Job Summary:

The Disabilities Coordinator designs, coordinates and implements the disabilities services for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs. The Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the recruitment, enrollment, and planning for the delivery of all applicable program services for children with special needs.

Requirements:

1. Minimum BA/BS in Education, Psychology, Occupational or Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, child development or related field with specialized training.

2. Basic knowledge of conditions that constitute a disability and of services available.

3. Knowledge of child development principles and an interest in establishing positive relationships with Head Start children and families.

4. Experience in working with families of children with disabilities.

5. Public speaking, public relations and writing skills.

6. Ability to organize and structure time.

7. Valid driver’s license, good driving record, reliable transportation.

8. Willing to work occasional nights & weekends, travel out of the area for training as required.

9. Good employment record.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Work with direct Supervisor and Program Leadership team to develop and oversee the disabilities service plan, and participate in program planning and improvement plans.

2. Develop and provide training for staff on positive guidance and redirection following the Conscious Discipline model.

3. Work closely with the Local LEA to ensure contractual services are provided in a way that support children with families with any disability concerns, as well as classroom staff.

4. Develop a working knowledge of the Arkansas Child Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards and other regulations including special education civil rights Laws (Section 504 and Americans with a Disability Act), and special education laws (IDEA, IL94-142, PL 99-459).

5. Assist with conducting the on-going Community Assessment and Program Self-Assessment.

6. Provide input for developing the program budget.

7. Coordinate and process referrals for special education diagnostic evaluations. Obtain diagnostic reports for the child's portfolio to aid teachers to establish accommodations and adaptations to maximize successful inclusion and continuity of care for children with disabilities.

8. Participate in the development of an IEP or IFSP for children with diagnosed disabilities in conjunction with the Local Education Agency (LEA) or Early Intervention service provider, the child’s teacher, parent/guardian and other staff members as needed.

9. Participate in scheduled meetings to provide support for center staff focused on disabilities.

10. Lead the interdisciplinary team to ensure that Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) are being supported.

11. Coordinate training and support for staff in implementing IEP/IFSP/treatment plans to meet each child’s individual needs.

12. Coordinate training and oversee completion of developmental screenings, and follow-up to identify children with disabilities according to state, federal and Head Start Performance Standards.

13. Ensure progress is being made by regularly monitoring the child’s portfolio, data tracking system, and interviewing staff and parents .

14. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners to identify resources available in the community and coordinate research projects as appropriate.

15. Determine training and technical assistance needed for program staff and parents to best support the special needs of children and help parents become advocates for services that meet their children’s needs .

16. Initiate, coordinate, and follow-up on transition conferences for children with documented disabilities and/or mental health needs. Utilize ChildPlus to maintain up-to-date records and documentation of all referrals, status updates, IEP/IFSP documentation, as well as generate reports as necessary.

17. Attend training to keep abreast of trends in all service areas and to enhance professional development.

18. Participate in the Health Services Advisory Committee, composed of staff, parents, and other community professionals to assist with service planning and program evaluation activities.

19. Assist with generating In-Kind match.

20. Assist with the recruitment of children with special needs.

21. Must have access to a dependable vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage and possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license with a clean driving record.

22. Perform other duties as assigned.

General Staff Responsibilities:

1. Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions, and workshops as assigned.

2. Maintain confidentiality in regards to staff and family information.

3. Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in child abuse and neglect policy.

4. Perform any other work-related duties as requested by your supervisor.

5. Be present at work in order to provide consistency of services.

Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County, Inc. (EOA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.80 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Ability to Relocate:

• Fayetteville, AR: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person