Associate Director of Outreach-Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)

About the role

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is seeking an Associate Director of Outreach for Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) for blind and low vision children. This position reports to the Outreach Director and works collaboratively within the department, agency, other state agencies, as well as local service providers.

Responsibilities

• Manage direct contracts with ESIT Provider Agencies (EPAs) for the WSSB Birth to 3 Program to provide EI services to families by being an active member of the IFSP teams, including maintaining monthly data for services delivered and contract agreements.
• Manage teacher caseloads and service times, balancing capacity of staffing needs with service needs.
• Process new referrals appropriately through communication with WSSB Birth to 3 Program staff and referring EPAs with direct coordination and customer service at the highest level.
• Maintain adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel, and achieving objectives within allocated budget by performing personnel functions, e.g., interviewing, evaluating, supervising, etc.
• Coordinate and collaborate with local, regional, state and national entities, e.g. Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), medical community, university programs, county family resource coordinators, school districts, Washington Sensory Disability Services (WSDS), and the Washington DeafBlind Program.
• Develop short and long-range plans/programs to ensure state capacity to meet EI/ECSE needs of families of blind and low vision children and blind and low vision youth in preschool programs, including kindergarten transition.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and seminars for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform the functions of this position.
• Train, conduct, coordinate, and assist with appropriate assessments for the population of children served through this position.
• Provide leadership in the development of workshops and training programs for both certified teachers of blind and low vision students or certified orientation and mobility specialists who work with the EI/ECSE population and other related service providers on the IFSP/IEP team of children with blind/low vision.
• Provide supervision and support through coaching and mentoring for service providers around the state for the purposes of providing ongoing in-service training, direct and indirect services, as well as to ensure a high standard of service provided to meet the needs of children and families served throughout Washington.
• Meet objectives and ensure compliance with established financial, legal, and/or administrative requirements by managing budgets and/or grant activities including subcontracts from fiscal agents, private grants, etc.
• Collect and maintain a variety of data for the purposes of documenting, monitoring, and evaluating program activities and outcomes aligned with program and agency strategic plan goals and objectives.
• Prepare a variety of written materials (e.g., reports, budgets, grant proposals, etc.) for the purposes of documenting activities, soliciting, and maintaining funding, providing written reference, and conveying information for both WSSB and contract deliverables with other state agencies.
• Provide direction, information, and state interpretations concerning rules and regulations of IDEA, Part C and B, to ensure compliance with established regulations.
• Secure alternate funding for programs/services by researching information from a variety of sources.
• Resolve issues with technical, legal, and administrative information in response to inquiries from administrators, parents, EI/ECSE professionals and educators, etc.

Requirements

Experience within the specialized field of early intervention and early childhood special education for families of blind and low vision children as well as youth who are blind or low vision, including those with additional disabilities, with increasing levels of responsibility demonstrating leadership and solid organizational skills in helping to develop/coordinate a world class partnership to meet the needs of these youth and families.

Education and key attributes Required: A Master’s degree with emphasis in education of blind and low vision children, EI/ECSE, and or subjects related to building and coordinating services for blind and low vision infants, youth and families. Preferred: Successful completion of an education program administrator or principal leadership program and experience.

Other Knowledge and training in working with a wide range of children who are blind/low vision, including those with additional disabilities. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work in partnership with numerous agencies and organizations in to streamline and improve statewide services for families/children who are blind/low vision. Knowledge of and experience with IDEA, part C and B, regulations, and services. Knowledge and skill in a range of assessments and assessment practices appropriate for children with vision loss. Successful completion of the Washington State UEB examination or literary braille certification through the National Library of Congress is preferred.

Qualifications

A Master’s degree with emphasis in education of blind and low vision children, EI/ECSE, and or subjects related to building and coordinating services for blind and low vision infants, youth and families. Preferred: Successful completion of an education program administrator or principal leadership program and experience.

Knowledge of and experience with IDEA, part C and B, regulations, and services. Knowledge and skill in a range of assessments and assessment practices appropriate for children with vision loss. Successful completion of the Washington State UEB examination or literary braille certification through the National Library of Congress is preferred.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work in partnership with numerous agencies and organizations in to streamline and improve statewide services for families/children who are blind/low vision. Knowledge of and experience with IDEA, part C and B, regulations, and services. Knowledge and skill in a range of assessments and assessment practices appropriate for children with vision loss. Successful completion of the Washington State UEB examination or literary braille certification through the National Library of Congress is preferred.

Benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read About Our Benefits