Infant and Child Development Consultant

ORGANIZED● DETERMINED ● ENTHUSIASTIC ● HANDS-ON ● STRATEGIC A multi-service, non-profit, community-based agency that provides a range of services and supports to individuals, children, and families. EDI-B VALUES The success of an organization stems from a team that is aligned with its mission and vision, where decisions are made in the best interests of the clients they serve and the marginalized and vulnerable populations across our communities. Through this effort, all team members embrace their roles in the organization with respect and dignity for all stakeholders. Through these partnerships, everyone is focused on ensuring a commitment and responsibility toward anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging. MISSION The Infant and Child Development Consultant is responsible for the provision of family centered infant and child development services to children from birth to school entry, who have a developmental disability and/or risk of developmental delay. This is a tremendous opportunity for a highly motivated and client-centered individual searching for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, adults and families. The Pod Group is partnering with this organization to place a resourceful, hands-on, and motivated individual to fulfill the role of Infant and Child Development Consultant. PRIORITIES Direct 1-on-1 programming for 20-25 infants/children as outlined in the operations manual and Infant and Child Development Guidelines. Provision of caseload duties includes: Assessment of child and family needs, in conjunction with caregivers and appropriate multidisciplinary team members. Design of Individual Family Service Plans and program activities for each child and family. Use of play, routine-based, solution-focused, and coaching intervention strategies to encourage parents/caregivers to implement strategies. Collect necessary data, update checklists and document progress made. Ensure consultation with other professionals where appropriate. Ensure coordination with involved agencies via reports, case conferences and phone contacts. Meet weekly, bi-weekly or monthly with the family until less frequent contact is appropriate. Act as a liaison and referring agent for further assessments, as appropriate. Participate in Coordinated Service Plans as appropriate. Provide support and service to community-based groups for parents of young children. Maintain individual child files, adhering to provincial and program guidelines. Ensure the Clinical and Program Manager is kept informed of significant case developments. Assist with administration duties as requested by the Clinical and Program Manager, including annual reports, operations manuals, service plans, etc. Recruit families via communication with referral sources in the community and maintain regular communication regarding status and program provision with referral sources. Participate in regular supervision sessions with the Clinical and Program Manager and provide accurate statistical data regarding monthly and annual program activity. Complete all monthly administrative forms in a timely manner, including statistics, record of attendance, travel claims, etc. Participation in the orientation, training and supervision of placement students and volunteers as it relates to the Infant and Child Development Program. Attend relevant meetings and approve staff development. Complete performance appraisals in conjunction with the Clinical and Program Manager. Provision of community education sessions as appropriate. Other duties as required. Requirements Post-secondary education in Social Services or a related field, including Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Special Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or Social Work. Minimum of 3 years of experience working with infants with medical, developmental and/or a risk of developmental delay. Proven experience in infant and child development, including implementing family and child assessment and screening tools. Demonstrated ability to design and develop Individual Family Service Plans, in collaboration with the child’s caregivers. Strong case management skills with working knowledge of community resources and liaison. Knowledge of funding sources available to families (SSAH, ACSD, etc.), the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, and the Infant and Child Development Guidelines. Knowledge of complex medical and special needs, and the use of play in the intervention with young children. Experience in coaching and teaching with caregivers. The ability to develop resources using the family’s existing resources to support their child. Ability to work in a variety of environments, including family homes. Experience and comfort with providing services to parents within a group setting. Have access to a vehicle, a driver’s license and the ability to travel throughout Hastings and Prince Edward counties. Flexible work hours are required. THE POD GROUP The Pod Group (PG) is a creative consulting group that provides customized and innovative solutions to support our client’s growth and ultimate success while promoting the integration of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in creating culture and engagement. We balance strategy and people to help community organizations make better use of their resources by focusing on building the competencies to promote people-centric organizations. The Pod Group has great success in serving a number of community sectors, including health, social services, developmental, housing, mental health, and community health care. We promote a unique approach while incorporating marketing and human resources as an integral component of strategy, mission, and vision. This focus aligns strategy with the development of a culture that embraces all stakeholders and a community spirit while ensuring an effective plan that meets the requirements of the organization.