CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time (Temporary)
LOCATION: Irvington, New Jersey
WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours /week
SALARY: $47,000/year
JOB SUMMARY: The Specialist will work with local partners and families with developmental concerns and/or child welfare involvement, in the respective County, to ensure positive service linkages that improve outcomes for vulnerable families of infants and young children with a focus on birth to five years.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Works closely with the Early Childhood Systems of Care program to connect families with the most appropriate and available services based on their needs and eligibility. These services include local county-level programs such as Connecting NJ, Home Visiting, Early Head Start/Head Start, Early Intervention, Family Success Centers, healthcare providers, and other resources. The role emphasizes incorporating the voice and input of parents and families as partners, including through 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 or necessary programs.
- 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 central intake 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
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Child Development and Family Studies, Child Advocacy, or a related field, along with at least two (2) years of experience working with families and service providers.
- 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 the guidelines of PMCH’s Immunization Policy.