IEP Coord/School Social Worker - LaGrange School Program bei ABILITIES FIRST, INC

Description

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services— are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

Abilities First is seeking an IEP Coordinator to join our LaGrange School program, located in Poughkeepsie NY. The IEP Coordinator will be an experienced educator (M.S. Ed), School Guidance Counselor or School Psychologist with experience working with children with developmental disabilities, service development and knowledge of the psychosocial effect of developmental disabilities.  Work responsibilities include, but are not limited to, working with school staff, school students and families. This position serves as the liaison between school districts CSE programs and our school to assist School Staff in meeting the Individual Education Plan Goals of students with disabilities. 

Schedule: Monday – Friday 40 hours a week / 52 weeks per year

Salary: $58,900.00 - $59,900.00 a year

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Under the supervision of the School Principal the IEP/Transition Coordinator is responsible for: 

• Providing the school principal and other decision makers in the school with information regarding relevant federal, state, and local regulations governing special education, including placements, timelines, notifications, IEPs, parental roles, reevaluations, and procedural safeguards.
• Lead and actively participate in the support team to ensure compliance with NYSED.
• Collaborate with Principal/Assistant Principal in Human Resource related items including interviewing, hiring, orientation, and training of staff.
• Communicate any issues or needs, or consistently positive observations, to the principal and assist in the daily operations of the school. 
• Assist the Principal/Assistant Principal with planning, maintaining, and implementing any other operational, building maintenance, curriculum, budgeting, staffing, or student needs necessary for program growth.
• Act as site supervisor in the absence of the Principal/Assistant Principal.
• Serve the school’s liaison to the Committee on Special Education to ensure timely delivery of services and maintain overall IEP compliance by providing support to classroom teacher implementation.
• Maintain current demographics and documents regarding all students on IEPs, as well as those in the referral process (development, updating, annual reviews, and triennials).
• Completion of all school intakes, including interview, contact with school districts and parents by reviewing IEP referrals to determine program eligibility.
• Attend Committee for Special Education meetings to edit Individual Education plans, keep minutes, and follow up CSE meetings with school staff to ensure compliance.
• Provide individual, family and group counseling to enhance the coping skills and increase understanding of issues arising from developmental disabilities for assigned programs.
• Individual and Group Counseling with students within assigned programs.
• Coordinate acquisition of equipment form school districts for Abilities First School for students. (receive, disperse, keep spreadsheet)
• Request IEP Program Review Meetings, coordinate with School districts for edits of IEP’s or other needs of the students, and request services from outside agencies when needed (BOCES).
• Participate in day-to-day school planning by attending Classroom Team Meetings when requested, participating in building classes for the school year, assist in planning quarterly Professional Development Days.
• Maintain appropriate documentation required by oversight agency and/or service program.
• Meet regularly (as per oversight agencies, service program and participant requires) for follow up on concerns to provide support, information and concrete problem-solving services.
• Assist in appropriate service plan development to include educational, medical, vocational, residential, and social needs that reflect person/family centered planning. Provide linkage and referral services as needs are identified and requested by participant.      
• Communicates as needed with transportation and skilled nursing as it relates to the IEP.
• Collaborates with Special Education Teachers to develop transition section of IEPS for students in transition years.
• Collaborates with Special Education Teachers to develop and schedule within-school transition related activities and instruction, and to monitor progress toward IEP goals.
• Cultivates community-based internships and employment opportunities.
• Coordinates student placement and engagement in community-based internship and employment opportunities.
• Develop exploratory program in house to provide work opportunities for students.
• Confers with students’ families, school leadership, and other professionals to develop IEPs designed to promote students’ academic, physical, and social development.
• With Special Education Teachers, monitors student progress toward transition goals and adjusts transition activities as needed to broaden student experience and readiness of post-school employment.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Follow all agency policy and procedures and demonstrate continuous regard to personal safety and safety of others. 
• Adhere to agency Code of legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers, and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith  and respect for others and the laws.
• Will incorporate concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.

Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

1. Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, bend the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
2. Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
3. Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
4. Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
5. Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver individuals in wheelchairs.
6. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• 403(b) plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support
• On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.
• And More!

Requirements

• M.S. Ed or Sp Ed, School Psychologist or School Guidance Counselor with 5 years' experience working with children with developmental disabilities, IEP development and mandated service delivery models 
• Required Counseling experience with developmentally disabled adolescents and family training experience. 
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office applications with the ability to collect and organize data required
• The ability to work cooperatively and effectively with large numbers of professionals, superior communication skills
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier