Assistant Director (First Steps) (S)

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

This highly responsible position will assist the SPOE First Steps Director with supervision of personnel, day-to day operations of the SPOE, overseeing the quality of services and work provided by Service Coordinators within the First Steps program. The Assistant Director will monitor the quality and timeliness of documents, services, and records while mentoring Lead Service Coordinator(s) and Service Coordinators in a supportive and positive environment. 

This description may not include all the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this position.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist SPOE Director with day-to-day operations, supervising personnel, assisting families of eligible children, working with enrolled providers, networking with community partners, and collaborating with school districts.
• Uphold strict confidentiality standards for secure handling of sensitive information.
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards, fostering a culture of integrity and responsible conduct in all professional interactions and decisions.
• Assist SPOE Director with implementation of SPOE administration plans for child find, public awareness, educational surrogates, assistive technology, provider recruitment, EI Examiners, and EIT implementation.
• Assist SPOE Director with implementation of needs assessment and technical assistance plan to review the quality-of-Service Coordinator practices, identify strengths and areas needing improvement, provide supports, and training and report on outcomes of the support and training provided.
• Assist the SPOE Director with addressing complaints regarding SPOE staff. Assist with obtaining documentation from parents, providers, and SPOE staff.
• Support Service Coordinators with implementing corrective actions resulting from compliance monitoring by the state agency (DESE), child complaint decisions, and/or due process hearing decisions.
• Meet regularly with the assigned state agency Senior Program Specialist to analyze regional data and review SPOE administration plans to prepare necessary training and professional development activities for Service Coordinators and Service Providers in the region.
• Assist SPOE Director to maintain the First Steps SharePoint Page to ensure the information is accurate, up-to-date, and organized, and reflects current First Steps contract requirements and Abilities First policies and processes.
• Work with the SPOE Director and Lead Service Coordinator(s) to develop and maintain internal quality assurance processes and systems to include but not limited to ensuring forms and records are utilized by staff and current.
• Work with Lead Service Coordinator(s) to ensure all Service Coordinators are on track to meet DESE First Steps contract and compliance requirements included but not limited to: 14-day IFSP finalization, timely services, 45-day eligibility determination, timely IFSP Meeting scheduling, and completion of required IFSP meetings, review of progress notes, and timeliness of case-notes entered, is being followed.
• Maintain and stay knowledgeable of current of MO First Steps compliance, guidance, and practices.
• Assist SPOE Director training Lead Service Coordinator(s) in the implementation of Quality Assurance/Documentation of personnel processes and ensure they follow the frequency determined.
• Attend all required DESE meetings, trainings, as required.
• Work from SPOE office during office hours as per AF/SPOE needs, preferably 2-3 days per week.
• Act as representative for the First Steps Program and Abilities First.
• Meet regularly with Lead Service Coordinators regarding WebSPOE lists, monthly data reports ensuring overall team compliance, providing information, support, and training as needed.
• Participation in Abilities First community events / First Steps child find and outreach activities.
• Able to complete the duties of Service Coordinator and cover meetings when needed.
• Perform other related work and/or duties as assigned.
• Must be able to pass a background screening.
• Must have a valid Missouri driver’s license, reliable transportation, an acceptable driving record, and auto liability insurance that meet the requirements set by Abilities First.
• Must be able to drive for work-related assignments.
• Must have either a reliable broadband internet service provider or hard-wired (no cell/satellite) high speed internet with internet speed at no less than 15 mbps in order to work remotely from home with provided laptop and office equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• At least 5 years of successful experience as a Service Coordinator as demonstrated in performance appraisal.
• Ability to educate/train service coordinators regarding Service Coordination and First Steps Requirements as per First Steps Standards and Indicator’s Guidance, Missouri First Steps Service Coordinator Practice Manual, WebSPOE, Electronic Records, Contract requirements, SPOE/AF procedures, and policies in a manner that the Service Coordinator can easily interpret and apply.
• Demonstrates the core values of AF as an employee.
• Understand, demonstrate, and implement employee engagement.
• Expert level knowledge of the Missouri First Steps Program.
• Must have a high level of proficiency and accuracy in all duties.
• Must be detail orientated.
• Must be able to work independently and responsibly with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to organize and prioritize work to complete quality assurance tasks accurately and meeting deadlines.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must present a professional, business-like manner and appearance.
• Must be proficient with WebSPOE, MS Teams, and Microsoft Office software.
• Attend staff meetings concerning new or revised policies and procedures and implement new information accordingly.
• Perform other related work as assigned.
• Light lifting required. Extensive sitting.
• Must be able to drive locally for work-related assignments.
• Ability to bend, sit, stand, and stoop.
• Demonstrates professional work ethic.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability – Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
• Continuous Improvement – Originating action to improve existing conditions and processes, identifying improvements opportunities, generating ideas, and implementing solutions.
• Contributing to Team Success – Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
• Decision Making – Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
• Engagement Readiness – Demonstrating a willingness to commit to one’s work and to invest one’s time, talent, and best efforts in accomplishing organizational goals.
• Planning and Organizing – Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed effectively.
• Quality Orientation – Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills – Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related area, keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertise.
• Leadership Disposition – Demonstrating the traits, inclinations, and dispositions that characterize successful leaders; exhibiting behavior styles that meet the demands of the leader role.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Must meet the qualification for a Service Coordinator outlined in the Part C State Plan:
  Bachelor’s Degree, Masters preferred, in one of the following: Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Special Education, Child/Human Development, Social Work, Nursing, Psychology, Education Administration, Sociology, Family Science/Studies, Counseling, with 1 year experience working with families and young children.
  or
  Bachelor’s degree, Masters preferred, with 3 years of documented experience working with families and young children.
• 5 years demonstrated successful experience as a First Steps Service Coordinator strongly preferred.
• Must have two (2) years’ experience with personnel supervision.
• Leadership and management skills as well as knowledge of First Steps compliance, best practices and WebSPOE strongly preferred.
• Successful completion of all available First Steps modules

PHYSICAL CONTEXT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

• The work environment is usually a well-lighted, environmentally controlled indoor environment with moderate level of noise.

• Works in an office environment with the option for some remote work

• Abilities First offers a flexible schedule and relaxed environment

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Created 2.14.24