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About the Role

The Child Development Specialist provides direct developmental coaching and guidance to families and professionals supporting children ages 0-5 who have a developmental concern but do not qualify for Part C Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) or Part B Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). This role fills a critical gap in the developmental-support system by offering timely, individualized assistance to families who often have limited options for help.

Responsibilities

Respond to phone, email, and text inquiries from families and early childhood providers regarding developmental concerns.
Build trusting relationships with families that honor their practices, beliefs, and parenting values.
Conduct developmental screenings when needed and offer culturally responsive parent education through workshops and one-on-one coaching.
Coach families to navigate referrals to early intervention programs, early education providers, behavioral supports, and other community-based resources.
Provide individualized follow-up, developmental coaching, and care coordination for families – especially those not eligible for ECI or awaiting services.
Enter and maintain referral and service data to track outcomes, barriers, and utilization for continuous improvement.
Assist families transitioning from ECI to ECSE in partnership with ECI Service Coordinators.
Facilitate training for pediatricians, early educators, and social service providers on developmental screening, follow-up, and navigation resources.
Develop and maintain a community asset map of early childhood resources that reflect all families.
Contribute to grant deliverables and implementation activities to ensure fidelity to the Help Me Grow framework.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in early education, special education, child development, social work, or a related field.
Valid Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification from a state-approved certifying board or relevant governing body is required.
Minimum 2 years of experience working with children ages 0-5 and their caregivers, preferably in a community-based or healthcare setting.
Strong knowledge of local early childhood systems and community-based organizations that serve young children and families.
Experience conducting developmental screenings and using evidence-based guidance tools.
Familiarity with trauma-informed and family-centered care principles.
Ability to travel within Central Texas for meetings, trainings, and community engagement.
Bilingual in Spanish.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including comfort discussing sensitive developmental concerns with families.
Demonstrated cultural responsiveness, humility, and ability to work effectively with diverse families and providers.
Understanding of IDEA Parts B and C, relevant disability laws, and the ability to explain these to families and early childhood professionals.
Familiarity with case management, trauma-informed, and family-centered care principles.
Experience in motivational interviewing or other family engagement techniques.
Ability to collaborate across agencies and disciplines to coordinate services and reduce duplication.
Capacity to work independently and as part of a cross-functional, hybrid (remote/in-person) team.

Skills

Child development
Early childhood education
Social work
Community Health Worker
Developmental screenings
Evidence-based guidance tools
Trauma-informed care
Family-centered care
Spanish language proficiency
Verbal communication
Written communication
Cultural responsiveness
Cultural humility
IDEA Parts B and C knowledge
Disability laws
Case management
Motivational interviewing
Family engagement techniques
Collaboration
Independent work
Teamwork

Location

Austin, Texas

Work Type

Full-Time
Hybrid

Experience Level

Minimum 2 years of experience working with children ages 0-5 and their caregivers

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree in early education, special education, child development, social work, or a related field.
Valid Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification

Benefits

Competitive Compensation
Hybrid Work Option
Employer 403(b) Matching
Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Parental Leave
FMLA
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

About the Company

United Way for Greater Austin brings our community together to break economic barriers and build opportunity for all.
We break the cycle of economic hardships for families and individuals, striving to create a vibrant, thriving community.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing economic challenges, we focus on increasing the availability of high-quality early care and education and access to pivotal resources to address financial barriers in Central Texas.
Our united front includes dedicated donors, volunteers, corporate and civic partners, staff, and a connected network of neighbors.
Together, we leverage data, community alliances, services, and public engagement to transform Central Texas, responding to urgent needs with lasting, impactful solutions.

Equal Opportunity

United Way for Greater Austin is an “at-will” employer.