Job Type Full-time Description AGENCY BACKGROUND: The objective of Sonoma Community Action Network (Sonoma CAN) is to partner with low-income families and individuals to help them achieve economic and social empowerment, build community, and advocate for social and economic justice. Sonoma CAN operates a wide variety of programs benefiting low-income Sonoma County residents. Our Mission: Sonoma CAN is a catalyst of equitable transformation, aligning partners and resources to implement values-based, data-driven, community-led solutions that help families reach their full potential. Our Vision: We see our Sonoma County transformed into an empowered community of thriving families where every child is raised with joy, justice, and connection. Our Values: Joy, Amor, Esperanza, Equity, Fuerza, Dignity, InclusiĆ³n Our Promise: Sonoma CAN changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Sonoma Community Action Network (SonomaCAN) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Affirmative action involves determining areas of workforce under-representation, locating qualified protected class candidates by enlarging the recruiting base, and developing the skills they need to succeed in those new positions. Our obligations in this area stem from not only adherence to various state and federal regulations but also from our commitment to create a culture of inclusiveness and diversity where members of our community thrive and are able to reach their full potential. TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: The salary for this position is $21-23 per hour, depending on experience. CAPS offers a generous benefits package available on the first day of the month after your date of hire that includes:
- Medical insurance through Kaiser or Sutter is 80-95% paid by the employer for employee premiums plus 50% paid by the employer for dependent coverage
- Elective dental, vision insurance, FSA, and Accident insurance.
- Employer-paid $10k of life insurance with expandable options
- Employer-paid Long-term Disability Insurance
- 401(K) plan with a 2% contribution and an additional 1% matched contribution after one year of service
- Employee assistance program, CalPerks
- 3 weeks vacation (4 hours accrued per pay period) based on full-time work increases at 5 years of service
- 96 hours of sick time per year (4 hours accrued per pay period) based on full-time work
- 1 floating personal day
- 16 paid holidays
Summary of Position: Under the supervision of the Inclusion Supervisor, this role provides a coordinated approach to ensure all children are fully included and effectively participate in every learning opportunity and that families are empowered as their advocates. Have the ability to deliver high-quality disability services to children ages 0-5 years old, supporting child development and goals in the preschool environment. Help enact the comprehensive program services and systems offered by Head Start for children with disabilities and mental health needs and their families. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Ensure screenings are completed in compliance with the 45-day HSPPS requirement for all enrolled students.
- Verify that all screening data has been entered and that documentation has been scanned into Child Plus.
- Responsible for follow-up on screenings flagged for concerns and ensuring re-screenings are completed within 90 days.
- Perform monthly classroom observations and assist in the appropriate identification of students needing additional support.
- Support Disabilities Supervisor in working with local Child Find community partners as needed.
- Provide referrals for Early Start services, special education services, and/or medical support needs. Use the needed approach (create referral letters, call intake lines, complete online application forms, etc.) to ensure children and families can access evaluation for Early Start services with North Bay Regional Center, special education services with educational institutions, and/or any disabling health concerns with medical providers.
- Complete referrals to North Bay Regional Center when developmental concerns are identified for an enrolled child 0-3 years old or an enrolled child of any age diagnosed with Autism or other disabling medical condition.
- Communicate with the HS/EHS team during the referral process, identify ways to support the family, and follow up on assessments/timelines.
- Encourage teacher participation in IFSP/IEP meetings and collect teacher input forms in advance.
- Responsible for tracking IFSP and IEP to ensure they are current and transition plans are completed.
- Obtain all IFSP/IEP documentation (and related assessments and/or specialist progress reports when available) and upload them to Child Plus.
- Ensures that spreadsheets are maintained for tracking disabilities and mental health services compliance, as well as notations of current status and next steps.
- Provide guidance to IEP teams regarding the development of IEP plans.
- Ensure families are informed about their rights throughout the special education process, and encourage parent/guardian input and advocacy.
- Record IEP meeting data and ensure the accuracy of completed documentation (as prepared by the school district). Communicate any concerns or disagreements with the IEP content of any parent or HS program to the Disabilities Supervisor.
- Ensure all accommodations and program modifications identified on a child's IFSP/IEP are met.
- Support teachers with adaptations as needed for implementation and create materials as needed.
- Provide consultation and resources to teachers regarding inclusion practices and procedures.
- Recommend, and order materials to support children with behavioral health and disabilities needs for classrooms.
- When performing student observations at centers, check that sensory support toys/materials and social-emotional visual aids, books, and other learning materials are freely available. Ensure that every classroom is an inclusive setting for all children.
- Support Disabilities Supervisor and assist teachers in providing coordination and resources regarding classroom placement, curriculum, individualization and procedures for special education.
- Participate in the individualization and provision of mental health support at school and referral to outside agencies for mental health services as required.
- Creates and presents annual pre-service training for both disability services and mental/behavioral health content areas.
- Provides training on the requirements of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and state and federal guidelines, including IDEA.
- Provides support to staff to ensure memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreements are upheld with local educational agencies (LEA) and community partners.
- Ensures staff members have access to behavioral health and disability interventions, including materials, activities, educational information, and other resources to promote best practices as part of daily life for children, parents, and staff.
- Ensures staff members receive ongoing support and training on screening tools/assessments that pertain to children's behavioral and developmental status and needs.
- Provides training to staff on observation, developmental and mental/behavioral health, and disabilities concerns; and the referral process.
- Works closely with ECE Education Manager and Area Supervisors on the implementation of Teaching Pyramid strategies in classrooms and support with teachers.
- Works with the Community Engagement (CERC) Manager relating to the provision of direct family support and guidance, as well as obtaining updates about children and any paperwork needed by HS from families.
- Provide information and process instruction across departments to ensure smooth navigation of child transitions into new settings, different programs, or TK/Kindergarten.
- Collect and review monthly special services provider logs from teachers for students receiving services at school. Ensure push-in services delivered are appropriate to the school setting, as identified in the child's IFSP/IEP.
- Ensures that family cultural traditions, healing practices, and beliefs are respected and acknowledged as they pertain to behavioral health and disabilities practices.
- Ensures all behavioral health and disabilities screening tools, materials, activities, and training are provided in the language and literacy level of the home, when needed and as possible.
- Uphold strict confidentiality of all student information. Ensure that the release of information consent forms has been obtained as needed and that they are properly completed and signed by parents/guardians and an HS employee. Confidentiality should be maintained in accordance with agency, state, and federal regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements Required Skills and Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships.
- Ability to develop and maintain a positive team working environment with staff.
- Detail-oriented with strong organization and time management skills.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with minimal supervision and multiple deadlines.
- Knowledge of effective practices in the areas of special education and behavior intervention.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Professional communication skills.
- Deep commitment to equity, diversity, dignity, and compassion.
- Knowledge of/ability to learn Child Plus and Google Suites.
IN ADDITION TO ABOVE :
- Valid California Driver's License and a properly insured vehicle for use on the job
- Prior to beginning work, one must be able to pass the background check DOJ.
- Current TB clearance (within one year).
- MMR Tdap vaccinations are required, and Flu shots are highly recommended.
- Fluent in English; some Spanish preferred.
Required Education and Experience:
- A.A. degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field is required, with 12 basic ECE units preferred.
- 2+ years of experience in early childhood education, child development (0-5 years), behavior intervention, and mental health support.
- 1+ years of community-based experience in a setting working with families and community organizations who have experienced poverty, crisis, homelessness, trauma, and other adverse events.
Preferred Education and Experience: Fluent in English; some Spanish preferred. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. It does require working/meeting with community partners and school districts. It also requires classroom visits and working with or observing children/staff in a classroom setting. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use the computer keyboard and mouse, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, stoop, crouch, and lift/move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. Employee signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position. Salary Description $21- $23 Hourly