Early Intervention Specialist

Texas ESC Region 16•Amarillo, TX

About The Position

The Early Intervention Specialist upholds the ECI mission, values, and goals by providing service coordination and direct services to eligible children and their families. The role evaluates children’s developmental needs and eligibility, helps develop and implement Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), coordinates services and resources, and provides developmental services to children and families. The specialist also supports transitions to local education agency special education services or other community programs, completes required documentation and program activities, and follows ESC policies and procedures. The position requires a bachelor’s degree and the ability to complete required advanced training in the Competency Demonstration System within one year of hire. The specialist works with families, ECI colleagues, community agencies, medical personnel, local education agencies, and other service providers. Work involves standard office equipment, frequent regionwide travel, occasional statewide travel, regular exposure to noise, and physical activities including prolonged sitting, frequent standing and walking, keyboarding, and light lifting. Occasional irregular or prolonged hours may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Willingness and ability to complete the required Competency Demonstration System training within one year of hire.
Ability to work cooperatively and build rapport with the ECI team, families, community agencies, medical personnel, and local education agencies.
Ability to take initiative in completing job tasks.
Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office programs and ability to learn new technology systems.
Physical ability to tolerate prolonged sitting; frequent standing and walking; occasional bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, twisting, reaching, and driving; repetitive hand motions and frequent keyboard and mouse use; regular light lifting and carrying under 15 pounds; and occasional heavy lifting and carrying of 45 pounds or more.
Ability to work indoors, tolerate frequent regionwide travel and occasional statewide travel, and work with regular exposure to noise.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress.
Regular attendance is an essential function.

Nice To Haves

Preference for a degree in human development and family studies, psychology, social work with certification, sociology, education, or another field focused on early childhood development, with 18 hours of early childhood coursework including 3 hours of child development; a bachelor’s degree in any field with those coursework hours is also accepted.
Experience working with young children or children with severe or profound delays.
Knowledge of child development and infant/early toddler assessment.
Training or experience in record keeping, case management, and parent training.

Responsibilities

Analyze evaluation and assessment data and make clinical decisions about children’s eligibility for the ECI program.
Facilitate and participate in developing, reviewing, and evaluating Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
Monitor and reassess children’s needs and coordinate services to ensure effective implementation of each IFSP.
Help eligible children and families access IDEA Part C rights and procedural safeguards, as well as needed medical, social, educational, developmental, and other services.
Approve funding for respite care when deemed necessary and appropriate based on assessment of the child and family’s needs.
Cooperate with community agencies and individuals and use knowledge of available resources to secure needed services for clients.
Follow ESC policies and procedures when committing financial resources.
Assess children’s needs for technical assistance and access services such as assistive technology, vision and hearing support, and services from community agencies.
Provide developmental one-to-one or consultative services that give families information, skills, and support to help children acquire functional skills and address developmental needs across domains.
Provide developmental services within 28 days of the IFSP at a frequency that meets family needs and local program requirements.
Coordinate with local education agencies, child-care centers, and other agencies to plan and document transitions from ECI to special education or other community activities and programs.
Participate in required Random Moment in Time Studies.
Participate in public awareness and child-find activities to promote quality referrals.
Submit required written documentation and forms on time, including records related to children, families, and finances.
Maintain required in-service training and program records, including equipment and materials inventories.
Check and respond to emails and voicemails within 48 hours during regular workdays.
Maintain a functioning cell phone and be appropriately accessible through it.
Report to work ready to perform duties and carry out responsibilities that directly or indirectly affect student performance in Region 16.
Maintain professional confidentiality regarding ESC matters.
Support the ESC strategic plan’s mission, goals, and objectives and follow ESC safety rules and policies.
Perform professional responsibilities in accordance with ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
Manage time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
Meet required technology proficiency levels, use appropriate technology in daily work, and continue developing technology skills.
Perform other duties as assigned.