Disabilities Coordinator

About the role

Encompass Community Services is seeking a Head Start Disabilities Coordinator to join an exciting team making a difference in the lives of children and families. The position works in the Child & Family Development Programs (CFDP) service area, supporting the planning, administration, and ongoing assessment of services and partnerships in the area of disabilities and other individualized needs.

Responsibilities

• Link children and families to an ongoing source of continuous, accessible early intervention services, as appropriate.
• Work with the ERSEA Manager to recruit, select, and enroll children with disabilities.
• Ensure that developmental screening plays a role in child development and health services planning for children.
• Ensure the timely assessment of special education/related services needs to children with disabilities, conducted in coordination with the Part C agency and/or LEA.
• Provide parents with information and assistance in understanding and advocating for services and support needed to address their child's special needs.
• Provide staff with the information, guidance, and resources needed to help children and families meet the individualized goals and objectives in the IFSP/IEP.
• Aid in modifying activities; removing barriers; and providing support, as needed, for inclusion of children with disabilities in the full range of program activities.
• Coordinate with the Health Manager to ensure that children with suspected or diagnosed health disabilities, including children with special feeding/dietary needs, receive individualized services.
• Track provision of all child disabilities services and ensure that follow-up services are received in a timely manner.
• As needed, recruit, hire and orient new volunteers, consultants and interns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a field closely related to Disabilities or Early Childhood Education with coursework and/or experience related to developmental differences & diagnosed disabilities.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Computer competence; knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated; ability to work both independently and within a team successfully.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, be detailed oriented, exercise good judgement and multi-task.
• Flexibility; must be able to work evenings/weekends as needed.

Experience

• Three plus years’ experience working with families and children ages 0-5 (Head Start/Early Head Start experience is preferred).
• Knowledge of early development and work experience in-group settings for children.
• Experience with assessment of young children’s development.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, training, or in a leadership role.
• Experience with electronic record keeping systems and reporting.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience in mentoring/coaching, and training early childhood staff (preferred).
• Experience in data analysis, presenting findings and creating action plans (highly desirable).
• Experience with regulations of IDEA part B and Part C, as well as parent’s rights.

Additional Requirements

• Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States.
• Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index.
• Physical exam and TB clearance.
• Provide proof of Tdap, MMR and Influenza vaccinations.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Use of an automobile with valid vehicle insurance coverage and good driving record.