Early Intervention Specialist

Job Summary: Under the direction and supervision of the Early Intervention Services Manager, this position provides support to teaching staff and other school staff (e.g. behavioral support aides, teaching assistants, bus monitors, etc.). This is accomplished through coaching, training, mentoring and monitoring effective strategies to support children with special needs, working with parents, teachers and community providers to coordinate all services provided to children, and conducting observations of identified children to determine if referrals are needed. Additionally this position will work with teaching staff to ensure effective strategies are in place to support children in meeting IEP goals. This position coordinates all child referral activities and processes to ensure timely referral of children, including, but not limited to, working with the local school district personnel on evaluations of children and communicating with and educating families about the process.

Essential Functions (Not All Inclusive):

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct observations of children who have been identified by teaching, other school based staff, and as directed by the Early Intervention Services Manager to provide feedback and recommendations to staff and parents regarding appropriate interventions and/or referral processes and resources.
• Identify children in the program who appear to have a disability and ensure that a qualified diagnostician diagnoses conditions of each child.
• Document pertinent information on children with suspected/diagnosed disabilities, mental health concerns, and/or generalized classroom supports in an efficient, timely and accurate manner.
• Complete referral paperwork requirements and assure that transition/referral procedures are in place with local school districts.
• Plan and attend meetings (e.g., IEP meetings) with parents, staff and/or schools to discuss the needs of specific children identified with suspected/diagnosed disabilities.
• Track and document activities related to the Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with diagnosis.
• Collaborate with other Head Start and Early Head Start employees to ensure a comprehensive systems approach for transition of children with identified needs into Head Start.
• Other Duties as assigned

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and a minimum of 5 years of experience in an early childhood setting required. Master’s degree in a related field plus 5 years of experience is preferred.
• Previous Head Start program experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of referral processes for children with suspected disabilities.
• Understanding of the requirements of IFSPs and IEPs.
• Experience working with children with identified needs and/or at risk children.

Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:

• Ability to relate to and communicate effectively with a variety of multi-ethnic and socio-economic groups and/or individuals.
• Must have knowledge of community resources, especially those related to services for children and families with identified disabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, etc.).
• Must be able to navigate and enter data in a complex database.
• Strong organizational skills needed.
• Must be able to work some evening and weekend hours.

Core Technology Competency: Level 2 - Intermediate 1

Certifications: Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications.

Driver’s License: Because of the multiple locations of centers and home visits, a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation on a daily basis is required.

Physical Requirements:

●Normal office physical exertion.

●Must be physically able to participate with children in the Head Start classroom and on fieldtrips.

●Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

●Ability to drive, climb stairs and perform home visits out in the community.

●This position requires the ability to handle and prioritize multiple complex tasks and deadlines and function effectively, independently and as a team member.

Mental Requirements: Must be able to relate to and communicate with people of varying multi-ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Environmental Requirements: Environment will include normal office environment, Head Start centers and classrooms, unaccompanied home visits, travel between sites and to/ from home and community agencies/organizations.

Benefits

Department: Head Start - Mental Health

Starting Salary Range: $26.71/ hr - $30.04/hr

Your starting salary will be based on whether you have relevant experience above the requirements listed above.

Schedule: Up to 40 hours/week, Seasonal (9-10 months), M-F

Hybrid Capability: This position has 20% hybrid capability.

Posting Dates: 7/10/2024 - 7/18/2024

Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays (14), health, dental & life insurance, retirement, employee discount programs and more.

Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Some positions require additional fingerprint and photo verification. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.

Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.