Developmental Assessment Specialist (Children's Services)

Posting Closes: February 16, 2026 at 5:00pm

About Us:

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) provides a full care system for those with addictions, mental health or developmental needs. We serve everyone from children to adults to seniors, all under one roof. Our programs help individuals and families to lead lives filled with meaning and promise. We have 400 staff at offices in Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Fergus, and Mount Forest. 

We are fully accredited by Accreditation Canada and are proud of our Exemplary Status (the highest standing) received at our most recent accreditation exercise.

Why Join our Team:

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Our compensation package includes a competitive salary and generous benefits supporting the wellness of our staff. We are proud to be members of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) offering one of Canada’s largest and most respected defined benefit plans.

Career Development Opportunities: Our wide range of services and supports allows for varied opportunities for career growth. Our multi-disciplinary approach to care offers cross collaboration and enhanced opportunities for learning. A formal succession planning process is key to our internal leadership recruitment.

Values that include: Mutual Respect, Accountability, Integrity and Excellence and Innovation and a culture that is welcoming and inclusive. 

Commitment to Health and Safety: We have a strong health and safety culture at CMHA WW and work tirelessly to address the health and safety needs of staff and the people we serve. 

The Opportunity:

We are recruiting a  Developmental Assessment Specialist (Children’s Services)

• This is a regular full-time position to fill an existing vacancy (35 hours per week Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) based at 737 Woolwich St. Guelph.

Reporting to the Manager, Children’s Services, this role will work with the specialized assessment teams including the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Diagnostic Team, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Diagnostic Team, and individual consultation with developmental pediatricians to support children 0-18 in Guelph and Wellington County. As part of the ASD Diagnostic Team, this role will complete play-based assessments that explore the child’s communication, social interaction and imagination. The successful incumbent will conduct comprehensive interviews and administer the appropriate screens, questionnaires, and psychometric tools to gather relevant information on a child’s development and provide a written report. They will coach and mentor staff, provide clinical support, and ensure that the community and referral sources are informed about the services provided. They will provide feedback to caregivers and assist families, childcare centers and schools with follow-up recommendations to gain a better understanding of the diagnosis and the impact it may have on the child. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Child Studies, Family Studies and Human Development, or a related field


• Three or more years’ experience working with children with developmental needs and their families


• Demonstrated skills in community collaboration or community development projects


• Experience working on a multidisciplinary team


• Strong intake and assessment skills specific to ASD and FASD


• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and experience in ASD, FASD, trauma and child development


• Training in the use of psychometric tools including CARS, ADOS


• Well developed experience and skills in administering standardized screens, assessments and questionnaires


• Knowledge of the services and supports available to children with developmental needs


• Demonstrated high degree of accuracy and attention to detail


• Excellent problem solving skills, organization and flexibility


• Able to handle multiple responsibilities with competing priorities in a fast-paced progressive environment


• Must be well organized, self-directed, set priorities and manage time effectively


• Strong interpersonal skills and must be able to interact patiently, effectively and professionally with agency staff, families and community partners


• Committed to service excellence and client safety


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Strong alignment with CMHA WW’s Mission, Vision, Values and Philosophy


• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office programs and technology including internet and intranet


• A valid driver's license, vehicle and insurance as travel is required

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter in one document outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience meet the position requirements. We will be communicating with selected candidates via email. Please check your inbox, and junk/spam folder near the closing date of the posting. 

COMPENSATION AND RATE OF PAY: Level 5 (OPSEU) - $33.07 to $40.30 per hour

CMHA WW, as an equal opportunity employer, embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.