Purpose and Key Responsibilities:

The Early Intervention Specialist (EIS) supports the overall mission and purpose of The Warren Center by effectively evaluating and treating the developmental needs of children enrolled in The Warren Center ECI and its programs. Consultation for other The Warren Center programs may be contracted on an as-needed basis.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Direct and consultative developmental services are designed and implemented to meet the needs of children and families. Responsibilities include:

• Assess the need for developmental services
• Plan, implement, and revise appropriate developmental plans for children and families
• Provide the services directly to children and families or as a consultant to other service providers
• Document all services, activities, and consultations within areas of training and expertise.

Service coordination is provided that addresses and anticipates the needs of the child and family. Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with families in a non-judgmental, healthy, helping relationship
• Conduct intakes that focus on regular routines within the context of the family’s life that enhance each child's development.
• Coordinate services for each child and family on caseload
• Document all service coordination activities
• Provide resources to and for the family and for agency and community opportunities
• Be an agent for problem solving
• Collaborate with other service providers

Transdisciplinary teaming ensures that the developmental needs and service delivery needs are comprehensive and meet the needs of the child and family. Responsibilities include:

• Joint program planning
• Mutual support
• Active agency participation and involvement
• Share self and knowledge with team members
• Supervise student interns or volunteers as appropriate

Professional development activities are planned and implemented that advance the individual capabilities of the EIS and meet the needs of the program and the agency Responsibilities include:

• Demonstrate professional conduct and ethical practice at all times
• Endorse The Warren Center philosophy of service delivery, policies, and procedures
• Participate in continuing education and interagency exchange
• Serve as a resource for agency and community opportunities

Qualifications

Education

• Required - Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the fields of child development, early childhood education, social work, special education, or a related degree.
• Preferred - Master’s Degree or above

Licensure/Certification/Registration

• Required - Certified or registered or in process of applying for EIS Professional as detailed in policies of Texas Early Childhood Intervention. Current CPR and First Aid certification.

Experience:

• Required - Employment or practicum experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and/or their families.

Additional Skills and Abilities

• Language - English and Spanish REQUIRED
• Required - Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with children, families, team members, physicians, and professionals in related fields; organizational skills and ability to meet the paperwork demands of a large caseload; ability to appropriately observe professional boundaries with clients; ability to apply knowledge of child development in practice; ability to work a flexible schedule including some night visits.
• Preferred - Skills in conflict management, negotiation, and resolution, teamwork skills, ability to work amid distractions.

Working Conditions

Physical requirements

• Moderate to heavy physical exertion, including pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Kneeling, stooping, sitting on floor, rising from sitting, walking, standing.
• Finger dexterity.
• Good vision.

Cognitive or Mental requirements

• Ability to read, write, and perform simple math.
• Ability to create methodologies and strategies to accomplish goals.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize data, develop plans, strategies, and outcomes based on data analysis.
• Knowledge and use of common computer office software and email.

Working Environment

• Work is performed in an office shared by several people, therapeutic playroom, child-care setting or client home.
• Work includes driving to and from a variety of settings within the program’s service area.
• Policies exist regarding Universal Health Precautions and Safety in the Workplace: training is provided and practice of these procedures is monitored for all staff.