DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for the implementation, evaluation and management of preschool special education and early intervention contracts administered by the Health Families of the Onondaga County Health Department and funded by the state and county. An employee in this class is responsible for ensuring that all Onondaga County Preschool and Early Intervention children with a determined disability receive educational and therapeutic services appropriate for their needs and in accordance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The work is carried out under general supervision from the Director of Healthy Families (Maternal and Child Health). An employee in this class is expected to exercise independent judgement in most areas of concern, and to consult with state and local departments on matters of policy, funding or matters of significant determination. Work is reviewed through periodic conferences and reports. Supervision is exercised over subordinate professional, paraprofessional and clerical employees. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Reviews, implements and manages contracts with special education and therapeutic providers throughout Onondaga County.

Ensures appropriate and coordinated services are available for eligible children as defined by New York State Education Law and Public Health Law for Preschool and Early Intervention.

Provides technical assistance on matters of legislation, regulation and policy to local school districts, provider agencies and itinerant professionals.

Acts as liaison with State Education Department and State Department of Health on program monitors, reimbursement issues and regulatory developments.

Gathers information to assist in developing annual budgets.

Reviews recommendations for services for individual children and supervises authorization and reimbursement services.

Represents the county at Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) and Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings.

Supervises subordinate professional, paraprofessional and clerical employees.

Write reports as required.

Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.

Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of Preschool Special Education and Early Intervention legislation and regulation.

Good knowledge of current special education practices for young children.

Good knowledge of procedures and assessments to determine educational needs of individual children.

Good knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.

Working knowledge of program planning, evaluation and budget forecasting.

Ability to assess the educational needs of individual children and recommend the services commensurate with child's developmental level.

Ability to interpret and understand complex oral and written directives.

Ability to collate, analyze and interpret information and prepare moderately detailed numerical and financial reports.

Ability to communicate program services, goals and policies to individuals and groups to stimulate their interest and participation.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Three (3) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent in early childhood or special education, one (1) year of which must have been in an administrative* capacity

*Administrative is described as responsible direction and control of an identifiable organizational unit or program; in addition to the supervision of work groups, an administrator is involved in planning, resource allocation, program evaluation and policy formulation.

. SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

Possession of a permanent New York State license or certificate from the New York State Education Department, in an area relating to the education of children with special needs. This may include certification or license in the following areas: special education, speech and hearing, visual impairment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, social work, and educational administration

NOTE:

Loss of certification from the New York State Education Department will result in termination of permanent appointment

03/2017 Revised