Content Specialist - Disability

JOB CODE: 2285

PAY GRADE: 1200

SALARY RANGE: $39,157 - $66,662

LOCATION OF WORK
Department of Human Development and Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the administrative direction of the Program Administrator - Head Start or the Assistant Program Administrator - Head Start, performs highly responsible work planning the coordination and supervision of all Head Start services for children with special needs; coordinates a wide range of other comprehensive services. Work also involves coordinating the duties of Case Managers engaged in performing a variety of social services activities, including counseling, referrals, care management, and related services plans. Acts as a liaison with appropriate community services agencies to implement family needs assessment programs designed to identify special needs and concerns of students, parents, and teachers. Performs other work as requested within federal and state guidelines.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Designs and coordinates a full range of comprehensive services that meet Head Start Performance Standards for identifying and serving all professionally diagnosed special needs children and their parents. Coordinates with the education supervisor on the development of initial and annual Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs to ensure that they have been evaluated and receive disability services; ensures that children demonstrating delays or concerns are referred to appropriate resources; attends IEP meetings. Utilizes revised Head Start diagnostic criteria to determine a child's eligibility for special education and related services. Supports inclusive classrooms and ensures that required modifications needed are made (including consultations with preschool special education staff from the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System). Participates in external partnership meetings to facilitate transition planning and other efforts that address aspects of education and disability services. Develops the Disabilities Service Plan and assists with developing the program budget to ensure adequate funds are budgeted for disabilities related services. Plans, coordinates, and conducts staff and parent training sessions on a regular basis. Updates the annual health, safety, and disability plans in conjunction with the Program Administrator - Head Start, Policy Council, parents, and staff. Utilizes the Inventory of Practices tool to conduct ongoing assessments of teacher-child interactions, quality learning environments, and the implementation of teaching strategies that promote healthy social-emotional development and prevent challenging behaviors. Assists with the facilitation of Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, case conferences, and parent-teacher conferences to develop and implement Child Behavioral Support Plans. Facilitates access to disability services, refers families to appropriate staff for other comprehensive services, and documents follow-up services. Assists with entering, reconciling, monitoring, and analyzing program data; generates timely reports to measure quality of services, compliance, and child and program outcomes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the federal, state, and local regulations governing services to children with disabilities and Head Start Programs. Knowledge of motivational and teaching techniques used to direct preschool-aged children in all phases of educational development. Knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Skill in oral, written, and interpersonal communication and effective problem solving. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, parents, community agencies, and preschool-aged children. Ability to understand and relate to the underprivileged, the disabled, preschool-aged children, and parents. Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with clients and staff from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. Ability to interpret medical and disability information and translate data into a usable form. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups and to individuals. Ability to prepare basic statistical and narrative reports, business correspondence, and memoranda using computerized systems. Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information, prioritize tasks, organize time efficiently, and manage multiple demands. Ability to work independently and demonstrate flexibility to changes in work schedules and assignments. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS