Intervention Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description

The Intervention Support Specialist is responsible for providing technical assistance to the local program staff of HS and / or EHS and all component staff related to the integration of the disabilities and mental health component throughout the programs they serve. The Intervention Support Specialist provides training, support and guidance to staff and parents on the mainstreaming and provision of services to children with disabilities and their families and the social / emotional wellbeing for children and families.

The Intervention Support Specialist is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.

This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children’s Services policies and procedures.

All ABCD Head Start / Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G.  Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.

The responsibilities of a particular position may support both Early Head Start and Head Start depending on the individual assignment. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.

Essential Duties

Integrated Support and Services (Up to 80%)

• Works collaboratively with all component staff, parents and staff from community agencies, early intervention programs and the public schools to ensure that :
• children with disabilities are recruited;
• interdisciplinary program planning occurs;
• appropriate referrals, screening, assessment, diagnostic services and placements  are provided;
• Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP’s) are incorporated and implemented;
• an accepting, mainstreamed classroom environment is provided;
• an educational program for parents is developed; and
• a smooth transition into Head Start / Kindergarten (including K0, K1 and K2 classrooms) is arranged for.
• Observe and informally assess children identified through screening and / or teacher / parent referral, when appropriate;
• Provide assistance in adapting and modifying educational activities and methods and implementing recommendations of outside specialists;
• Provide ongoing consultation and support to parents and staff regarding :

P.L. 94-142, Chapter 71b and IDEA;

Utilize Information and Technical Systems (Up to 10%)

Additional Job Responsibilities (Up to 10%)

Job Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Thorough knowledge of infant through preschool special education as well as their social / emotional wellbeing and its relationship to child development;

Professionalism

Physical and Environmental Demands and Conditions

The Intervention Support Specialist must have the capability to engage in physical activities to assist education staff in the classroom to support related educational activities, including without limitation, the capability to :

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE :

Intervention Support Specialist I : Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, and a minimum of one course in special education / early childhood mental health required. Two years of experience providing care or teaching children with special needs or disabilities may be counted towards special education coursework. Minimum of 9 months experience providing care to or teaching children with special needs or disabilities also required.

Intervention Support Specialist II : Master’s degree in Early Childhood, Special Education, Mental Health or related field, and a minimum of one course in special education required. Minimum of nine months experience providing care to or teaching children with special needs or disabilities also required.