Bilingual Early Childhood Specialist

As an Early Childhood Specialist, you’ll be the vital link between families of young children (birth to age five) and the services that can transform their lives. In this role, you’ll collaborate with local partners to support families facing developmental concerns or child welfare challenges. Your work will directly improve access to critical resources, strengthen community connections, and help ensure brighter futures for our most vulnerable children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Works closely with Early Childhood Systems of Care program in order to help link families to the most appropriate (based on need and eligibility) and available services including local county-level Connecting NJ, Home Visiting, Early Head Start/Head Start, Early Intervention, Family Success Centers, Health care providers, and resources to include the voice and input of parents/families as partners (County Councils for Young Children, Family Support Organizations, and more).
• ·Promote developmental screening (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) for families and provide developmental guidance. As needed, refer families to Early Intervention and other supports. Provide developmental guidance to families 0-5.
• Strengthen and align the local-level infrastructure to ensure coordination and collaboration in delivering effective community-based services for infants, children, parents, and families identified through Connecting NJ. Works within county-level Connecting NJ, and with community systems partners (including parents/families).
• Participate in DCF quality improvement and evaluation activities.
• Process referrals with emphasis on early childhood developmental concerns (birth – 5)
• Establishes referral and information sharing agreements, reporting activities of Connecting NJ to local partners.
• Markets developmental health promotion and the Family Portal to physicians and community providers throughout the County in collaboration with Connecting NJ Coordinators.
• Attend Community Outreach Events
• Handle other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, child development and family studies, child advocacy, or related field, plus (2) years of experience working in the field with families and providers. Infant Mental Health Endorsed (IMH-E) or pursuing preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required.
• At least two (2) years of experience in maternal-child health (MCH), infant/early childhood mental health, parent/family support, and/or related fields and settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop trusting relationships with families and partners.
• Fully understands the roles of core MCH and early childhood partners.
• Ability to translate complex MCH and early childhood concepts into parent-friendly language.
• Computer proficiency is required with Microsoft programs including Windows, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills are required.

All PMCH employees must comply with PMCH’s Immunization Policy.