Special Educator

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Adheres to Department of Health-Early Intervention Section (DOH-EIS), CARF and ESH guidelines.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate program for children birth to age three with developmental delays or biological risk factors for developing delays and their families.
• Participates as an evaluator and member of a multidisciplinary team that determines eligibility for Early Intervention (EI) services. Supports the child and family through the evaluation process.
• Administers, interprets, and shares results from speech-language pathology assessments.
• Participates in the development of the Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) with the family and other team members.
• As part of an IFSP team, helps families develop outcomes that are functional and based on children’s and families’ needs and family-identified priorities.
• Meets or exceeds Early Intervention Program operating targets of 70% billable productivity, while effectively utilizing concurrent documentation practices during client sessions.
• Provides Care Coordination services, if selected by the family.
• Pre-plans and debriefs with teammates in order to effectively coach families through routine-based activities which incorporate communication skills, motor skills (gross/fine), adaptive skills, cognitive skills, and social emotional/personal social skills, utilizing a Primary Service Provider model.
• Provides consultative services to parents and other team members, interprets, and applies speech-language pathology techniques, and ensures proper follow through and competence with techniques using a coaching approach.
• Provides ongoing monitoring of the child and family’s needs, concerns, and strengths and assist with linking the child and family to appropriate resources.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative and collaborative relationships with families and community agencies, public and private.
• Maintains billable hours as outlined by the DOH-EIS and keeps participant records in accordance to Federal, State, and ESH requirements.
• Attends and participates in staff and team meetings.
• Provides services within natural environments (e.g., home, day care and community).
• Participates and assists with the transition planning for children exiting the program. 

• Assists in maintaining a clean, hygienic, safe, and “childproof” environment. Reports any safety concerns to the Program Manager.
• Participates in and/or coordinates ESH events (such as program activities, community fairs, fundraising, etc.), as requested.
• Must report in person to assigned office location a minimum of 3 days per week, up to 5 days per week, dependent on program needs as directed by management team.
• Must report in person to assigned office location within 24 hours as directed by EIS.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent to:

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from accredited college or university program.
• One year (1) minimum experience in providing speech-language pathology services is highly preferred.
• Experience working with children with developmental delays or biological risk factors for developing delays in the field of early intervention is highly preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Significant knowledge with developmental disabilities, familiarity with ADA and Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA) guidelines, and inclusion.
• The ability, understanding and compatibility to interact with families, professionals, and paraprofessionals within a Primary Service Provider model of service delivery, using an approach that involves giving and receiving peer coaching.
• Understanding of and respect for children with developmental delays or biological risk factors for developing delays and their families. Ability to be attentive to input from families regarding their child’s preferences by utilizing a strength-based approach with culturally competent practices.
• Positive public relations attitude and approach when interacting with those we serve and the general public.
• Organizational ability to work independently and take initiative to complete assignments.
• Work comfortably with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Operating knowledge of a computer, applications and software, standard office equipment and Microsoft (Outlook, Word, and Excel).

• Work calmly with behavioral and health related incidents.
• Alertness to respond to audio and visual cues from participants and their families, other staff members and the environment.
• Handle multiple tasks, adhere to timelines, and process urgent projects while maintaining an attention to detail.
• Respond appropriately and immediately to emergencies as defined by ESH Emergency Procedure Guide/Safety Manual.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, twisting in order to observe, assess and interact with clients.
• Stand or sit for extended periods of time, stand for up to 6-8 hours a day.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and loading/unloading toys and materials up to and including 50 lbs.
• Visual and auditory ability to work with clients, staff and others in the workplace continuously.
• Frequent speaking and listening (50%) to clients, staff, and other professionals in meetings and on the phone.
• Occasional driving (to and from office and client homes).
• Effectively utilize computer, iPhone and/or landline, scanner/printer.
• Frequent proofreading and checking documents for accuracy.
• Frequent exposure to disability disorders in clients; occasional emergency situation; occasional exposure to trauma; constant client contact and decision-making; constant concentration required when working with clients.
• Occasional work inside client homes; occasional work in outdoor settings.
• Physically implement behavior management strategies including responding to physically aggressive behavior.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must obtain and maintain criminal record clearance through the Department of Justice (DOJ). The HR Department must analyze DOJ/FBI live scan reports in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, as well as fitness for the position.
• Travel to multiple work sites and client homes; must have access to a reliable personal vehicle.
• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record
• Proof of current vehicle registration and safety check.
• Must pass health screenings, obtain vaccinations, and clear annual TB testing based on company policies.
• Must obtain and maintain clearance through the Office of Inspector General.
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR Certification.
• Must attend all required training.