Disabilities Specialist

  • Children's Institute, Inc.
  • Los Angeles
  • 8mo ago
  • Full-Time
  • On-site
Coordinates the disabilities services and activities of the ECE programs. Coordinates assigned activities with other ECE service areas. Coordinates with staff in other program content areas including ongoing assessment of the quality of services provided. Through the use of independent discretion and judgment, in conjunction with specialized knowledge of disabilities, works to help children with disabilities achieve their potential.

DUTIES

SUMMARY

Coordinates the disabilities services and activities of the ECE programs.  Coordinates assigned activities with other ECE service areas.   Coordinates with staff in other program content areas including ongoing assessment of the quality of services provided.  Through the use of independent discretion and judgment, in conjunction with specialized knowledge of disabilities, works to help children with disabilities achieve their potential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ensures compliance with disabilities performance standards and ECE policies and procedures.

  • Ensures disabilities referrals are processed and submitted to Regional Center and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in an expeditious manner.

  • Works collaboratively with other service area staff to ensure screenings and observations are conducted, record-keeping requirements are met, and feedback is provided to staff.

  • Assists in providing behavior observations and consultations to education sites as requested through the referral process or as assigned by supervisor.

  • Assists in incorporating disabilities support services in the classroom.

  • Works with parents and caregivers to ensure enrollment of children with disabilities in appropriate programs.

  • Identifies and pursues potential partnership agreements with community agencies for support and services to ECE children, families and programs.

  • Utilizes independent judgment and discretion to ensure parent engagement in disabilities services programs and activities in accordance with performance standards.

  • Ensures compliance with pertinent legislation, regulations and laws; ensures timely and accurate records and reporting of data to Federal and State authorities.

  • Assists with disabilities services plans for ECE in consultation with staff, parents, Regional Center, and LEAs.

  • Serves as a liaison with community programs that provide disability-related services to ECE and other low-income families.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

  • Participates in multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and IEP/IFSP meetings, and Disabilities Service Area meetings with staff, teachers, community members and/or parents.

  • Participates in planning and/or convening the Health Services Advisory Committee.

  • Participates in annual refunding applications, budgets, program area plans, program self-assessment and community assessment.

  • Other duties and special projects as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • 1-2 years of experience working with children with disabilities.

  • Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, special education, or a related field required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

  • Possesses a valid driver's license and state-required auto insurance or reliable transportation depending on business needs.

  • Required to travel extensively (> 50% of the time).

  • Spanish/ English bilingual preferred.

  • Working knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards.     

  • Ability to handle confidential information. 

  • Maintains patient privacy, including protecting the confidentiality, safeguarding the integrity and availability, and limiting the use and disclosure of patient Protected Health Information (PHI) to authorized individuals and entities.

  • Participates in, conducts, and sustains performance quality improvement activities according to designated role and responsibilities.

  • Sensitivity to service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Punctual and dependable attendance.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • None required.

COMPUTER SKILLS

  • Must have intermediate knowledge of computer programs in a Windows environment, including Word, Excel and E-mail.

  • Database software

  • Spreadsheet software

  • Word Processing software

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Time Spent [None, -1/3, 1/3 - 2/3, 2/3+]

  • Stand: -1/3

  • Walk: -1/3

  • Sit: 2/3 +

  • Reach with hands and arms: 2/3+

  • Use hands to finger, handle, or feel: 2/3+

  • Climb or balance: -1/3

  • Bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl: -1/3

  • Talk or hear: 2/3+

  • Taste or smell: None

  • Carry, push or pull: -1/3

  • Lifts Weights or Exerts Force

    • Up to 10 pounds: -1/3

    • Up to 25 pounds: -1/3

    • Up to 50 pounds: None

    • Up to 100 pounds: None

    • More than 100 pounds: None

VISION REQUIREMENTS

  • No special vision requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical, mental & environmental conditions in which the work is performed. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Time Spent [None, -1/3, 1/3 - 2/3, 2/3+]

Environmental variables that may be indicated as applicable to the position:

  • Working near mechanical parts: None

  • Work in high, precarious places: None

  • Fumes or airborne particles: None

  • Toxic or caustic chemicals: None

  • Outdoor weather conditions: -1/3

  • Extreme cold (non-weather): None

  • Extreme heat (non-weather): None

  • Risk of electrical shock: None

NOISE LEVEL

  • Moderate noise

REQUIRED TRAINING

  • New Hire Orientation

  • AB-1343: Sexual Harassment Prevention training

  • Mandated Reporter

  • Timekeeping & Attendance

COMPENSATION:

$26.75 USD - $32.10 USD

In accordance with California law, the expected pay range for this position is included in this posting.  The actual compensation will be determined based on factors permitted by law. New hires will be offered a salary at the starting point of the range to maintain internal inequity and allow opportunity for future salary growth. CII salaries are determined based on comprehensive internal and external market analysis, as well as the skills, education, and experience relevant to each position.

BENEFITS: 

  • Generous paid PTO, plus 10 paid holidays and CII is closed between Christmas and New Year 

  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees and qualified dependents

  • 403b Retirement Plan with employer contribution for eligible employees

  • Up to $4,500 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year

  • Eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program 

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)

  • Employer paid Life and AD&D Insurance 

  • Voluntary Supplemental Insurance 

  • Opportunity for growth & advancement 

  • Professional development & continued training 

  • Team building & bonding through company sponsored events & activities

CONTINGENCIES: 

  • Influenza immunization or declination

  • COVID-19, MMR and Tdap immunizations

  • Education verification

  • Reference check

  • Background fingerprint clearance (FBI, DOJ, CACI) conducted by the California Department of Social Services 

  • Drug and alcohol screening

  • Tuberculosis screening