Family Service Specialist - Disabilities
Openings in San Fernando Valley AND South Bay
POSITION TITLE: FAMILY SERVICE SPECIALIST (FSS) DISABILITIES
DEFINITION: The FSS/Disabilities is required to provide guidance and technical assistance to staff working either directly or indirectly with children who have a disability (or suspected disability) and their families. This employee will also help parents understand, support and advocate for their children with special needs/disabilities. Other requirements include: interpretation, implementation and ongoing monitoring of all aspects of the Performance Standards, State and Federal regulations, program policies and procedures
MAJOR DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES & OTHER DUTIES:
Actively recruits children with disabilities or suspected disabilities from the community and work closely with other agencies and organizations to identify possible children with disabilities in the service area;
Ensures the program provides for at least a 10% minimum of enrollment opportunities for children with disabilities;
Ensures that children with disabilities are served in a “natural environment” and that all reasonable accommodations and necessary classroom modifications are made for them to create a “least restrictive environment;”
Ensures that all enrolled children are screened to determine which children have a suspected disability and are referred as soon as possible for assessment;
Directly supervises/mentors and trains a number of staff members, including teachers, home visitors and family advocates; trains staff on services to children with disabilities and suspected disabilities in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards and the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, specifically part C). Also trains staff members on strategies to help develop children who have specific disabilities;
Is responsible for the Head Start Performance Standards that pertain to disabilities services.
Coordinates with local regional centers, LAUSD, or other agencies to provide assessment services and other services as determined by the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP);
Ensures that these individual plans are incorporated into the overall child’s development and education plans, and family goal setting plans as established by program; ensures that the goals are being attained;
Coordinates/meets with Family Service Specialists to make sure the nutrition program meets the specific nutritional needs and feeding requirements of each child with disabilities;
Ensures that affected parents understand and participate in the process and ensures that parents understand their rights and responsibilities; helps and ensures that parent form support groups;
Completes and submits any required reports to the Grantee and the supervisor on a timely basis;
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized college or university in the field of disabilities, social science, psychology, or child development.
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of supervisory experience working with children with disabilities/special needs or at least six (6) semester units of course work in administration related to the above mentioned fields.
SKILLS: Must have excellent computer skills (i.e., Word and Excel). Must possess outstanding interpersonal/communication skills. Bilingual abilities (English/Spanish) highly desirable.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
Must meet state health requirements. Must have verification of T.B. clearance at the time of employment issued within six (6) months prior to employment, to be renewed every year. Current CPR and First Aid certification preferred. Must be able to interact with children in a busy environment; therefore, must be physically able to perform lifting (45 lbs.), squatting/kneeling, move quickly, and the like.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must have a valid California Driver’s License, access to reliable transportation, and adequate automobile insurance coverage. Fingerprint clearance required prior to employment.
