Disability Specialist

Alliance for Community Empowerment Inc; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Telehealth access

Paid life and disability insurance

Paid short-term disability

Paid long-term disability

Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA

Job summary

Alliance for Community Empowerment Inc. is seeking a Disability Specialist to provide direct services to children with disabilities and support classroom staff in early learning settings.

You will coordinate referrals, participate in IEP/IFSP meetings, and assist with family advocacy while ensuring compliance with Head Start standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Minimum three years of experience with children with disabilities.
• Strong communication and collaboration with families and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to children with disabilities and support staff.
• Coordinate referrals and multidisciplinary evaluations.
• Assist with IEP/IFSP processes and meetings.
• Support families with disability-related needs and training.
• Monitor progress and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Communication skills

Disabilities experience

Collaboration

Data management

Child development

Education

Bachelor’s in Child Development

Certification in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

Tools

Database management

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Email

Internet applications

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Disability Specialist

Regular Full-Time Professional Bridgeport, CT, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1454

Salary Range: $21.62 To $27.02 Hourly

JOB TITLE: Disabilities Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Early Learning

REPORTS TO: Disabilities Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

GRADE/SALARY RANGE: Grade 5

REVISION DATE: 9/15/2026

JOB SUMMARY

Provide direct services to children and families while assisting classroom staff with the day-to-day management of children requiring additional classroom support in the area of disabilities. Support compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), and other applicable regulations while promoting positive outcomes for children and families.

CHILDREN SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITY

Responsible for child supervision and for keeping children safe.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide direct services for children suspected of having disabilities, diagnosed disabilities, or behavioral challenges.
• Respond to in-house referrals for children identified with risk factors or suspected disabilities.
• Assist with recruitment efforts for children diagnosed with or at risk for disabilities.
• Ensure timely referrals to outside agencies for multidisciplinary evaluations of children with developmental concerns, risk factors, or suspected disabilities.
• Participate in collaboration meetings concerning assigned children, including Child Placement Team meetings, case conferences, PPT meetings, IEP/IFSP meetings, transition meetings, and consultations with service providers.
• Assist teaching staff in meeting the needs of at-risk and disabled children by providing classroom support, technical assistance, coaching, and training.
• Facilitate and provide training opportunities for parents and staff on disability-related topics.
• Provide support, advocacy, and guidance to families of children with disabilities.
• Monitor services and progress for assigned children on an ongoing basis.
• Participate in training and professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills related to disability services and early childhood education.
• Ensure compliance with and implementation of IEP and IFSP services.
• Monitor compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act , and disability service requirements.
• Adhere to Alliance policies and procedures related to health and safety requirements and emergency response protocols.
• Assist with health screening and monitoring activities when required.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with children diagnosed with disabilities in an early childhood setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with young children (birth to age five) who have disabilities and developmental challenges.
• Experience and knowledge of community-based disability services.
• Knowledge and experience with data collection systems, information processes, childcare regulations, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive and stressful situations professionally.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood settings.
• Ability to work effectively with families, staff, community partners, and children.
• Strong computer skills, including database management, spreadsheets, word processing, internet applications, and email.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

HOURS/DAY

0-1

1-2

2-4

4-7

Standing

X

X

Reaching

X

Driving

X

Walking

X

Twisting

X

X

Lifting

X

X

Gripping

X

Keyboard Use

X

Please Note: Must be able to lift a child with an average weight of 50 pounds, if necessary.

We continue to work diligently at finding just the right people who can fit into our desire to fulfill our important mission. To find and retain the right people Alliance for Community Empowerment, Inc. provides benefits that support our staff’s personal needs such as:

• Medical benefits
• Telehealth access
• Paid life and disability insurance
• Paid short-term disability
• Paid long-term disability
• Medical Flexible – a flexible spending account (FSA)

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER-THROUGH AFFIRMATIVE ACTION