Child Specialist

The Child Specialist will provide emotionally and developmentally based assessment, support, and activities to the children and families within the Department Programs to promote effective coping skills along with cognitive and psychosocial growth. The Child Specialist will serve as a resource and advocate on childhood development. The Child Specialist is responsible of documentation and communication with the interdisciplinary team and to ensure that the scope of the program is being followed.

Broward Children's Center (BCC) is dedicated to transforming lives by providing specialized care to children and young adults who are medically fragile and developmentally disabled. Our comprehensive services range from 24/7 skilled nursing at our pediatric care facility to developmental education programs, therapeutic support, and family-centered services like respite care, social services, and in-home health support.

With unique programs including ABA therapy, developmental preschools, K-12, Home Health and PPEC outpatient care, BCC ensures each individual receives tailored support to thrive. Our team also takes part in community events, such as our annual 5K and golf tournament, creating a vibrant, mission-driven workplace.

"With your support, Broward Children's Center (BCC) provides quality programs to infants, children, and young adults who are developmentally disabled and/or medically fragile through a continuum of services designed to meet the needs of children and their families."

If you're passionate about impactful work and a supportive team environment, BCC may be the perfect place for your career.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum Associates degree in child development or related field or CDA. Minimum 2 years providing direct services to children and families with special needs

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Experience with special needs/disabled population. A Confidentiality Agreement is required and must be signed upon commencement of service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Facilitate play interactions with regard to developmental level, interest, capabilities, and life situations.
• Complete documentation appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Provide play opportunities and other therapeutic interventions to promote understanding and prepare parents to foster growth and development to their children.
• Provide procedural and emotional support to children and families.
• Actively contribute to efficient operation of the Family Strengthening by planning activities and outcome measures.
• Increase the awareness of Social Service Program by providing information about Organization's services, role modeling, and in-service education.
• Serve as clinical resource and educator to interdisciplinary team and families.
• Document case notes and units of service within 48 hour
• Complete billing procedures in the timeframe established by the Director of Social Services.
• Converse respectfully and professionally with parents about child's special needs.
• Engage parents and children in structured family activities and practice therapeutic play.
• Teach Family Strengthening children to identify feelings, control anger, resist peer pressure, and learn communication skills.
• Reports abuse of clients or suspected abuse to Director/Supervisor and the Abuse Registry.
• Assist clients to access appropriate benefits and basic needs; appropriate medical, mental health and substance use treatment providers
• Provide crisis intervention for immediate housing needs, medical, mental health and substance use issues
• Periodically review the department's policies and procedure manual.
• Attend and participate in scheduled in-service trainings and staff meetings.
• Maintain a clean, safe and sanitary environment for clients and family members
• Flexibility of working hours will be required to meet the child and family's needs which include evening (2-3 per week) and weekend hours as needed

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Florida Driver's License

HIV & HIPAA Certification

CPR and First Aid Certification

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Employee Childcare

BCC offers valuable childcare programs to support our employees and their families:

• Step Up Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (Pre-K up to 8th grade). We offer Private Therapy Services for those that qualify. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included.
• Early Learning Coalition of Broward County School Readiness Program (for children ages 1 up to 3 years old). Early Steps Therapy Services for those that qualify. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included.
• Employee Daycare (for ages 1 year through 5 years old), available at $150 per week, inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
• Broward County Non-School Days: We offer our employees childcare when Broward County has non-school days (winter break, spring break, thanksgiving break), with the exception of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas day, etc.).

Join BCC and enjoy a supportive, robust benefits program designed to help you thrive in both your personal and professional life.

BCC/CCC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.