VOALA

Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org.

PAY RATE: $71,694 - $75,468 PER YEAR

BENEFITS: VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits

HEAD START / EARLY HEAD START

For children aged birth to five VOALA offers early education, child development, nutrition, parenting support and preparation for elementary school. All children receive educational experiences that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate. Literacy, numeracy, and social/emotional development are areas measured for growth and development. Through our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, we work with children (birth to 5) and their families to provide the skills, confidence and stable home life necessary for a smooth transition into kindergarten and beyond.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

Responsible in the organization and coordination of the birth to five disability service efforts which includes recruitment, enrollment, screening and coordination of specialized services. The Disabilities Coordinator provides guidance, training and technical assistance to staff working directly or indirectly with children who have a disability (or suspected disability) and their families. This employee will support site staff by recommending strategies and provide trainings to better prepare and support site staff. As well as provide strategies, guidance and information to parents. This employee will also work directly with all disabilities consultants by assigning them as needed and insuring all contracts are fully executed annually. Other requirements include: coordination and oversight of the MDTS meetings, interpretation, implementation and ongoing monitoring of all aspects of the Performance Standards, State and Federal regulations, program policies and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively recruits children with disabilities or suspected disabilities from the community and work closely with other agencies and organizations to identify possible children with disabilitties in all service areas.
  • Ensures the program provides at least a 10% minimum of enrollment opportunities for children with disabilities for all Head Start/Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership programs.
  • Ensures that chidren with disabilities are served in an inclusive natural environment and that ll reasonable accommodations and necessary classroom modifications are made to create a “least restrictive environment.”
• Directly trains and mentors direct support staff, that includes coordinators, site supervisors, coaches, teachers, home visitors and family advocates; trains staff on strategies and techniques in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards and IDEA (Individuals with Disabiliteis Education Act, specifically part C). Also trains staff members on strategies to help develop children who have specific disabilities.
  • Responsible for the implementation of the Head Start Performance Standards that pertain to disabilities services.
  • Is responsible in becoming familiar and knowledgeable with the Head Start Performance Standards that pertain to the area of disabilites.
  • Provide parent training on strategies they can use at home. One on one coaching as needed for parents and families.
• Work collaboratively with other program content areas to have monthly MDTS meetings.
  • Works with content area management to coordinate trainings and one on one teacher consultations with the with education staff to address the needs of children with disabilities.
• Support in educating and empowering families in their rights and responsibilities when understanding their children’s disabilities as well as navigating the system pertaining to their needs based on eligibility.
  • Provide parents with strategies and guidance in addressing the needs of their children with disabilities.
• Complete and submit needed reports to assigned superivsor in a timely manner as well as meeting assigned deadlines.
• Faciliatate and coordinate the consulting and contracting of disability services with outside agencies.
• Advocate and conduct outreach for the area of Disabilities.
• Other duties as may be assigned.