Disability Services Manager

Capital Area Community Services, inc.; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. seeks a leader to manage the Disability Services Department for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The role focuses on organizing, staffing, and supervising services for children with disabilities to maximize participation in program activities.

The position requires overseeing referrals, collaboration with health and education teams, and ensuring compliance with IDEA guidelines while supporting families and staff across sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services or education field as listed.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in managing others and 2 years' experience providing early childhood services.
• Familiarity with IDEA and related early intervention processes.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct supervision and leadership to the Disability Services Department creating and supporting team systems, tools, and processes.
• Coordinates intervention services provided to Head Start and Early Head Start enrolled children.
• Initiates and monitors referrals for children in need of special education and early intervention evaluation.
• Monitors that both internal and external referrals receive responses and are addressed in a timely manner.
• Collects and analyzes data to ensure systems and procedures are effective and efficient.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services or Education Field such as Child Development, Special Education, Mental Health, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, or related degree.

Job description

Job Summary

Manages, organizes, and staffs the Disability Services Department of the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. The Disability Services Department works to ensure that enrolled children with disabilities, including those who are eligible for services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and their families receive all applicable program services delivered in the least restrictive possible environment. Oversees the referral process and tracks the implementation of early intervention services including Individualized Education Plans and behavior plans; ensuring that enrolled children with disabilities, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) fully participate in program activities.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services or Education Field such as Child Development, Special Education, Mental Health, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, or related degree. Special Education degree and/or experience preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 2 years' experience in managing others and 2 years' experience providing early childhood services

Position Duties/Responsibilities

Provides direct supervision and leadership to the Disability Services Department creating and supporting team systems, tools, and processes.

Coordinates intervention services provided to Head Start and Early Head Start enrolled children.

Initiates and monitors referrals for children in need of special education and early intervention evaluation.

Monitors that both internal and external referrals receive responses and are addressed in a timely manner.

Collects and analyzes data to ensure systems and procedures are effective and efficient.

Works collaboratively with the Health Services Manager and Program Manager to develop a system to integrate screening data to identify enrolled children for whom individualized planning and/or further assessment is needed.

Advocates for children, parents, and the program in obtaining appropriate services for identified children and parents.

Assists with parent involvement efforts and activities and encourages family participation in the program.

Assures that minimally 10% of children enrolled in Head Start/Early Head Start are eligible for special education services or early intervention services with IFSP or IEP.

Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships and formal agreements with community agencies and LEA/ISD to provide services to identified Head Start children and parents.

Assures that the referrals to school districts include input from parents and involve Head Start Health, Mental Health, Education, PFCE, and Transportation (when appropriate).

Ensures that IDEA and Michigan Special Education laws are being followed and that children eligible for services receive all applicable program services delivered in the least restrictive possible environment and that they fully participate in all program activities.

Monitors the department processes and provides data to Head Start administrative team / community partners and/or governing body when requested. Provides reports to the governing body monthly or upon request.

Develops, facilitates and/or sources training for staff and parents to meet individual children's and program's needs.

Coordinates with local colleges and universities to offer practicum experiences for students interested in pursuing careers in supporting young children.

Develops and monitors applicable policies and procedures that allows for effective and efficient systems.

Duties/Responsibilities of all Head Start Staff

Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, Michigan Child Care Licensing Regulations, and all other federal, state, and local regulations.

Adhere to CACS Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Communicate clearly and accurately when writing and speaking. Maintain professional confidentiality.

Share information with the administrative team, supervisor, and/or support staff regarding areas of success and/or concern.

Attend all required meetings, conferences, training, etc.

Participate in Program Quality Assurance and Self-Assessment efforts.

Work openly and cooperatively in a team effort approach. Work at any site with any staff. Contribute ideas and efforts towards common goals. Help build and maintain positive attitude, trust, and team spirit.

Personal appearance must be neat and appropriate.

Ensure children are actively supervised and engaged at all times including in the classroom, during transitions, on the playground, on the bus or any other agency provided transportation and any other time during the school day, conducting name to face checks accurately,countingthe children in and out, adhering to zoning and risk assessment, andfollowing all other active supervision procedures and child required ratios.

Physical Requirements

Properly stoop, bend, lift, climb stairs, and expend moderate physical exertion.

Always interact with children in an appropriate and safe manner.

Follow universal safety precautions.

Must satisfactorily pass federal criminal history check with fingerprinting, physical exam and TB assessment, and drug screen at the time of hire and periodically thereafter pursuant to federal and state laws, Head Start Performance Standards, and Agency Policy and Procedures.

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug free workplace (including marijuana), with pre-employment drug screening required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.