HPCSA).

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments of infants and young children using standardised tools.
• Diagnose developmental delays and disabilities and develop individualised intervention plans.
• Provide direct therapeutic services, including play therapy, speech therapy, and behavioural support, to children.
• Educate and train parents and caregivers on child development, intervention strategies, and home-based activities.
• Collaborate with pediatricians, educators, therapists, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to child care.
• Monitor children's progress and adjust intervention plans as needed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records and prepare detailed progress reports.
• Facilitate parent support groups and workshops to enhance understanding of child development.
• Stay current with the latest research and best practices in child development and early intervention.
• Advocate for the needs of children and families within the community and service system.

Skills

Clinical skills

Counselling

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Travel willingness

Parental training

Education

Master's degree in Child Psychology / Developmental Psychology / Early Childhood Education

HPCSA registration eligible

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading organisation dedicated to early childhood intervention and support, is seeking a qualified Child Development Specialist to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and providing therapeutic interventions for young children with developmental delays or disabilities. You will work closely with families, educators, and healthcare providers to create comprehensive support plans. The ideal candidate is passionate about child development and possesses excellent clinical skills and a strong ability to build rapport with children and their families. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of children and their families in the Mossel Bay area, contributing to their healthy development and future success.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments of infants and young children using standardised tools. Diagnose developmental delays and disabilities and develop individualised intervention plans. Provide direct therapeutic services, including play therapy, speech therapy, and behavioural support, to children. Educate and train parents and caregivers on child development, intervention strategies, and home-based activities. Collaborate with pediatricians, educators, therapists, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to child care. Monitor children's progress and adjust intervention plans as needed. Maintain accurate and confidential client records and prepare detailed progress reports. Facilitate parent support groups and workshops to enhance understanding of child development. Stay current with the latest research and best practices in child development and early intervention. Advocate for the needs of children and families within the community and service system.

Requirements

Master's degree in Child Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or a related field. Minimum of 4 years of experience working directly with young children with developmental challenges. Proficiency in administering and interpreting various child development assessment tools. Strong knowledge of child development theories, disabilities, and intervention methodologies. Excellent clinical, counselling, and communication skills. Ability to build rapport and establish trusting relationships with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Experience in facilitating parent training and support groups. Registered or eligible for registration with relevant professional bodies (e.g., HPCSA). Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a caseload effectively. Willingness to travel within the Mossel Bay, Western Cape region for home visits and consultations.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, recognising the specialised skills required for this role. You will have access to continuous professional development opportunities, workshops, and conferences to enhance your expertise. Our client fosters a collaborative and supportive team environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged. This role provides the immense satisfaction of contributing directly to the healthy development and bright futures of children in the Mossel Bay community. Join a passionate team committed to making a lasting positive impact.