Job Location: Northern Berkshire County
Job Type: Full Time/37.5 hours  Mon-Fri
Early Intervention Developmental Specialist
$1500 Sign On Bonus

Position Highlights

Are you a child educator or psychology major who has a passion for working with children and families? We are seeking an Early InterventionDevelopmental Specialist to provide assessments and therapeutic developmental services to children served in the early intervention program, in individual group settings, or play therapy sessions using a family centered, coaching approach. These children are between the ages of birth and three year whose development is at risk by certain biological or environmental factors. We deliver services in the child's natural environment including home, daycare, and in the Early Intervention center in North Adams, Massachusetts.
Developmental Specialist Responsibilities 

• Provide strength-based support and education to parents and families on child development, health, nutrition, and home care.
• Act as liaison with medical providers, schools, and community agencies to coordinate care and share relevant information.
• Conduct intake visits, complete developmental evaluations as part of a transdisciplinary team, and document observations across all developmental domains (motor, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, self-care).
• Facilitate IFSP meetings with families, lead goal-setting discussions, and develop parent-directed service plans.
• Serve as service coordinator for assigned cases, ensuring IFSP goals and services are implemented and monitored.
• Guide families in implementing developmental activities and accessing community resources (e.g., SSI, respite care).
• Support transition planning and advocate for families during school team meetings.
• Maintain accurate documentation of assessments, progress notes, and service plans per program standards.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and ongoing professional development.
• Meet productivity requirements through intakes, assessments, playgroups, treatment sessions, and outreach.
• Complete certification as a Massachusetts Certified Early Intervention Specialist in accordance with state standards.

Developmental Specialist Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in from an accredited institution, with a major or concentration in education or special education, and at least 300 hours of practicum or work experience with young children. Experience with infants, toddlers and families is preferred. Transcripts of degree work or subsequent transcripts must reflect successful completion of at least 4 approved three credit courses that focus on infants, toddlers and families OR
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with at least 300 hours of practicum or work experience with young children. Experience with infants, toddlers and families is preferred. Transcripts of degree work or subsequent transcripts must reflect successful completion of at least 4 approved three-credit courses that focus on infants, toddlers, and families.
• Certification as an Early Intervention Specialist by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), or eligible to be certified within three years of employment in a MDPH certified Early Intervention Program.
• Experience supporting families through therapy, behavioral change programs, and addressing parenting concerns, including work with children diagnosed with autism or PDD.
• Knowledge of specialized approaches for families of children with disabilities, such as grief counseling, crisis intervention, family dynamics, and group facilitation.
• Ability to design and lead parent and sibling support groups.
• Commitment to individualized, culturally responsive services that respect ethnic, cultural, religious, linguistic, disability, and gender diversity.
• Strong interest in ongoing professional development and learning.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate family needs.
• Familiarity with local community resources, service systems, and UCP programs.
• CPR/First Aid certification for infants and toddlers (or willingness to obtain).
• Excellent organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong ability to positively represent UCP and provide a conscientious and caring attitude
• Good computer skills (Microsoft 365) as well as strong documentation skills.
• Compliance with health requirements (MMR immunity) and background checks (CORI, SORI, DPPC, fingerprinting).
• Evidence of immunity for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) 
• Acceptable CORI, SORI and DPPC background checks and national fingerprint check
• Physical ability to engage with children at their level and interact directly with families in person.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and current auto insurance.

 Developmental Specialist Benefits

• $1500 Sign on bonus
• Quarterly Productivity Bonus
• Medical, dental and vision insurance after first month of employment
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Annual Reimbursement (up to $500) annually toward license, certification, CEUs or professional memberships
• 403(b) retirement program with agency match
• Paid time off program including two weeks vacation in first year, personal, sick, and 13 holidays 
• Three personal days per year
• Earn up to seven sick days per year
• Mileage reimbursement
• May quality you for student loan forgiveness
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your household
• Employee referral program and more! 

 About Us:
As part of the UCP affiliate network, UCP of Western Massachusetts offers a variety of community programs and services for persons with disabilities and other similar service needs, including Assistive Technology, Early Intervention, Individual and Family Support, and Adult Family Care. UCP has offices in western Massachusetts and is COA accredited.  UCP of Western MA is guided by a set of core principles - Respect, Integrity, Communication, and Empathy. Our team is dedicated to providing a "Life Without Limits" for people with disabilities, and we are seeking a motivated and talented individual who shares our commitment to these principles to join us in our mission. Learn more at http://ucpwma.org