Senior Child Development Specialist - Early Intervention

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Leadership opportunities

Advanced diagnostic equipment

Professional development budget

Pension fund and medical aid

Parking

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Child Development Specialist focused on Early Intervention in Pretoria. The role involves assessing, diagnosing, and delivering therapy to children 0–5 years with developmental delays, within a multidisciplinary team.

You will lead interventions, mentor staff, and advance best practices in clinical care. The ideal candidate holds a Master's degree or higher, is professionally registered, and has extensive experience in early intervention, with strong safeguarding

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Child Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Paediatric Therapy, or related field.
• Professional registration with HPCSA and/or SACE.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in early intervention and child development services.
• Extensive knowledge of developmental assessment tools (e.g., Bayley Scales, Griffiths Scales).
• Proven expertise in one or more therapeutic modalities for early intervention.
• Strong understanding of child safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and empathy skills for working with children and families.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments and screenings for infants and young children.
• Diagnose developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other needs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized intervention plans.
• Provide direct therapies (speech, occupational, behavioural, play) as per specialization.
• Collaborate with paediatricians, psychologists, therapists, and educators.
• Educate and counsel families on development, strategies, and resources.
• Maintain confidential client records, progress reports, and treatment documentation.
• Supervise and mentor junior specialists and therapists; support professional development.
• Participate in case conferences and community outreach programs.
• Stay updated on latest research and best practices in early intervention.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Therapy expertise

Team leadership

Communication skills

Empathy

Education

Master's degree or higher in Child Psychology/Developmental Psychology/Paediatric Therapy

Tools

Bayley Scales

Griffiths Scales

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading institution in child development services in Pretoria , is seeking a highly experienced Senior Child Development Specialist with a focus on Early Intervention. This crucial role involves assessing, diagnosing, and providing therapeutic support to young children (0-5 years) who present with developmental delays or disabilities. You will work within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with paediatricians, therapists, and educators to create comprehensive, individualized intervention plans. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of child neurodevelopment, a passion for supporting vulnerable children and their families, and exceptional diagnostic and therapeutic skills. This position offers the opportunity to lead interventions, mentor junior staff, and contribute to shaping best practices in early intervention services. You will be based at our state-of-the-art facility in Pretoria, working directly with families to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children. The role demands a high level of professional expertise, ethical conduct, and a compassionate approach. You will be instrumental in empowering families with the knowledge and tools to support their child's development effectively. This is a non-remote position requiring your presence at our dedicated facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments and screenings for infants and young children.
• Diagnose developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other special needs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized intervention plans tailored to each child's unique needs.
• Provide direct therapeutic services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy, play therapy) as per specialization.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including paediatricians, psychologists, physical therapists, and educators.
• Educate and counsel families on child development, intervention strategies, and available resources.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records, progress reports, and treatment documentation.
• Supervise and mentor junior specialists and therapists, providing guidance and professional development.
• Participate in case conferences and community outreach programs.
• Stay abreast of the latest research, best practices, and innovations in early intervention and child development.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in Child Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Paediatric Therapy, or a closely related field.
• Professional registration with relevant statutory bodies (e.g., HPCSA, SACE).
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in early intervention and child development services.
• Extensive knowledge of developmental assessment tools (e.g., Bayley Scales, Griffiths Scales) and diagnostic criteria.
• Proven expertise in one or more therapeutic modalities relevant to early intervention.
• Strong understanding of child safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and empathy skills for working with children and families.
• Experience in team leadership and mentoring is highly desirable.
• Commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care within a clinic setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting extensive experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to lead and innovate in the field of early intervention.
• Access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
• Generous professional development budget for conferences, workshops, and further training.
• Supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.
• Contributory medical aid and pension fund.
• Prime working location in Pretoria with ample parking.