Senior Child Development Specialist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Lead programs in Richards Bay

Annual performance bonuses

Generous leave

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Child Development Specialist to lead and implement comprehensive developmental programs for children and families in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will assess developmental needs, design intervention strategies, and provide expert guidance to a team of child development practitioners on-site.

The role requires a Master’s degree, 8+ years of experience in child development, leadership capabilities, and the ability to build partnerships with schools and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Child Development, Social Work, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in child development services, including assessment and intervention.
• Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of child psychology, developmental milestones, and common developmental disorders.
• Experience with various assessment tools and diagnostic procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong report writing and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and travel within KwaZulu-Natal.
• Registered with a relevant professional body (e.g., HPCSA, SACSSP).

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments for children from infancy through adolescence.
• Develop and implement individualized intervention plans based on assessment findings.
• Provide direct support and guidance to children and their families.
• Supervise and mentor a team of child development practitioners, overseeing their casework.
• Design and deliver workshops and training sessions for parents, caregivers, and community partners.
• Collaborate with schools, healthcare facilities, and social services to coordinate care and support.
• Contribute to program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records.
• Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in child development and intervention.
• Represent the organization at community meetings and stakeholder engagements.

Education

Master's degree in Psychology, Child Development, Social Work, or a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading organization dedicated to enhancing child welfare and development services in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Senior Child Development Specialist. This crucial role involves overseeing and implementing comprehensive developmental programs for children and families within the community. You will be responsible for assessing developmental needs, designing intervention strategies, and providing expert guidance to a team of child development practitioners. The position requires a deep understanding of child psychology, developmental milestones, and best practices in early intervention and support. The Senior Specialist will also play a key role in community outreach, establishing partnerships with local schools and healthcare providers to ensure holistic child support. This is an on-site position based in Richards Bay, offering the chance to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and families in the KwaZulu-Natal region. We are looking for a compassionate leader with a proven track record in child development services.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments for children from infancy through adolescence.
• Develop and implement individualized intervention plans based on assessment findings.
• Provide direct support and guidance to children and their families.
• Supervise and mentor a team of child development practitioners, overseeing their casework.
• Design and deliver workshops and training sessions for parents, caregivers, and community partners.
• Collaborate with schools, healthcare facilities, and social services to coordinate care and support.
• Contribute to program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records.
• Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in child development and intervention.
• Represent the organization at community meetings and stakeholder engagements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Psychology, Child Development, Social Work, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in child development services, including assessment and intervention.
• Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of child psychology, developmental milestones, and common developmental disorders.
• Experience with various assessment tools and diagnostic procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong report writing and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and build strong professional relationships.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Registered with a relevant professional body (e.g., HPCSA, SACSSP).

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for advanced professional development and specialized training.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• The chance to lead impactful programs in Richards Bay.
• Annual performance bonuses.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Employee assistance program.