Intervention Support Specialist

Intervention Support Specialist

Department: Head Start and Children's Services

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: ABCD Central Office

Compensation: $28.62 - $30.36 / hour

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.

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;
• Head Start/Early Head Start philosophy of mainstreaming children with disabilities;
• support networks for families before and after Head Start/Early Head Start;
• Advocacy skill development;
• Referrals to contractual and outside mental health professionals;
• Monitor services provided by licensed or certified mental health professionals;
• Identifying behavioral or mental health concerns of an individual child or group of children;
• Assist in providing special help for children with Atypical behavior or development.
• Observe and assess the appropriateness of programs outside Head Start or Early Head Start for possible placement or referral following the evaluation of a child;
• Coordinate paperwork and create action plans related to social & emotional disabilities effort to facilitate early identification and delivery…