SCHS Disabilities Specialist - (open until filled)

TITLE: Disabilities Specialist
SALARY: Level V
HOURS WORKED: 40 hours per week for 52 weeks
SUPERVISED BY: Child Services Coordinator
STAFF SUPERVISED: None
POSITION PURPOSE: To assure that children with special needs are identified and receive high quality services according to the Performance Standards and the Work Plan. To act as liasion between ESD EI/ECSE & SCHS to facilitate communication between the agencies and delivery of high quality services to the children.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Administrative:

Provide support and resources to staff and parents on children with special needs.
Participate on relevant community committees as requested.
Submit monthly report to supervisor.
Participate in pre-service updates, as requested.
Attend Education Advisory and Health Advisory Group meetings, as requested.
Promote positive rapport within the community agencies that assist the Head Start program in providing services for our families.
Act as liaison between ESD/EI-ECSE and SCHS.

Classroom:

Support teaching staff in identifying children with special needs. Make recommendations for referrals to appropriate agencies and document.
Attend eligibility, IFSP, placement review, annual meeting and transition meetings as scheduling allows. Prioritize meetings to attend through consultation with Teachers, Area Managers, Family Advocates, Specialists and supervisor as needed.
Participate in behavioral staffings as appropriate. Provide support and suggestions/strategies.

Screenings:

Schedule, implement and track screenings.
Responsible for seeing that screenings are complete for all children.
Consult with Teacher, Health Specialist, Area Managers and supervisor regarding children with questionable screening results, as needed
Assist in communication process among teaching teams, parents and referral agency, to include tracking of referral process.

Record keeping:

Compile census report for Coordinators & Area Managers on a regular basis.
Track services delivered to children with special needs.
Data enter screening information.

Individual/Team Expectations:

Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.
Attend staff meetings, center meetings, and/or other workshops/meetings as notified.
Maintain a positive attitude regarding ORCCA and all its programs along with the Head Start program and philosophy.
Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance and welcoming of diversity.
Maintain respect and positive communication regarding all children, families and staff.
Maintain confidentiality of client and staff information.
Maintain open, two-way communication with staff.
Accept suggestions and guidance from supervisor and/or other management staff.
Seek feedback on job performance and evaluate suggestions and guidance to incorporate in performance.
Commit to further training. Develop an individual training plan using program tools, as appropriate.
Communicate with supervisor regarding any needed changes or concerns with work schedule.
Adhere to agency procedures as a mandated child abuse reporter.
Physical ability to perform the job.

*Perform other jobs as designated by your supervisor, Project Director or Agency Director. Employees may occasionally be asked to work alternate hours and days.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required:

BA in related field required, MA preferred
Two years experience in human services
Ability to take initiative and work independently
Ability to work with parents and staff

Work Environment:

Geographic Area: Coos and Curry Counties
Primary job site: Coos Bay
May lift items up to 51 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
Physically able to perform essential job responsibilities.
Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.

Other:

Licenses: A current Drivers License is required.
A good driving record is necessary.
Proof of automobile liability insurance @ 100,000/300,000 liability limits
Reliable transportation
Must be drug free.
Must be enrolled in the Oregon Employment Department-Child Care Division Central Background Registry
Health Appraisal
First Aid/ CPR Certification
Able to drive/travel long distances
Ability to sit at meetings for as long as four hours at a time
Ability to work in excess of eight hours per day and during evenings as required

ASPIRATIONS: the following is a list of aspirations that apply to all ORCCA positions

Teamwork - We join our individual strengths together creating teams and circles of cooperation to promote innovative thinking and bring opportunity to our community.
Partnerships - We create collaborative community partnerships to best leverage all resources available for the benefit of the community.
Diversity - We welcome and accept differences, and honor our co-workers and clients by treating each person with equality, dignity, and respect.
Confidentiality & Ethics - We maintain a high standard of ethics and integrity to respect the confidentiality of clients and staff.
Physical Safety - We respond promptly to address health and safety needs or concerns for clients and staff.
Communications - We encourage timely, open-minded, respectful, and direct communication to alleviate controversies and foster a safe, productive workplace.
Health & Sustainability - Recognizing the importance of physical, emotional, and environmental health, we seek to inspire and model healthy, sustainable living.
Public Relations - We recognize that each of us represents the entire agency in our public interactions and strive to act in a consistently professional and unbiased manner.
Professional Growth - We provide an environment supportive to personal and professional growth, cross training, and advancement

SIGNATURES & DATES - The following signatures are required to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the Job Description; that essential functions are aligned with organization goals and objectives; to validate that it is clear, concise and supports compliance with legal considerations; and employee understanding of the job requirements. NOTE: Because jobs change, management reserves the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

NOTE: The specific statements reflected in each section of this position description are not intended to be all-conclusive, but rather the basic elements and criteria considered being necessary in order to satisfactorily perform the duties associated with the position.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: (items to return with application)

-- Incomplete applications will not be accepted. --
You MUST have the below items included in order for your application to be processed.