Job Description

Metropolitan Family Services

empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 136,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.



We are currently searching for a full-time

Disabilities Coordinator

to join our

Early Childhood Education

Team!

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION:

Assure appropriate intervention and services for children with suspected and identified disabilities. Transitions children with disabilities and those in the diagnostic process to their next destination, ensuring a smooth and efficient process, with full parental participation. Plan and facilitate individualized and/or group training for staff and parents, during PPC meetings, Pre-Service week, etc. Assure the referral of children to the LEA when the need arises. Coordinates with the Family Engagement manager, the recruitment of children with disabilities. Assist individual staff members in identifying their training needs and improving their knowledge and abilities. Participate in the development of IEP/IFSP goals and assist the staffand family in the process. Assure that all necessary accommodations and adaptations are made, including but not limited to transpo11ation, translation and ADA accommodations. Submit required program reports (including monthly reports to the PPC or HSOB) in an accurate and timely fashion. Participate in FSW team meetings. Assist in clarifying and communicating disabilities service standards and laws to staff and parents, when required or requested. Work closely with the ECE team to plan integrated services for all children: plan awareness activities for children with Education Manager; coordinate with FSW the recruitment of children with disabilities; participate with health services coordinator in the development of special environmental and safety procedures; collaborate with the Mental Health Consultant around trauma informed practices and related supports and ensures the participation of disabilities service providers in the HSAC. In collaboration with other Head Start staff and the Policy Council, participate in the design and implementation of the annual Head Start program self-assessment and any funder related reviews/audits. Assist in developing procedures for transitioning children into and out of the Head Start program and assure that such procedures are implemented throughout the program. Assist in clarifying, setting, and communicating disabilities services standards and laws to staff and parents, when required or requested. Complete and submit required reports in a timely and accurate fashion. Assure that files and documentation are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained. Provides active supervision to ensure the safety of children while in the classroom, during transitions, at time of transportation, while on the playground. Ensures that no child shall be left alone or unsupervised. Develop, maintain, and assure resources for parents and staff to ensure success for individuals with special needs. Monitor disability activities and resources for teacher to implement IEP/IFSP for the classrooms. Ensures agency's fiscal integrity by adhering to purchase approval requirements and procedures. Ensures all content area data is accurately reflected in the agency's PIR within set time frames. Participate in program recruitment efforts to maintain full enrollment. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field from an accredited college or university

required.

OR

Special Education and the inclusion of children with disabilities Endorsement. English as a Second Language Endorsement

OR

currently enrolled in an Endorsement program or willing to enroll in a program. Four years of work experience in a Early Childhood program (or comparable child development programs),

required.

Current knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, bilingual education, inclusion, natural environments and services to children with disabilities and their families. Proof of physical examination within the last six months, which includes a tuberculosis test, and comply with other background checks as required by the agency and/or DCFS licensing. Must have regular access to a reliable transportation or a reliable vehicle with insurance. Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and/or weekends if needed. Ability to pass health examinations, fingerprints and criminal background checks. Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and viewing a computer terminal. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pound

SALARY:

The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $60,000 to $65,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

Metropolitan Family Services offers a very generous benefits packet to our professionals:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, Traditional PPO, or PPO w/ HSA contributions. Dental and Vision Insurance Options 11 paid Holidays Paid Time Off (PTO) 401K Plan Training and Professional Development Plan with E- Learning Wellness Initiative Program Employee Assistance Network
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Experience

RequiredSpecial education endorsement or enrolled in a special education endorsement program required.
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Education

RequiredBachelors or better in Early Childhood Education or related field
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Skills

PreferredAnalytical Skills Interpersonal Skills Organizational Skills Verbal and Written Communication

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.