The posting
POSITION SUMMARY The Early Childhood Specialist works closely with the Wheeler Health & Wellness medical staff, under administration of the HRSA early childhood grant, to deliver high-quality services to children ages 0-5 and their families that include developmental screening and linkage to services, well-child visit coordination and support and consultation to medical staff on young child development and trauma informed practices. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling or related human services field is required. Extensive knowledge and demonstrated level of expertise in early childhood development, emotional and behavioral health, family systems, assessment, attachment/separation issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, and abuse and neglect is also required. Valid Drivers License is required. Safely operates vehicle in the community, based on program needs LOCATION Hartford, CT - This position will travel to other locations as needed SCHEDULE AND PAY Fee for service, up to 28 hours per week. Hourly rate of $27/hour. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Conducts team based well child visits with parents and their babies and young children with the physician/pediatric nurse practitioner. Provides consultations with families with babies and young children regarding developmental and behavioral concerns such as sleep, discipline, picky eating, etc. Collaborates with Healthy Steps team to implement all core components of the program including universal child development screening, making positive parenting and early learning guidance information readily available to all practice staff, and adjusting workflows for optimal efficiency. Provides consultation to medical professionals and all practice staff re: early childhood development, infant mental health, and trauma informed practice. Provides referrals and tracks follow-up, as appropriate, to help families make connections to key resources within the community. Maintains databases required to meet Healthy Steps fidelity metrics including both internal and external referrals. Collaborates with Healthy Steps team to complete annual site reporting to the National Office, which may include analysis of both external database files and EMR data reports. Documents all patient clinical activity and care coordination in electronic medical records. Maintains open communication with medical staff and members of the care team. Works closely with pediatric providers around care coordination, goal setting, counseling, coaching and education about key aspects of a child’s development. May conduct home visits and may accompany families to key medical, specialty, and community agency appointments as needed. May facilitate parents’/caregivers’ groups. Participates in reflective supervision meetings. Participates when appropriate in community-wide early childhood meetings. Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.
