Educational Disability Specialist

Description

Self Help Inc. is currently looking for an experienced Educational Disability Specialist to join our team.

Agency Profile

Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Job Summary

 The Educational Disabilities Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring that children with disabilities enrolled in our Head Start program receive high-quality, inclusive educational services. This position involves collaborating with teaching staff, families, and external partners to identify children with disabilities, develop individualized education programs (IEPs), and provide ongoing support to promote their learning and development within the classroom setting. The Educational Disabilities Specialist champions an inclusive environment where all children can thrive

Hourly Rate: $25-$27

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise Lead Teachers
• Collaborate with program staff and families to implement child find activities and screening procedures to identify children who may have disabilities
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to conduct developmental assessments and gather information relevant to potential disabilities
• Interpret assessment results and contribute to the determination of eligibility for special education services in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., IDEA)
• Actively participate in IEP meetings, working collaboratively with parents, teachers, related service providers, and other relevant professionals
• Contribute to the development of individualized goals, objectives, and strategies that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with the child's strengths and needs
• Support classroom staff in implementing IEPs effectively within the daily classroom routine, providing guidance and resources as needed
• Monitor children's progress on IEP goals and objectives, collecting data and participating in periodic reviews and revisions of the IEP
• Serve as a resource to classroom teachers and other program staff on best practices for inclusive education and supporting children with disabilities
• Provide training and technical assistance to staff on topics related to child development, disabilities, and effective instructional strategies
• Establish and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with families, providing support and resources related to their child's disability and educational needs
• Liaise with external agencies and service providers (e.g., early intervention programs, school districts, therapists) to coordinate services and ensure a smooth transition for children
• Assist in adapting curriculum, materials, and activities to meet the diverse learning needs of children with disabilities
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, agency policies, and relevant regulations
• Stay current on research, best practices, and relevant legislation related to early childhood education and disabilities
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills

Other Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances 
• Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification 
• Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children 
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation is required

Schedule

• Monday-Friday

Knowledge, Skills and abilities

• Ability to lift and carry young children and materials
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and move around the classroom and other program environments
• Ability to interact with children at their eye level
• Knowledge of child development, early childhood special education principles, assessment methods, and IEP development
• Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills
• Sensitivity to the needs of low-income families and diverse cultural backgrounds
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field. Master's degree preferred
• Certification or licensure in Special Education or Early Intervention preferred (as required by state regulations)
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with young children with disabilities in an educational setting. Head Start experience is a plus

Self Help Inc offers a comprehensive employee benefits package:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• LTD
• FSA
• 403B
• Vacation Time
• Optional Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Disability Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Direct Deposit

 Self Help, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the agency at any time.