Developmental Interventionist

Cape Breton Victoria Region – Sydney Location – with service to CBVR Region including Eskasoni

NS Early Childhood Development Intervention Services (NSECDIS) provide province-wide specialized services to families of young children between birth and school entry, who either have a biological risk for or a diagnosis of, developmental delay in NS. Consultation, information, support and services designed to meet the individual needs of each child and family are delivered in the child's home and may extend to community-based programs. Services emphasize the enhancement of skills and ability through planned interactions to promote child development and family capacity.

Early Childhood Development Intervention Services (ECDIS) also facilitate early childhood educator capacity building through the delivery of inclusion coaching to childcare and pre-primary program settings, utilizing the Pyramid Model. The Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children is a conceptual framework of evidence-based practices for promoting young children's healthy social and emotional development.

Requiring: Permanent Position

Sydney Location – with service to CBVR Region including Eskasoni

Applicants of First Nations Ancestry preferred

As a Developmental Interventionist (DI) you will provide support to children and their families to facilitate the development of the child and enable family capacity. You will prepare developmental profiles and partner to create and implement an individual family service plan (IFSP) to address a family's support needs and their child's development. Emphasis is placed on the importance of play, family centered care, family systems theory and community based resources and programming.

As a Developmental Interventionist, your duties and responsibility include, but are not limited to:

Child Development Support – observe & gather information for child's developmental profile and program plan (as part of the IFSP and routine based intervention planning process); assist families in identifying functional and meaningful outcomes for their child and family; develop & model developmental activities and strategies for families to assimilate into their daily routines; and work in partnership with other service providers in the development of program plans.

Family Support and Capacity Building – support parents in becoming informed decision makers and advocates for their child; assist families to find and access community resources; build and maintain parent-professional partnership with family; support families through coaching around program planning and the implementation of strategies into the child's natural environments.

Transition Support – prepare the family, the child, and the receiving setting for transitions from home to childcare and into school; ensure family has access to information regarding the new services and assist family in navigating through health, education and social service delivery systems.

Case Coordination and Partnerships – coordinate and consult with other professionals as required; prepare recommendations and referrals to appropriate services/programs; and in partnership with parents, identify priorities/goals/desires based on family and child needs.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Education – A minimum Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development or related field.

Work Experience – Experience working with children from birth to school age with developmental disabilities and their families is essential.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities – Demonstrated understanding of First Nations culture, history, challenges, issues and strengths.

Ability to speak Mi'kmaq an asset. Competency and knowledge in early childhood development, family-centered practice, and family systems theory; demonstrate ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices, use adult education principles, and deliver community based programming. Strong planning, organizational and time management abilities are required, along with excellent communication (oral & written) and interpersonal skills. Access to own vehicle is also required.

Salary: 29.94/hour

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the families we serve. We welcome applications from Acadian Francophones, Aboriginal People, African Nova Scotians, new immigrants and other racially visible persons and persons with disabilities. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your cover letter or resume.