Developmental Specialist - Autism

Make a difference from day one

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference.  We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children.

Why candidates love working here

• Contribute to meaningful work that helps children and families build strong foundations for the future.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off, and 401(k) employer contribution every paycheck.
• Build your future with access to learning, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven culture where your work truly matters.
• Join a Great Place to Work® Certified organization, with a culture shaped by employee feedback and built on trust, support, and collaboration.

Job title: Developmental Specialist – Autism

Southwest Human Development (SWHD) is seeking a Developmental Specialist – Autism to join our trans-disciplinary team at the Birth to Five Center of Excellence (CoE). This developmental Specialist has experience supporting young children with autism, neurodiversity, difficulties with social communication and/or sensory challenges.

In this role you will:

• Explain comprehensive services offered by the Birth to Five Center of Excellence (CoE)
• Carry out screening, assessment and provide DIRFloortime® intervention services in the areas of play, emotional and social development, communication, cognition, attention, motor skills, behavior and relationships and sensory processing
• Administers, scores and interprets assessment tools used in the DIRFloortime® program.
• Design developmentally appropriate SMART goals that are functional in nature
• Complete an initial enrollment assessment (Birth to Five, Social Determinants of Health, etc.) and works with the family to develop an Integrated Care Plan appropriate to the individual child and family’s needs
• Assess and monitor child and family needs on an ongoing basis
• Uphold continuity of care
• Facilitate Child Family Team meetings
• Meet agency, program, and contractual timelines
• Collaborate and coordinate care with other service providers and community partners
• Maintain the behavior health medical records
• Develop, implement, and document discharge plans

What it takes:

• Bachelors in Special Education or related
• Masters in Special Education or related, preferred.
• DIRFloortime Advanced
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card – OR - must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Southwest Human Development is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our employees and the communities we serve.  

Learn more about working with us 

Our core values reflect our commitment to children, families, caregivers, and the communities we serve. They guide how we work, how we support one another, and how we grow as a team. Learn more about our values and benefits here.