First Steps Service Coordinator

KWFC; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

KWFC seeks a Service Coordinator for the Missouri First Steps Early Intervention program. You will manage caseloads for birth to three as you coordinate IFSPs, documentation, and service authorizations, ensuring timely timelines and DESE compliance.

Responsibilities include engaging families, coordinating with service providers, maintaining electronic records, and supporting team meetings. A DESE-approved degree and experience with families are required, with remote work capabilities and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a DESE approved degree field.
• 1 year documented experience working with families.
• Valid Missouri driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Secure and reliable high-speed internet to work remotely.
• Must be able to drive for work-related assignments; overnight travel may be required.
• Must be able to pass a background screening.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an assigned caseload of children and families; complete intake within a 45-day timeline.
• Ensure First Steps services begin within 30 days of parental consent and are delivered as written in the IFSP.
• Maintain complete electronic records; document all contacts and meetings.
• Hold and finalize IFSP meetings within DESE timelines.
• Collaborate with EIT and Team Coordinator; attend meetings and document promptly.
• Complete required DESE, SPOE documentation, and EXIT activities per guidelines.

Education

DESE-approved degree

Experience with families and young children

Job description

Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB: The First Steps SPOE Service Coordinator works with children ages birth to three with developmental disabilities and their families. This role ensures timely completion, coordination, and implementation of all service planning activities within the Missouri First Steps Early Intervention Program. Responsibilities include managing assigned caseloads, maintaining compliance within the Missouri WebSPOE system, and serving as a key liaison between families and service providers. This description may not include all duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities required for this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PERFORMANCE AREAS

Service Coordination & Case Management

Maintain an assigned caseload of children and families. Complete and document the entire Intake process—scheduling, intake visit, eligibility determination, evaluations/assessments, Family Assessment (as applicable), and Initial IFSP—within the 45 day timeline. Ensure all new First Steps services begin within 30 days of parental consent and that services are delivered as written in the IFSP. Maintain consistent communication with families and document all contacts in the child’s electronic record. Hold and finalize IFSP meetings within DESE timelines. Complete authorizations for evaluations, assessments, meetings, and services accurately and timely. Monitor corresponding authorizations and conduct consistent follow up to prevent billing errors. Complete all required EXIT activities per DESE guidance, including exit summaries per CARF requirements, at least 30 days prior to inactivation.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintain complete and compliant electronic records, including referrals, intake documentation, health/medical information, assessments, family assessments, IFSPs, consent forms, notices, meeting notifications, insurance details, FCP documentation, releases, and case notes. Review all required forms/documentation for completeness and accuracy prior to upload, meeting DESE, DESE Compliance, and SPOE Administration standards. Ensure all Family Assessment interviews and IFSP meetings meet DESE Standards, FA/IFSP Meeting Observation Tool guidance, and SPOE expectations. Uphold all confidentiality standards and ethical obligations in handling sensitive information.

IFSP Development & Early Intervention Practices

Utilize the Primary Provider Model and the First Steps trans disciplinary team approach within each IFSP. Write functional, family centered outcomes aligned with family priorities. Use incremental decision making guidance when determining Early Intervention services. Complete required Family Assessments using DESE approved follow up questions for at least three routines. Conduct Early Childhood Outcomes discussions using the three required information sources at the required frequency.

Team Collaboration & Meetings

Prepare and send agendas to EIT members and the Team Coordinator two weeks prior to EIT meetings. Attend and actively participate in Early Intervention Team meetings per DESE SC Practice Manual guidance. Ensure meeting documentation is entered within one week following the meeting (with Team Coordinator support as needed). Maintain professional, clear communication with families, providers, and community agencies.

Training, Mentoring & Professional Development

Complete 10 hours of annual professional development as required by DESE. Maintain annual Service Coordinator enrollment requirements. Serve as a mentor for new Service Coordinators. Participate in Child Find events and community outreach activities as assigned. Attend all mandatory Abilities First and SPOE meetings, trainings, and events.

Policies, Ethics & Additional Duties

Implement new or revised policies and procedures as directed by DESE. Adhere to all Abilities First personnel policies and First Steps Guidelines. Maintain the highest ethical standards, fostering integrity, professionalism, and constructive communication. Perform other duties as assigned by the SPOE Director, Assistant Director, or Lead Service Coordinator.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a DESE approved degree and 1 year documented experience working with families: Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Special Education, Child /Human Development, Social Work, Nursing , Psychology ,Education Administration, Sociology , Family Science/Studies, Counseling or bachelor’s degree or higher with three years of documented experience working with families and young children. One year of experience working with early intervention programs preferred. Must have a valid Missouri driver’s license, reliable transportation, an acceptable driving record, and auto liability insurance that meet the requirements set by Abilities First. Must have secure and reliable high-speed internet to work remotely. Must be able to drive for work-related assignments. Overnight travel may be required occasionally. Must be able to pass a background screening.

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