Early Interventionist

SUMMARY: The Early Interventionist is responsible for assisting and supporting parents/caregivers in meeting the developmental needs of children between the ages of birth and 5 years. The Early Interventionist is a generalist addressing all developmental domains - cognitive, motor, communication, adaptive, social, and /or emotional. The person in this position is responsible for the overall program planning, organizing and implementing home visits, and periodic assessment services as it applies to the children on his/her caseload.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: Bachelors Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or a related field. Relevant experience and/or knowledge of early childhood development, play-based techniques, and various medical conditions related to disabilities or that might place a child at-risk of developing delays. Obtain and maintain Infant/Child/Adult CPR and First Aid Certificate.

Language Ability: Must possess ability to read, write and understand English. Strong oral and written communication skills are a must. Must have ability to present information with clarity to all stakeholders orally and in written reports.

Math Ability: Knowledge and ability to work with mathematical concepts as appropriate to position.

Computer Skills: Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite as well as other programs as needed in position.

Driving Skills: Must possess a valid CDL and have clean driving record as well as operate a vehicle in good working order for employee transportation. Must have proof of ongoing auto insurance on personal vehicle.

COMPETENCIES:
• Relevant experience and/or knowledge of early childhood development, play-based techniques, and various medical conditions related to disabilities or that might place a child at-risk of developing delays
• Is punctual and dependable
• Provides excellent internal and external customer service
• Must work in an ethical and professional manner
• Demonstrates professionalism with a respect and sensitivity to differences
• Quality and Quantity of work reflects professionalism
• Has strong interpersonal skills that include responding well to supervision
• Must be able to work collaboratively
• Must be able to work independently
• Has analytical and problem solving skills

DUTIES:
1. Conduct initial and periodic assessments of children to:
a. determine current skills levels in cognitive, motor, communication, adaptive, social, and /or emotional domains
b. determine the child's progress in meeting the outcomes outlined on the IFSP family plan and previous assessment
c. assist in identifying family concerns and issues
d. suggest areas to be addressed in the new IFSP or IEP.
2. Plan and implement play/training sessions based on assessment findings and the families' needs. Provide suggestions as well as family/caregiver training on techniques to help meet their child's identified developmental needs. Respond to the child's developmental needs by making adjustments to the intervention plan.
3. Collaborate with other UCP disciplines serving each child/family as needed to best meet the developmental needs of the child.
4. Maintain written documentation of home visits and assessments, to include completing and filing paperwork in a timely fashion according to department policy.
5. Participate in IFSP meetings, transition meetings, or IEP meetings upon request.
6. Maintain good communication with families, Regional Center Service Coordinators, UCP staff, and others working with the child and their family.
7. Participate in staff development and in-service education to learn new strategies, procedures, developmental skills etc.
8. Participate in staff meetings.
9. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to:
• Stand, stretch, twist and reach with hands and arms for prolonged periods of time
• Lift 50 lbs or more
• Use hands to finger, to handle or to feel
• Use of hands to keyboard
• To talk and to hear others
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to:
• Stand, walk, climb, balance and to drive
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust to focus requirements as required in driving, reading, and writing.