Early Intervention Specialist, ECI

Primary Purpose: Upholds Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) mission, values, and goals by providing service coordination and direct services to eligible children and their families. This position serves Collingsworth and surrounding counties via Telehealth and in-person. Qualifications: Education/Certification: Bachelor’s Degree required; preference will be given to degrees in the following fields: human development and family studies, psychology, social work with certification, sociology, education, or other degree with focus in study area of early childhood development and 18 hours of early childhood course work including 3 hours of child development or any bachelor’s degree with 18 hours of early childhood course work including 3 hours of child development. Special Knowledge/Skills/Experience: Willingness and ability to successfully complete (within one year of hire date) additional required highly skilled and advanced training in the Competency Demonstration System which certifies staff to assess and analyze non-typical child development vs. typical development Experience working with young or severely/profoundly delayed children preferred Knowledge of child development and infant/early toddler assessment preferred Training or experience in record keeping, case management, and parent training preferred Ability to work cooperatively and build rapport with ECI team, families, community agencies, medical personnel, and local education agencies required Ability to take initiative in completing job tasks required Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office programs and the ability to learn new technology systems required Working Conditions: Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and standing Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, occasional driving Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more) Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent regionwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion Regular Attendance is an essential function Major Responsibilities and Duties: Analyzes data collected from the completion of the evaluation/assessment instruments and assesses to determine if a child is eligible for the ECI program by making clinical decisions and determinations thus facilitating the process of enrollment. Facilitates and participates in the development, review, and evaluation of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) which is based upon the child’s developmental history, parent’s input, and the results of all evaluations and assessments. Monitors and reassesses the needs of the child and coordinates all services that are necessary to ensure that the IFSP is effectively implemented. Provides and assists all eligible children and their families in gaining access to the rights and procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C and to all needed medical, social, educational, developmental, and other appropriate services at a minimum of one hour per child per month. Approves financial resources to fund respite care services as deemed necessary and appropriate based on the assessment of the child and family needs. Cooperates with local community agencies/individuals and is knowledgeable of resources available in order to secure needed services on behalf of the clients. Follows all ESC policies and procedures in committing financial resources when necessary. Assesses the child’s need to determine if technical assistance services are required. Accesses the services through the ESC in the areas of assistive technology, vision and hearing impaired, and other community agencies as needed. Provides developmental direct one-on-one or consultative services that give families information, skills, and support to assist their child with the acquisition and mastery of functional skills designed to reduce the limitations resulting from developmental delays or disabilities and focuses on identification of developmental needs across all domains at a frequency that meets family needs and local program requirements within 28 days of IFSP. Works cooperatively with the local education agencies (LEA), child-care centers, and other agencies to identify and document the appropriate steps in transition services to support each child and family to smoothly and effectively transition from ECI to LEA special education services or other community activities, places, or programs. Participates in the required “Random Moment in Time Studies” which helps the program secure additional federal funds in order to serve clients. Participates in public awareness and child-find activities that promote quality referrals from appropriate referral sources. Is responsible for submitting all required written documentation and forms according to established timelines that are related to the child, family, and financial records. Maintains in-service training requirements for professional growth and development and other program records such as inventory of equipment and materials. Checks and responds to emails and voicemails within 48 hours during regular workdays. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the director. A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and the mailbox emptied regularly. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. Annual Number of Work Days: 220