Disabilities Services Specialist

Summary

Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) recognizes and appreciates the strengths of our workforce. We strive to provide a professional and supportive environment where employees can achieve their career goals. The WACOG workforce is encouraged to focus on their strengths and abilities to reach their full potential.


WACOG is the Head Start Grantee for Mohave, La Paz and Yuma Counties. Our programs focus on school readiness for all children and families. As a leader in quality early childhood programs in the area, WACOG is a champion of developmentally appropriate practices.

Under direction, plan, coordinate, train, implement, monitor, evaluate and support the Disabilities content area for WACOG Head Start in Yuma, La Paz and Mohave Counties.

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
1) Implement and manage the Disabilities content in conjunction with other Specialists to ensure the full range of Head Start services are provided to all children with disabilities or, developmental delays enrolled in the program, in accordance with department procedures, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and Federal and State compliance standards.
2) Ensure the timely recruitment and enrollment of children with disabilities, including children with severe disabilities. Responsible for ensuring all LEA referrals for diagnosed children are processed in accordance with Head Start/LEA timelines.
3) Implement and manage disabilities services by coordinating activities with Center Managers, Family Development Advocates, teaching staff and parents. Ensure the scheduling of required diagnostic evaluations with LEAs or appropriate consultants and coordinating Eligibility/IEP Meetings with school district personnel, staff and parents.
4) Consult with Mental Health Consultant when need arises for additional classroom supports, for possible Classroom Engagement Aide placement as available.
5) Ensure all paperwork and other documentation related to the provision of disabilities services are in compliance with regulations.
6) Ensures Head Start special education referrals, parental consents, IEP/IFSP development and multidisciplinary team meetings are accomplished according to Head Start timelines. Collaborate with local LEAs to share data for children with disabilities, recruit children, and develop/promote shared trainings per formal Memorandums of Agreements with each LEA.
7) Ensure that all child data for children with disabilities is properly entered in ChildPlus and MTS systems.
8) Ensures most appropriate placement of children with special needs in least restrictive environments within the program.
9) Regularly schedule classroom observations and review children's files and IEP/IFSP documents to ensure specific goals, objectives and activities are being implemented; ensure children’s progress is accurately. documented.
10) Ensure integration of typical and special education IEP/IFSP goals and objectives in Head Start classrooms
11) Provide direction and support to the multidisciplinary team in developing a Section 504 Accommodation Plan when a child is determined eligible.
12) Ensure a functional transition process is in place and is implemented for children with disabilities entering and leaving the Early Head Start or Head Start program.
13) Ensure Head Start facilities are accessible and compliant for individuals with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 Rehabilitation Act.
14) Maintain the confidentiality of all children, staff and parents in accordance with the Head Start Confidentiality Policy.
15) Identify and establish collaborative networks and working relationships with LEAs, local community agencies and other programs providing special education and mental health services to children ages 0-5 years.
16) Plan, coordinate, and provide in-service training activities, including trainings specific to: Head Start diagnostic criteria, agency adopted data systems, disability law, special education process, inclusion, classroom accommodations, and behavioral issues & support techniques for children identified or suspected of disabilities.
17) Review and process monthly billing and activity reports of contracted Speech/Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist to ensure accuracy and compliance with identified scope of services.
18) Collect, compile, and maintain accurate data relevant to the Disabilities Services content areas for comprehensive program planning and grant applications.
19) Prepare and submit monthly reports specific to Disabilities Services to the Head Start Director, Policy Council and the Executive Board.
20) Regular travel within WACOG service area, including overnight stays as needed; additional travel may be required.
21) Maintain reliable and predictable attendance; work outside of standard business hours as needed.
22) Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality of information and a positive image of WACOG.
23) Perform other duties as necessary to carry out the administrative/ programmatic goals and objectives of WAGOG and/or department.

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Three years direct experience working with children with disabilities
Two years management experience
BA/BS in Special Education, Child Development or Psychology with an Emphasis in Preschool Special Education or Early Childhood Education


PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Masters Degree in Special Education, Child Development or Psychology with an Emphasis in Preschool Special Education or Early Childhood Education


OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Current AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card/ Criminal History Affidavit/Central Registry Background Check
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
**Ability to secure and maintain a driver’s license valid in the state of Arizona. Will be required to drive an agency vehicle. Employees authorized to operate a private vehicle for WACOG business are required to carry liability insurance minimums. For purposes of vehicle insurance, minimum 21 years of age.
** Current Health Physical and TB Clearance WHEN incumbent is paid primarily (≥50%) out of Head Start department funds, allocations adjusted monthly

Nice To Haves

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (KSAs) The individual who holds this position must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The KSAs listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed for satisfactory performance.

-Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
-Ability to interpret a wide variety of technical instructions.
-Ability to handle all situations with tact and maintain impartiality.
-Proficiency in operating a personal computer and Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher), with the ability to learn and navigate agency-specific databases and curriculums.
-Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in data entry, monitoring, and reporting.
-Knowledge of modern office methods, procedures, and practices.
-Ability to operate general office equipment including scanners, fax machines, and photocopiers.
-Skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with individuals from diverse social, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
-Effective verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in Spanish is desirable.
-Ability to deliver professional presentations on Head Start program services to parents, staff, community agencies, and the public.
-Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with Head Start staff, co-workers, parents, agency partners, and community members representing diverse lifestyles, cultural/ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic levels, and educational experiences.
-Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to learn, WACOG and Head Start regulations, procedures, and services.
-Commitment to serving low-income and high-risk populations.
-Ability to travel regularly within the tri-county Head Start service area, including overnight stays and attendance at out-of-area meetings or conferences related to Head Start and Disabilities Services.
-Skill in communicating with tact and professionalism; able to present effectively to groups, with or without visual aids.
-Knowledge of program funding to manage budgets effectively.
-Ability to develop project plans, coordinate activities, communicate changes and progress, and complete projects on time and within budget.
-Ability to research solutions and take initiative when information is not readily available.
-Skill in achieving practical solutions using creative and innovative approaches.
-Understanding of and commitment to carrying out the mission and goals of WACOG.
-Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.


EOE/ADA

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)