This position is located in the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Office of Special Education Early Childhood Intervention The incumbent is assigned to the District of Columbia Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Development Delays, which is federally funded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C, P.L. 101-110, as amended. The program is responsible for implementation of a state-wide system of coordinated interdisciplinary, interagency programs to ensure the provision of appropriate early intervention services to infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities who meet the District of Columbia definition of “developmental delay” and their families. This is called the “Part C” System.

The D.C. Early Intervention Program is responsible for the implementation of the sixteen components of IDEA, Part C. This program is responsible for ensuring that identification and service delivery occur within the specific time lines mandated in the Federal legislation. In addition, the Program is responsible for the following activities: collection of demographic data; comprehensive assessment of services and available resources, coordination of service programs within the pubic and private sectors, promotion of public awareness regarding the program; development of state-level policies and procedures designed to enhance the capacity of families to meet their infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities; funding direct services and demonstration projects for eligible Part C children and their families; responding to Federal reporting requirements, such as preparation of the state application, annual reports and data collection reports.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures that a central directory of services is developed and updated in accordance with federal regulatory requirements;
• Develops and ensures that there is an on-going public awareness program that focuses on the early identification of children who are eligible to receive early intervention services through a variety of approaches, including pamphlets, radio, television and newspaper releases;
• Prepares and disseminates materials for parents, primary referral sources, such as physicians, hospitals, child care centers and the general public about the early intervention program, the child find system, and how to make referrals and gain access to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation and other early intervention services;
• Coordinates with all other major efforts to locate and identify children conducted by other State agencies responsible for administering the various education, health and social service programs relevant to Part C;
• Ensures that the procedures for referrals of children identified through outreach activities are followed by referral sources ad that intake procedures for accepting referrals are efficient and manageable;
• Serves as program liaison for child find grantees which includes reviewing monthly reports checking invoices for payment and providing technical assistance, when indicated.
• Communicates regularly with entities involved in child find to ensure consistent and reliable outreach and referral activities among agencies.
• Monitors selected early intervention program grants for effectiveness and efficiency;
• Participates in activities, such as inter agency talk forces and meetings, which contribute toward the building and expansion of the District of Columbia Part C system;
• Coordinates the provision of developmental screenings of potentially Part C eligible infants and toddlers;
• Coordinates and participates in workshops, meetings and conferences to train and provide technical assistance about the Part C system;
• Maintains an accurate reporting and filling system on infants and toddlers identified in the Part C system and the services that they receive;
• Determines whether or not families of children determined to be eligible for Part C services are eligible for financial assistance, based on the sliding Fee Scale and local and federal regulations;
• Maintains data on an annual basis concerning intake and referrals;
• Maintains data on a monthly basis concerning child find activities during the month, including the number of referrals;
• Represents the program at community events and forums.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• A thorough knowledge and understanding of the IDEA, Part C, Public Law 102-119, related federal and District of Columbia laws, regulations, executive orders and directives as they pertain to children with disabilities and child care.
• Knowledge of the goals, objectives, operations and mission of the Early Intervention Program.
• Knowledge of accepted administration/management principles and practices, and skill in providing leadership and program support to diverse groups of individuals and organizations.
• Knowledge of available early intervention other programs providing children’s coordination.
• Sensitivity to the stresses and needs of families who have children with disabilities.
• Strong writing, speaking, administrative and people skills.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Serves under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, Early Intervention Program. Is relied upon to carry out assignments that fall within the mission of the D.C. Early intervention Program based on established policies, procedures, and guidelines, and seeks the advice of supervision situations with potential for critical jurisdictional or political implications. The incumbent plans and executes the processes of the assignment, performing the duties of the job independently in accordance with instruction. Policies, previous training and accepted practices. Completed work is evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness and compliance with accepted practices, policies and procedures, timeliness, neatness, achievement of overall effectiveness in maintaining an efficient office, and for exercising initiative and judgment. Performance is evaluated based on overall effectiveness and achievement of objectives in the incumbent’s work plan and position standards.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include District and Federal rules, laws and regulations related to early care, early intervention and education programs, DHS and ECEA policies and procedures, and current accepted standards of professional and government office management, an the viewpoint of the supervisor and Chair of the Interagency Coordinating Council. Incumbent located and selects the appropriate guidelines, references and procedures for application to specific cases, referring situations to which existing guidelines cannot be applied or significant proposed deviations to the supervisor. The incumbent exercises judgment to interpret and adapt guidelines in specific situations.

COMPLEXITY

This work is complex and requires demonstrated skills in dealing effectively with families who need supports for each child with a disability. The incumbent must also know how to work with other staff and with the public. There must also be an ability to make decisions and convey them clearly and concisely. Incumbent must work to maintain a balance between all applicable District Government and Federal program priorities, realities and community needs and concerns; while at the same time, assuring the continuation of daily routine operations related to services for infants and toddlers. This work requires the performance of a broad range of activities including, but not limited to, the interpretation and analysis of data; the ability to evaluate compliance with applicable regulations; and the ability to prepare accurate detailed reports. This work requires the ability to analyze complex social and psychological dynamics in determining appropriateness of service provided.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The work involves ensuring that infants and toddlers at-risk for developmental delay and those having development delay will be located, identified, and evaluated and will receive appropriate early intervention services. It also involves other activities such as monitoring, collaborating with other systems and programs, both public and private, and training to ensure that the District of Columbia implements a system that meets federal requirements.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with a wide range of agency personnel within the Department of Human Services, the Medical Assistance Administration, Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, private insurance companies, hospitals, physicians, the D.C. Public schools, families of children with disabilities, child care centers and providers of early intervention services as well as the public and private organizations, that interface with infants, toddlers, and families within the District of Columbia.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts involve the exchange of information and discussion to facilitate the awareness of the early intervention program and services by the public and the identification of eligible infants and toddlers with delays and disabilities. A high level of cooperation and collaboration with other programs and agencies is required, as well as data collection and data sharing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

For the most part, the work required of the incumbent is primarily sedentary. The performance of duties travel to meetings and various agencies.

Work assignments may require driving to facilities located in all areas within the District of Columbia. Some assignments may require travel to Maryland or Virginia.

Prolonged periods of walking and standing May required during community events, monitoring or other activities, on occasion.

Interested applicants should register for the OSSE Hiring Fair.