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  • Child Development Specialist I, II or III

    Creek County, Oklahoma United States Oklahoma State Department of Health Full Time Oct 14, 2025
    Oklahoma State Department of Health Employer:

    Oklahoma State Department of Health

    Choosing a career in public health will put you on the pathway to making things better for your community, your neighbor, your family, and yourself...and receive competitive pay and great benefits!   The Oklahoma State Department of Health protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. Five major service branches - Community Health, Family Health Services, Prevention and Preparedness, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and Protective Health Services - provide technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.   Our Vision: Leading Oklahoma to prosperity through health. Our Mission: To protect and promote health, to prevent disease and injury and to cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive. Our Values: Service | Collaboration | Respect | Accountability

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Job Posting Title
    Child Development Specialist I, II or III

    Agency
    340 OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    Supervisory Organization
    340 District 3

    Job Posting End Date

    Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

    Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

    Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

    Full/Part-Time
    Full time

    Job Type
    Regular

    Compensation
    The annual salary for this position is:
    Level I: up to $53,000.00, based on education and experience
    Level II: up to $56,000.00, based on education and experience
    Level III: up to $61,000.00, based on education and experience

    Why you’ll love it here!

    RESPECT. COLLABORATION. SERVICE. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is committed to leading Oklahoma to prosperity through health. Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive. Check out why we are passionate about public health and believe it is the career for you!!!

    Oh yeah, did we mention perks? We know that benefits matter and that is why we offer a competitive benefits package for all eligible employees.
      ◦ Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
      ◦ A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
      ◦ Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
      ◦ Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
      ◦ 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
      ◦ 11 paid holidays a year.
      ◦ Student Loan repayment options & tuition reimbursement.
      ◦ Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
      ◦ Longevity Bonus for years of service


    Job Description

    Position Description:

    The Child Development Specialist is assigned responsibilities involving professional work with a high degree of flexibility in providing individual and family services to increase parenting skills and enhance the developmental potential of young children and/or children with developmental and acquired disabilities through the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program. This includes assessing development in young children; developing and implementing individual family service plans and programs for parents and young children to enhance their opportunities for cognitive, personal-social, language, adaptive, and motor development; and serving as a member of a multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary team to monitor the effectiveness of child development services. This is the specialist level where the incumbents are assigned responsibilities involving advanced level technical duties in child development. Incumbents at this level perform duties as consultants to other Child Development Specialists and may be designated lead workers.

    Position Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

    The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:
      ◦ Conducts groups and workshops to educate parents in child development through materials and curricula developed for this purpose.
      ◦ Provides developmental assessments of children’s birth through kindergarten-age; teach parents ways to enhance their child’s developmental potential.
      ◦ Keeps confidential records and writes reports essential to this work.
      ◦ Assists in the selection, preparation, and distribution of materials on child development which will further the purpose of this program.
      ◦ Provides in-service training in the areas of child development and parenting to staff at Head Starts, day care, preschool programs, or other programs as necessary.
      ◦ Counsels’ individuals and families on topics related to parenting and child development.
      ◦ Recruits’ clients for child development programs through contracts with community organizations such as public health clinics, hospitals, child care centers, civic organizations, pediatricians and the news media.
      ◦ Collaborates with other community agencies as well as plans and conducts community wide efforts to promote the health, development, and behavioral wellbeing of young children and families.
      ◦ Participates as a member of a multidisciplinary/transdisciplinary team by staffing individual cases and groups and developing treatment plans or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) pertaining to child development.
      ◦ Supervises the work of subordinate staff.
      ◦ Provide services to children and families in the child’s natural environment or the environment determined most appropriate by the child’s early intervention team.
      ◦ Initiate and implement steps necessary for smooth transition services from the early intervention program.
      ◦ Being present in the office is an essential function of this job.
      ◦ Other duties as assigned.


    Other Duties
      ◦ Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
      ◦ Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.


    Minimum Qualifications:

    Level I: Requirements at this level consist of completion of a master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or a master’s degree in special education with a minimum of 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours (300 or above) in any of the following areas: typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance/discipline strategies with young children, family systems, family relationships, assessment/evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices.

    NOTE: Must be working towards eligibility for certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC).

    Level II: Requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus one year of post-master’s experience working in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education and eligible for certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC).

    NOTE: If certification is not held at the time of employment, it must be achieved within 12 months of accepting the position.

    Level III: Requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus two additional years of post-master’s experience working in the areas of child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education, and eligible for certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC).

    NOTE: If certification is not held at the time of employment, it must be achieved within 12 months of accepting the position.

    Application Requirements:
      ◦ If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
      ◦ All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.


    Valued Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

    Required at this level include knowledge of the principles, practices and ethics of parent education, early childhood education, or early childhood special education; of training and instructional techniques and their application; of the use of materials and curricula used in parenting education, early childhood education, or early childhood special education programs; of typical and atypical child development from birth through adolescence; of the skills and techniques for child care and guidance; and of community resources for children and their parents. Ability is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

    Physical Demands and Work Environment:

    Work is typically performed in an office setting with climate-controlled settings and exposure to moderate noise levels. While performing the duties of the job, employees are required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. This position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computers and phones. Employees must be willing to complete all job-related travel associated with this position. Being present at the office is an essential function of the job.

    Equal Opportunity Employment

    The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

    Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub .

    If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:

    Agency Contact
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Government Social Service Jobs: Roles, Skills, & Opportunities

Government Social Service Jobs: Roles, Skills, & Opportunities

Are you searching for a stable career that allows you to make a difference in your community? Government social service jobs offer many opportunities to help improve lives and support public welfare. Whether you’re interested in working with families, veterans, children, or individuals with disabilities, government roles provide meaningful work with long-term employment security.

This guide will explain the key roles in government social services, the qualifications you’ll need, and how to get started on this fulfilling career path.

 

Key Types of Government Social Service Jobs

Government social services span a variety of roles, allowing you to focus on areas that align with your passion and expertise. Here are some of the most common positions you can pursue:

Social Workers:

Social workers are critical in supporting individuals and families facing social, health, or emotional challenges. They conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and connect clients with vital resources. Social workers can specialize in child welfare, mental health, or healthcare, and many roles are available in agencies like the Veterans Affairs and state departments of human services.

Child Welfare Specialists:

These professionals protect children from abuse and neglect while supporting families in crisis. They are often responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and working toward family reunification when possible. Child welfare specialists may work in foster care, adoption services, and family preservation programs.

Community Outreach Coordinators:

Coordinators bridge the gap between government services and the community, ensuring that vital resources are accessible to those who need them. These professionals organize public events, educate the community about government programs, and gather feedback on improving social services.

Rehabilitation Counselors:

Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve personal and professional goals. They assess clients’ abilities, develop rehabilitation plans, and assist with job placement. Specializations include vocational rehabilitation and substance abuse recovery.

Substance Abuse Counselors:

These counselors provide support to individuals struggling with addiction by offering individual and group therapy, conducting assessments, and developing treatment plans. Substance abuse counselors often work in government-run treatment centers and community health clinics.

Elderly Services Coordinators:

Elderly services coordinators manage programs that help older adults access healthcare, social engagement, and transportation services. They advocate for senior citizens’ rights and ensure their needs are met in a safe and supportive environment.

Disability Services Specialists:

These specialists ensure equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities by advocating for accessibility, coordinating support services, and helping to implement disability policies across government agencies.

Disability Services Specialists:

These specialists ensure equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities by advocating for accessibility, coordinating support services, and helping to implement disability policies across government agencies.

 

Education and Qualifications for Government Social Service Jobs

A career in government social services generally requires a combination of education, experience, and relevant certifications. Here’s a breakdown of the typical qualifications needed for various roles:

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Educational Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Most entry-level positions in government social services require at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or public administration. For specific roles, degrees like education or nursing may also be acceptable.
  • Master’s Degree: Advanced positions, such as clinical social work or rehabilitation counseling, typically require a master’s degree. Standard options include a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master of Public Administration (MPA), or a Master’s in Psychology or Counseling.
  • Doctoral Degree: While rare for most positions, a Ph.D. in Social Work, Public Policy, or Public Administration can benefit those pursuing high-level roles in administrative services, policy-making, or research.

Licenses and Certifications

Certain roles in government social services require specific certifications and licenses:

  • Social Work License: Clinical social work positions often require a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or similar designation. This requires passing an exam after completing an MSW and supervised hours.
  • Counseling Certifications: A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) certification may be required for roles like substance abuse or mental health counseling.
  • Child Welfare Certification: Some states require additional certification for child welfare specialists, which may include passing an exam after completing specific training.
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Other Key Qualifications

Experience:

Government agencies often value practical experience in addition to formal education. Internships, volunteer work, or entry-level roles in human services can help build your qualifications. For advanced positions, several years of experience may be required.

Language Skills:

Being bilingual, especially in languages other than English, can be a significant asset when working with diverse communities.

Technology Skills:

Many government roles require proficiency in case management software, data analysis, and office tools. Some positions, especially in administrative services, may also require skills in areas like social media management or research.

 

Continuing Education

Government social service professionals must complete continuing education to maintain their licenses or certifications. Agencies like the California Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control or research organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health may provide training on emerging social services practices and new policies. Staying updated on trends in mental health, family support, and public health is crucial for career growth.

 

Security Clearance

Some government social service jobs, particularly at the federal level or in departments like Veterans Affairs, may require a security clearance. The clearance level depends on the job’s sensitivity, particularly in roles related to national security or handling personal data. Obtaining clearance usually involves a detailed background check.

 

Where to Find Job Opportunities

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Government social service jobs can be found at the city, county, state, and federal levels. Key departments offering these positions include the California Department of Human Services, Veterans Affairs, and local health and human services agencies. You can also search for roles through job boards specific to government jobs, such as USAJobs.gov or state and local government websites.

To streamline your job search, many agencies offer email notifications and the option to click save on job postings that interest you. Explore positions in health, education, and disability services to find the right match for your skills.

 

Conclusion

Government social service jobs provide a rewarding and stable career path for those committed to positively impacting society. Whether you’re interested in working with children, families, veterans, or individuals with disabilities, these roles offer a unique opportunity to support communities and promote social well-being.

With the proper education, certifications, and a commitment to ongoing learning, you can embark on a fulfilling career in government social services. You can explore job opportunities in your area and find a role that aligns with your passion for helping others.

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