Early Childhood Specialist

About The Cooperative

For over four decades, The Cooperative has pioneered innovative approaches in maternal and child health services across South Jersey. As a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health, it serves the seven counties by educating communities, advocating for improvements, and engaging stakeholders.

Position Overview

This full-time role (40 hours/week) supports families in Camden and Cape May counties by linking them to early childhood services and promoting developmental health. The position involves working with child welfare case practices and strengthening system collaborations locally.

Core Responsibilities

• Advance The Cooperative's equity and quality improvement aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborate effectively with staff, leaders, and board members to enhance information sharing and committee participation.
• Provide relevant training, presentations, and learning opportunities to program and agency personnel.
• Participate in staff development events such as trainings, summits, and conferences.
• Work directly with families involved with Child Protection and Permanency services.
• Attend case conferences related to Early Childhood/Family Care Plans.
• Coordinate referrals for expectant parents and families with children aged birth to five years.
• Conduct developmental screenings and link families to Early Intervention resources as needed.
• Engage vulnerable families through partnerships with community stakeholders.
• Participate in Connecting NJ/Hub meetings for community collaboration.
• Promote awareness of the Early Childhood Initiative and its services in the community.
• Manage referral intake, triage, and reassignment to appropriate programs.
• Perform additional responsibilities assigned by supervision.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, early childhood education, or nursing.
• At least one year of experience in infant or early childhood mental health and development.
• Proven ability to build rapport with culturally and ethnically diverse clients.
• Familiarity with community resources and awareness of community challenges.
• Basic proficiency with computers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Bilingualism in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and current insurance coverage required.
• Excellent oral and written communication capabilities.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Visual acuity to read documents and ability to hear well for communication.
• Manual dexterity to write, type, and utilize telephone systems.
• Capability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Job may involve regular travel within Camden and Cape May Counties, encountering variable traffic and weather conditions.
• Office work occurs in a professional, climate-controlled environment without significant hazards.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill essential job functions.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a salary between $46,000 and $48,500 annually and qualifies for a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, identity theft and legal services, pet insurance, critical illness and accident plans, AAA membership assistance, generous paid time off with 10 paid holidays, staff development programs, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance programs, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution following one year of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Cooperative is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, socioeconomic background, education, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Disclaimer

This description outlines primary duties but is not exhaustive of all responsibilities.