SCHS - Disabilities Specialist

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 liaison between ESD EI/ECSE & SCHS to facilitate communication between the agencies and delivery of high quality services to the children.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
ADMINISTRATIVE: (25%)

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: (15%)

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: (40%)

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: (20%)

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 PARTICIPATION: (ongoing)

Maintain a positive attitude regarding the Head Start program and philosophy
Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance and welcoming of diversity.
Treat staff, children and families with respect.
Accept suggestions and guidance from Child Services Coordinator.
Seek feedback in job performance.
Attend meetings and trainings as requested.
Commit to further training as identified in individual training plan.
*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 Site: Coos Bay
Physically able to perform essential job responsibilities.
May lift items up to 51 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated by the supervisor based on the input from appropriate staff relative to: attitude, skills and knowledge. All employees’ formal evaluation will be conducted in the winter.

New Employee or New Position (first two years of either) performance goals will be set in the fall and reviewed/updated before the end of the program year.

OTHER:

A current Oregon Driver’s License is required
A good driving record is necessary
Proof of automobile liability insurance
Reliable transportation
Must be drug-free
Must be able to pass mandated Oregon Employment Department Child Care Division Criminal History Registry Background Check
Health Appraisal
First Aid/CPR
Able to drive 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

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-inclusive, but rather the basic elements and criteria considered 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.