Program Specialist I/Early Intervention Program Specialist

Early Intervention Program Specialist is responsible for assisting in program planning, administrative analysis, monitoring and coordination of the Early Intervention program serving children birth to three.

• Assist in the oversight of the Early Intervention Program which includes coordination, oversight and monitoring of providers, including Service Coordination, to ensure compliance Early Intervention regulations and with the contract work statement and standards;
• Responsible for analyzing multi-data reports and developing a provider strength/need summary report, including working with provider corrective action plans related to the summary reports;
• Responsible for providing technical assistance to EI program providers and Service Coordination to improve compliance with quality standards and overall quality of service. Identifies training needs and coordinates county supported training activities for providers and service coordination;
• Serves as a liaison between providers and Service Coordination to insure optimal communication and quality of services for consumers;
• Assists to ensure that County policies/procedures related to the program area are current and make recommendations for changes or needed new policies;
• Assist in the development and implementation of EI training plan;
• Work with the Program Specialist 2 to oversee the compliance process for developing and revising a system of review for administrative compliance including: providing technical support to early intervention providers, service coordinators, and other administrative staff on waiver requirements;
• Participate for the oversight of the implementation of the Interagency Agreement and related activities;
• Participate in the development and implementation of the Quality Enhancement Plan;
• Attends conferences and trainings to improve knowledge of current trends in the Early Intervention field as well as general training topics to assist in daily activities;
• Other Duties as delegated.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MUST MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

• Bachelor's degree which includes 12 college credits in early intervention, early childhood, special education, early childhood education, child development, special education, family counseling, family studies, social welfare, psychology or other comparable social sciences and;
• Two years of professional level experience in the field of Early Intervention system;
• or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

• Develop and coach others;
• Motivate and influence others;
• Delegate assignments and empower others to carry out those assignments;
• Lead and motivate teams;
• Develop short and long range plans;
• Make timely and sound decisions;
• Handle sensitive situations diplomatically;
• Prioritize and organize multiple tasks and responsibilities;
• Run meetings effectively;
• Exhibit exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Build relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and community organizations;
• Foster open communication;
• Interact with teams effectively;
• Manage and mediate conflict;
• Exhibit exceptional listening skills and verbal and written communication skills.

• Generate innovative approaches and solutions to problems;
• Show determination in initiating and driving necessary change;
• Use independent judgment in making decisions;
• Prioritize goals and schedule activities to be carried out at appropriate time.

• Proficient knowledge of the Early Intervention system;
• Proficient knowledge of and ability to apply all Regulations and EI Bulletins and Announcements to the program area;
• Thorough understanding of the waiver supplemental grant guidelines as it relates to the EI Bulletins;
• Knowledge of applicable law and the legal requirements of interfacing departments that impact on individuals in the EI system.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some travel required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee counters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.