Disability Specialist

Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford•Chicago, IL

1h•Onsite

About The Position

EMBRACING ABILITIES. EXPANDING POSSIBILITIES. At Easterseals of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we are committed to two – often interconnecting - pillars of work……early learning and disability. Through these pillars, we transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit healthcare organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford since 1936. For more information about our organization, please visit us online at www.eastersealschicago.org. The Disability Specialist for Early Learning Services is especially focused on supporting those working with staff needing additional support serving children with disabilities. This position provides expertise, training, and consultation in disability services for Easterseals Early Learning services in compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, and the Illinois State Board of Education requirements. The Disability Specialist develops and monitors systems for identifying children with suspected disabilities and establishes collaborative agreements with Local Education Agencies and Early Intervention programs to ensure that children receive evaluation and services according to required timelines. The Disability Specialist works collaboratively with all managers to ensure the recruitment, enrollment, and inclusion of children with disabilities in the program. This position is headquartered at Easterseals Chicago Location at 1939 W 13th Street, Chicago, IL 60608.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in one of the following: Early childhood education Child development Special Education Another related field.
3-5 years of experience working with children with disabilities.
Experience in Head Start/Early Head Start.
Experience in PFA/PI.
Valid driver’s license.
Auto insurance.
Reliable vehicle.
Able to work well with all levels of the organization, partner sites, other agencies and funding source personnel.
Demonstrates the ability to conceptualize and articulate program outcomes.
Able to manage multiple projects.
Well organized, highly detail-oriented, and accuracy driven.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with trauma-informed practices.

Responsibilities

Assist in program planning for disability services based on analysis of child, program, and family outcomes.
Establish a data-driven, tiered approach for supporting directly operated centers, home-based, and partner-site classrooms, and for allocation of disability resources.
Perform a key role in the implantation and adoption of the pyramid framework with staff, partners, and parents.
Provide disability training to staff, teachers, and parents in accordance with the Head Start Standards.
Support the referral process packets by ensuring all correct information is being submitted on behalf of students.
Collaborate with local agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive services for children with disabilities.
Advocate for the needs and rights of children with disabilities within the Head Start program and the broader community.
Stay current with new developments in special education and disability services and provide information to team members.
Collaborate with Regional Directors to help determine where to deploy resources and how to best meet the disability needs within their region.
Meet regularly with Child Service Coordinators to ensure consistent disability guidance and professional development in all regions.
Ensure all documentation related to assessments, IEPs, and services provided is accurate and up to date.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding services for children with disabilities.
Collaborate with the ERSEA Manager to ensure that the program is fully enrolled and meeting Head Start Performance Standards for children with disabilities.
Ensure a system that monitors and tracks children receiving services to maintain overall program requirements and quality for children receiving additional services.
Participate in monitoring systems to ensure the active supervision and safety of children so that no child is ever left alone or unsupervised.
Provide training and coaching around how to create and implement behavior plans as needed.
Participate in regularly scheduled content areas and other meetings.
Travel to Easterseals and partner sites regularly.