Disability Specialist

ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, INC.

JOB TITLE: Disabilities Specialist (0-5) DEPT: Early Learning Division

REPORTS TO: Disabilities Manager FLSA: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: Provide direct service to children and families. Assist classroom staff with the day-to-day management of children in need of additional classroom support in the area of disabilities.

CHILDREN SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITY: Responsible for child supervision and for keeping children safe.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide services for children suspected or diagnosed with disabilities or with behavioral challenges.
2. Respond to in-house referrals for children suspected of having risk factors or a diagnosed disability.
3. Assist with the recruitment of children who are diagnosed with or at risk for disabilities.
4. Ensure timely referrals to outside agencies for multidisciplinary evaluations for children with risk factors or suspected disabilities.
5. Participate in collaboration meetings concerning assigned children, including but not limited to Child Placement Team meetings, case conferences, PPT, IEP/IFSP meetings, transition meetings, and consultation with service providers.
6. Assist teaching staff with serving the needs of at-risk or disabled children in the classroom by providing in-person support, training, and technical assistance.
7. Facilitate or provide training for parents and staff on topics related to disabilities. Provide support and advocacy services for parents.
8. Provide ongoing monitoring of services for assigned children.
9. Willingness to enhance job knowledge through training and education as required or necessary.
10. Ensure compliance and implementation of IEP services.
11. Ensure and monitor compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
12. Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, or related field plus three years of experience working with diagnosed children in an early childhood setting.
• Special Education experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with young children (0-5) with disabilities.
• Experience and knowledge of community-based disability services.
• Knowledge and experience in data collection and information processes and systems, along with knowledge of childcare regulations, and policy and procedure compliance.
• Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations professionally.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of appropriate early childhood practices in early childhood settings.
• Ability to interface with parents, program staff, community partners, and children.
• Must have excellent computer skills and knowledge of various processes, including database management, spreadsheet, word processing, internet, and email.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

HOURS/DAY

0-1 1-2 2-4 4-7

Walking X

Standing X

Sitting X

Reaching X

Driving X

Twisting X

Squatting X

Lifting X

Bending X

Gripping X

Keyboard use X

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER-THROUGH AFFIRMATIVE ACTION