Disabilities Coordinator

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 117,000 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:

• Ensure that all developmental screenings are completed within 4 weeks of child's enrollment.
• Assure appropriate intervention and services for children with suspected and identified disabilities. 
• 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. 
• Participate in the writing of IEP/IFSP and assist the teacher and 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. 
• 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.
• Early Learning PEL with Special Education Approval and English as a Second Language Endorsement, required.
• OR currently enrolled in an Endorsement 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• MFS staff are required to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved Medical exemption prior to starting employment. If an approved Medical is obtained, weekly testing is required. 

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:

• Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $60,000 per year.

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

Salary : $60,000 - $0