Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Working in a consultative capacity, the Child Specialist will provide technical assistance and represent and participate in early intervention and education-related committees and work groups.. Encourages and receives referrals from, for example, medical personnel, educational personnel, early intervention programs, early childhood programs, daycare, local education agencies, teachers, DCF, OCCS, parents and family members, MCB, and advocates.. Reports cases of possible abuse and/or neglect to DPPC and DCF as a mandated reporter and works appropriately with DCF, MRC, DDS, DMH, and DPPC on abuse cases.. Experience with early language development and communication approaches and components thereof, including hearing aids, other assistive technology, cochlear implants, ASL approach, oral/auditory approach, cued speech, and “total communication.”. In-depth knowledge of eligibility and services available to children and families from MA state agencies and other private sources in MA.Through understanding of all appropriate referral resources and community links, including community early intervention programs, parent/infant programs for the deaf and hard of hearing, SSI and other entitlement benefits, and specialized parent groups for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children.

case manager

DescriptionFunctional Title:Children SpecialistThe Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) seeks a committed, engaging, and collaborative Children Specialist.Working in a consultative capacity, the Child Specialist will provide technical assistance and represent and participate in early intervention and education-related committees and work groups.Provide consultation on Individual Education Plans, Individual Family Service plans, and Individual Transition plans.At times, consult with the Adult Case Manager about services for hearing children of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Parents when issues involve the development and/or education of hearing child.Lastly, guide and counsel parent(s) to promote positive change on behalf of children and families. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive): Acts as a centralized point of contact for professionally presented, objective information for parents regarding how to evaluate or compare potential educational programs for their child who has hearing loss, technology choices, early language development, and educational approaches to assist parents in knowing their options and in their own decision-making.Provides technical assistance to and/or referral for early intervention and educational programs around the communication needs of children with hearing loss.At program start-up, develops specialized, written information and resource listings regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing children at birth to 6-8 years for parents and professionals.Shares access to various resources (print and human resources) that can help educate families about language and educational approaches.Helps early intervention and other providers understand the perspectives of parents who are deaf and refer them to appropriate programs/services as needed.Encourages and receives referrals from, for example, medical personnel, educational personnel, early intervention programs, early childhood programs, daycare, local education agencies, teachers, DCF, OCCS, parents and family members, MCB, and advocates.Understands the transition process from early intervention to the LEA and can serve as a consultant to the team.Collaborates with other agencies and service providers to promote cultural competency.Provides information and referral to recreational and social activities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.Reports cases of possible abuse and/or neglect to DPPC and DCF as a mandated reporter and works appropriately with DCF, MRC, DDS, DMH, and DPPC on abuse cases.Works with adult service agencies to make the transition smooth between child and adult services.Prepares reports, interagency correspondence, monthly statistics, and written program development suggestions. Tracks progress of active cases, documents services provided, and keeps an updated organized client databaseAnalyzes and interprets data, laws, and policies and performs advanced or specialized work involving diverse or complex factors or situations based on a thorough knowledge of the specialty area. Exercises great independence in making decisions.Carries out special projects as assigned by the Director. Required Qualifications Experience working with young children and their development, parents of young children, and working with families of children with special needs or with educational programs for children.Knowledge of the effects of hearing loss and Deafness and Deaf culture.Experience with early language development and communication approaches and components thereof, including hearing aids, other assistive technology, cochlear implants, ASL approach, oral/auditory approach, cued speech, and “total communication.” Ability to objectively present information to parents without bias or prejudice and to work with parents to enable them to make their own informed decisions regarding early language development and educational strategies.Knowledge of the educational and social needs of individuals and children who are hard of hearing, late-deafened, and deaf.Conversational fluency in American Sign Language.Familiarity with various community service areas and/or special services related to deafness and hearing loss through experience and/or education.Ability to research topics, read research articles, and select critical, current information either through reading or information gathering from other persons.Build a functional, up-to-date resource file.Determine the complexity of a request and the steps needed for problem resolution.Lead meetings, case conferences, and/or committees. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to hearing, deaf, and hard-of-hearing parents, to other professionals, and to counsel by phone and in person.Conduct oneself with maturity and appropriate empathy, focusing on the client’s needs without letting one’s own personal needs and/or preferences take precedence project.Fundamental understanding of the IDEA and ADA as it applies to the education of children Preferred Qualifications: Successful completion of Parent Consultant Training Institute (PCTI) provided by the Federation for Children with Special Needs. Specific knowledge of in-state programs and resources.Knowledge of parental practices and values of other races and cultures. In-depth knowledge of Federal and MA laws and regulations related to early intervention and education of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.In-depth knowledge of eligibility and services available to children and families from MA state agencies and other private sources in MA.Through understanding of all appropriate referral resources and community links, including community early intervention programs, parent/infant programs for the deaf and hard of hearing, SSI and other entitlement benefits, and specialized parent groups for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children.Knowledge/familiarity with all language and educational approaches for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in MA. Agency Mission:MCDHH provides accessible communication, education, and advocacy to consumers and private and public entities so that programs, services, and opportunities throughout Massachusetts are fully accessible to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.

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