Intervention Specialist- Head Start

Intervention Specialist – Head Start

Position summary 

This position coordinates and supports all disability services for students ages 3-5. Oversees the assessment, implementation, and facilitation of referral services and Individual Education Plans (IEP). Serves as a liaison for all internal and external stakeholders related to IEP service provision and related resources and ensures compliance with all Head Start requirements.

   Key Responsibilities & duties 

SUPPORT & COORDINATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES  

• Oversees and coordinates all disability assessments and support services for students; ensures all services are available and meet criteria and requirements, including Head Start requirements.
• Ensures that the Local Education Agency (LEA) is responsible for the identification, evaluation, and provision of free and appropriate education for Head Start students in need of special education and support services; coordinates initial and ongoing evaluations for all Head Start programs.  
• Initiates referral process for all disability and mental health services, including, but not limited to the MTSS process, IEP referrals, and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation services. Provides and supports students transitioning to Head Start and out of Head Start into other educational settings or Kindergarten. Coordinates all steps to ensure the student and their families understand the referral process, obtain the necessary referral paperwork, and attend all related meetings.
• Facilitates on-going communication with agencies (DGKHS, Part B and Part C agencies, etc.), consultants and management to maintain an interdisciplinary approach that supports effective early intervention services and positive outcomes for students and families.
• Acts as a liaison for all internal and external stakeholders around disability and referral services for Head Start Programs.
• Ensures Educare Learning Network core features are implemented in programs.
• Supports the implementation of inclusive classroom practices, social emotional curriculum, and other features of the educational environment and teaching practices as needed.
• Responds to classrooms to provide support to children and teachers

    INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN (IEP) IMPLEMENTATION  

• Interacts with referral specialists and families to obtain IEP and documentation to understand student needs within their program
• Supports internal stakeholders to implement IEP; ensures goals are integrated into lesson plans, and the classroom environment is set up for student success; provides ideas and strategies for internal stakeholders when they have students with IEPs.
• Educates parents and families on the IEP. Provides parents and families with their rights and responsibilities and information on the plan and services; assists the family with arranging additional services if needed and informs the family of appropriate community resources.
• Monitors the goals in the IEP and meets with all stakeholders to discuss progress and recommendations, reviews goals and transition plans; ensures work plans are reviewed updated on an annual basis or as needed to effectively support the student.
• Completes and maintains all required documentation and enters required information into relevant systems; documentation includes student files, IEP forms, reports, logs, service information, etc., maintains compliance to meet all requirements and regulations.

  Qualifications

Education

REQUIRED

• Bachelor's Degree​ in Psychology, Social Services, Early Childhood Education, Special Education or related field

PREFERRED

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Services, Early Childhood Education, Special Education or related field​

    Certifications or Licenses  

• CPR Certification  
• Pediatric First Aid Certification  
• Universal Precautions Certification  
• Valid driver's license with evidence of auto insurance  

  Experience 

• 3 years of experience in Early Childhood Education with a focus on working with children with disabilities ​ 

  Training 

• n/a 

  Other Special Requirements 

• Knowledge of economic, cultural and societal challenges of ethnically diverse communities preferred  
• Current PPD-TB and physical examination  
• Successfully pass a Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background checks  
• Pass a National Sex Offender Registry Check  
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred  

   Skills and abilities 

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Head Start requirements   
• Ability to manage external agency relationships with organizations serving needs of students   
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of Individual Education Plans  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to interpret and understand information received and prepare and transmit it  
• Ability to build relationships, influence others with strong customer service and interpersonal skills; can relate to others from a variety of backgrounds  
• Leadership skills with the ability to build effective and credible relationships  
• Attention to detail with the ability to maintain and organize documents and files  
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to learn a variety of software and systems  
• Ability to understand and perform basic mathematical computations; can apply basic analytical skills  
• Experience with office equipment with the ability to troubleshoot  
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team; can remain calm in stressful situations  

COMPENSATION RATE

$63,000-$68,000 Salary

Salary : $63,000 - $68,000