Service Coordinator: Early Childhood (Ages 3-5)

Employment Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications include a BA/BS/BSW or MA/MS/MSW degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Special Education, or a related field, plus two years of professional experience working with developmentally disabled individuals. Case management experience is required for providing services to the special needs’ population. Qualified candidates must possess strong client interview, assessment, and interpersonal skills and be available for community outreach. Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred.

Essential Job Functions:
The Service Coordinator for Early Childhood will monitor a caseload ratio of 1:40 and build strong relationships with families to understand their unique needs and goals for their children. Responsibilities include conducting initial assessments, developing Individual Program Plans (IPPs) in collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams, and coordinating access to services and resources (including therapy, educational support, and community programs) while ensuring timely delivery and follow-up. The Service Coordinator will regularly review and monitor children's progress, adjusting plans as necessary. Collaboration with early intervention specialists, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners (school districts, child welfare, and court systems) is essential to ensure comprehensive care.  The Service Coordinator will stay informed about available community resources and assist families in accessing them. Accurate and up-to-date records of service coordination activities, including progress notes and IPP documentation, must be maintained in compliance with state regulations. The Service Coordinator will advocate for families and children within the regional center and community, promoting awareness and access to necessary services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide regular telephonic, video, and face-to-face contact as part of child and family engagement (minimum quarterly review meetings).
• Participate in the IPP process to develop and implement the Individual Program Plan using person centered approaches.
• Involve family members in program planning, service coordination, and self-advocacy.
• Assess the needs of individuals and families.
• Participate in team meetings when appropriate to assess individual needs.
• Use supportive communication to enhance positive relationships while addressing challenges and providing feedback.
• Collaborate with the planning team to explore options for meeting IPP objectives.
• Assist in identifying service delivery options that best meet individual needs, including self-determination and participant-directed services.
• Share information on available services with families and make referrals to providers.
• Understanding of Purchase of Service (POS) standards and procedure.
• Collect and disseminate information to coordinate services as specified in the IPP.
• Monitor IPP implementation to ensure objectives are met and assist with necessary revisions.
• Provide orientation to families regarding the regional center system and services.
• Connect families to generic services and community training opportunities.
• Inform families about clients' rights, appeals, and complaint processes.
• Maintain Title 19 documentation requirements for Targeted Case Management.
• Participate in agency-wide audits, including Medicaid Waiver, Self Determination, POS, etc., as assigned.

• Participate in meetings and trainings as assigned.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Language Skills:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, assessments, and legal documents. Capable of responding to common inquiries or complaints from families or regulatory agencies and effectively presenting information to upper management, public groups, and boards of directors.

Mathematical Skills and Reasoning Ability:
Ability to calculate figures and amounts, define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Other Skills and Abilities:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness of diverse groups. Ability to handle confidential information and adhere to Welfare and Institution codes.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Class C California Driver’s License and Personal Auto Insurance meeting California Minimum Requirements.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Employees are regularly required to use hands for handling, talking, or hearing. Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and reaching with hands and arms are necessary. Employees may occasionally climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. They must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
The characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Ability to maintain a neat and orderly workspace while ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and compliance with HIPAA regulations.