Disability Specialist

The Disability Specialist assists in implementing comprehensive services for children with suspected/diagnosed disabilities or mental health concerns. Ensures families understand their rights under IDEA law and feel prepared to advocate for their child. Supports staff in individualizing services for children and ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations as it relates to children with special conditions. 

• Conducts file reviews and classroom observations when a Request for Intervention (RFI) has been received and maintains up-to-date files of children with development concerns. 
• Attends preadmission for children enrolling with an existing Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) and completes MDT paperwork, obtains signatures, and ensures classroom placement is the least restrictive environment for child. 
• Provides staff and parents training on technical assistance to increase their knowledge of IEP/IFSP goals, intervention plans, awareness of specials needs and mental health services within the community.
• Creates Individual Child Success Plans (ICSP) for children with suspected/diagnosed disabilities with the parents, teaching staff, and other applicable service areas as needed to receive input and obtain signatures before implementation. 
• Monitors and evaluates plans to measure effectiveness and recommend continuous improvement. 
•  Initiates and provides follow ups for community referrals and collaborates with local agencies for referrals. 
• Coordinates transitions and treatment plans with other community agencies as necessary.
• Attends Child Family Review meetings (CFR) in-person or virtually.
• Serves as an advocate for children with development concerns on various community associations/agencies planning committees and boards. 
• Assists with meeting the 10% goal of enrollment with children with IEP/IFSP.
• Maintains confidentiality on issues concerning program and staff. 
• Participates, coordinates, or conducts a variety of meetings, staff development, committees, training, workshops, and/or conferences to present materials and information concerning department programs, services, operations, and activities.  
• Completes classroom observations and Completes home visits as necessary.
• Reviews, scores and input results from Teacher Speech Screening and provides follow-up as needed.
• Completes development re-screen and provides follow-up as needed.
• Completes monthly reports and submits to the Supervisor.
• Performs other work-related and/or duties as assigned (e.g., staff and parent training, write newsletters). 
• Reports all cases of suspected child abuse/neglect to Franklin County Children Services according to agency procedures and the Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, experience. Knowledge of diverse ethnic groups.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Social Work, Psychology or Sociology.