Inclusion Advocate

 Summary:   Assist Inclusion Specialist and teaching staff with implementation of Disabilities Services Plan and Mental Health Performance Standards. Assist Inclusion Specialist and teaching staff in providing individualized services for children and families with disabilities and support to ensure school readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Maintain up to date knowledge and assist with the full process of assessment (timely developmental and social-emotional screening, on-going, and evaluation).
2. Implement the referral for evaluation of children with suspected disabilities to LEA/Part C providers according to procedure and as outlined in the County Interagency Transition Agreements.
3. Conduct individual observations of children with suspected disabilities as part of the referral process and ensure implementation of IEP/IFSP goals.
4. Assist parents in understanding the referral process, evaluation, IEP/IFSP process, and parental rights.
5. Attend IEP/IFSP meetings and staffing’s along with teaching staff, parents and local school districts.
6. Create Planning Matrix template for teaching staff that aligns the IEP/IFSP goals and objectives to curriculum and assist teachers with completion.
7. Implement transition plan with parents and staff for children transitioning from 0-3 or entering Kindergarten.
8. Develop a communication system with families by calling, writing letters, meeting face to face, and making home visits as needed. Maintain knowledge of available services and make referrals as needed.
9. Assist in transporting special needs children to appointments as needed.
10. Assist teaching staff with embedding IEPs/IFSPs goals and objectives into lesson plans and daily routines and provide appropriate implementation strategies.
11. Assist teachers with understanding the goal documentation needed for each IEP/IFSP goal/objective.
12. Assist Inclusion Specialist in the Tier 2 Targeted Connections process and provide assistance to teaching teams.
13. Conduct and/or assist in staff and parent trainings as requested.
14. Act as a liaison between public schools, Early Childhood programs, families, community members, and multi-disciplinary teams.
15. Coordinate and monitor services for students with special needs as appropriate.
16. File and maintain documentation on all children services and service delivery systems; maintain information of a confidential nature regarding families, disabilities and mental health issues.
17. Assist with completing reports as requested.
18. Other duties and responsibilities as directed by supervisor.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Participate in the team process, both within the department and the corporation.
2. Attend internal and external meetings.
3. Pursue continuous education and professional development opportunities.
4. Out-of-town travel with occasional overnight stays.
5. May occasionally be required to work in excess of scheduled work hours per week in order to fulfill position requirements. Overtime must be pre-approved by supervisor.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education:

Required Bachelor degree in early childhood education, special education, or related field. Prefer teaching license, therapist license, or early intervention certificate.

Experience:

One to three years experience working with children with disabilities and their families and one to three years experience working with Microsoft Office and Web based applications.

Additional Requirements:

1. Initial and periodic Motor Vehicle Records checks, maintain a valid driver’s license, and maintain a safe driving record.
2. Must have insured, dependable transportation available for daily use.
3. Initial and periodic physical exams required.
4. Must submit to initial and/or periodic state and/or federal criminal checks.
5. Must submit to initial and periodic drug and alcohol testing.
6. Ability to be reached by cellular phone during business hours and after hours.