Early Intervention Referral Coordinator

Summary

Chester County Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is looking to fill a full-time Service Coordination Unit position to manage referral and developmental activities. Position is responsible for coordinating and scheduling evaluations with the evaluator agencies to ensure evaluations are conducted within the regulatory timelines while maximizing the available evaluation resources. This position will manage evaluation scheduling and assist the program with analyzing capacity needs of evaluation services.

The Early Intervention Referral Coordinator is a Services Coordination position that is the first point of contact for a family/caregiver to the birth to 3 Early Intervention system. The Referral Coordinator is responsible for providing the child’s caregiver information regarding services provided by the Early Intervention system and to gather information to assist in the assessment of the child and family needs while ensuring that the 45-day timeframe from initial call to MDE/IFSP is met.

Essential Duties

The incumbent in this position is responsible for coordinating and scheduling evaluations with the evaluator agencies to ensure evaluations are conducted within the regulatory timelines while maximizing the available evaluation resources. This position will manage evaluation scheduling and assist the program with analyzing capacity needs of evaluation services.

The position provides case management services to children aged birth to 3 years at-risk/with developmental delays. This includes initial screenings, intake interviews, appropriate referrals, plan development and completion of progress notes and consumer contacts. The specific required tasks of each caseload vary based on the business needs of the department as well as the needs of the consumers. Some positions will have a greater emphasis on conducting intake meetings and evaluations, while other positions will primarily support children with active IFSPs or will primarily coordinate transition activities for consumers. All positions will be expected to complete all duties as a Service Coordinator when necessary.

A person in this position is expected to demonstrate the system of care practice model, which maximizes all resources around an individual or family. The system of care includes child and adult serving agencies and community partners that join with an individual or family to meet their goals.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Minimum Requirements:
The Early Intervention Service Coordinator position comes under the provision of the Child Protective Services Law. If you are a final candidate for this position, you will have to provide reports on your background from such sources as the Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Criminal History, and the PA Child Abuse History Clearance. If your background is unacceptable, you will be disqualified for employment in this position. You will receive information about these requirements and how to obtain the required reports at the time you are being considered for employment.

• A 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 3 years of full-time or full-time-equivalent experience working with or providing counseling to children, families, or individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to establish priorities and carry tasks to completion.

• Professional level experience working in Infant Toddler of Preschool Early Intervention
• Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field.
• Four years of experience in the human services field.
• Experience with individuals who have developmental disabilities.
• Experience and knowledge in early childhood development.
• Proficiency in team facilitation and mediation.
• Knowledge of Part C of IDEA and early intervention regulation.
• Knowledge of EI Announcements
• Knowledge of statewide data systems, such as HCSIS, PELICAN, Data Warehouse
• Knowledge of MH/MR Act 66.
• Working knowledge of SS/DPW system.

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is give per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Word skills
• Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Basic Internet skills (for research purposes)
• Ability to learn/utilize computer systems for everyday work.

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Inclement weather can contribute to hazardous travel conditions.
• Attending initial intakes alone and in all types of neighborhoods can potentially place you in an unsafe environment.
• Field work, as assigned.
• Court appearances, as necessary.

• This position requires extensive reading.
• Ability to work extended hours, as needed.
• This position requires professionalism.