Early Intervention Service Coordinator

JOB OVERVIEW:  

Under contract with the City of Philadelphia (DBHIDS), Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) administers the ChildLink program to coordinate supports and services for families of children (birth to 3 years). Our staff members work in partnership with parents, early intervention specialists, and therapists to evaluate each child's needs, identify outcomes, explore options, and develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) composed of supports and services for each eligible child and family. Early intervention services are entitlements under the Pennsylvania Early Intervention Services System Act and are provided at no cost to families.

 Key responsibilities of ChildLink Service Coordinators include but are not limited to:

• Arranging for initial evaluations to determine if a child is eligible for early intervention services


• Finding resources to help children and their families


• Developing plans to meet the unique needs of children and their families


• Coordinating and obtaining services needed by children and their families

REPORTS TO: ChildLink Unit Supervisor

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate the performance of initial and ongoing evaluations (Initial and Annual MDEs) of the child and family.


• Complete initial and ongoing assessments of the child and family, such as the ASQ, M-CHAT, CAQ, FAQ, and others as required.


• Facilitate and participate in the development, implementation, review, and evaluation of outcomes and the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).


• Assist families in identifying early intervention services and other supports identified on their IFSP.


• Initiate referrals for service providers the same day the need for a service provider is determined.


• Locate, coordinate, and monitor the timely delivery of early intervention services and other supports an eligible child needs or is receiving.


• Inform the family of their procedural safeguards in EI as well as the availability of advocacy services.


• Assist the family in arranging for their child to receive medical and health services, if the services are necessary.


• Offer the family opportunities and support for their child to participate in community activities with other children.


• Inform the family of appropriate community resources.


• Refer, with parental permission, children eligible for the at-risk tracking system if not eligible for early intervention services.


• Facilitate the development of a transition plan when a child leaves the infant/toddler early intervention system.


• Secure and maintain verification of continued medical necessity as determined by the child’s physician.


• Enroll all eligible children into the Infant, Toddler, and Family Waiver.


• Enter ER, IFSP, updates, and transition plan information in PELICAN on the same day as the activity occurs.


• Enter service notes in PELICAN the same day that the activity occurs.


• Complete and process documentation required in forms, consents, permissions, and procedural safeguards as required.


• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with families, early intervention provider staff, MRS program analysts, Office of Child Development and Early Learning staff, and others working on behalf of the family.


• Support and empower families to participate in the PICC and other parent support resources.


• Implement and follow all state, county, and ChildLink early intervention policies and procedures.


• Attend meetings, trainings, and conferences as required.


• Complete other duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Able to organize, manage time, and meet goals and task-specific timelines


• Able to exchange verbal information with others and explain/describe things to others


• Able to accurately complete forms, write progress notes, and write short letters


• Able to meet and interact with new people and establish positive working relationships with others


• Able to understand and follow policies and procedures


• Able to analyze issues and identify good approaches to solve/address problems


• Able to type on keyboards and use electronic programs


• Able to work in groups and facilitate meetings

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

• Meet with new families within one week of assignment.


• Obtain consents, health appraisals, and EI prescriptions.


• Complete ASQ, M-CHAT, CAQ, FAQs, and other assessments as required.


• Complete all initial MDEs and IFSPs no later than 44 days from intake.


• Complete all reviews on time.


• Initiate all referrals for services the same day after completing the IFSP, or update to obtain qualified early intervention service providers as listed on each child’s IFSP.


• Initiate all referrals within 2 working days after completing the IFSP or addendum to obtain non-EI services and supports as identified by the family.


• Update service notes in PELICAN and other monitoring screens in EIP on the same day of the activity.


• Update the IFSP and service information in PELICAN the same day as services are added or changed.


• Complete all annual MDEs and IFSPs on or before the 365^th day from the previous IFSP development date (11 months from the previous IFSP preferred).


• Notify/refer eligible children at 2.5 to Elwyn SEEDS regarding transition planning.


• Complete all transition referrals and PELICAN and EIP documentation according to timelines.


• Develop a transition plan for all eligible children who leave EI (on or before age 2.9 for children turning 3 and all other children being discharged from EI before age 3).


• Provide and document the required hours of direct service each month.


• Complete all training requirements (state, IDS, TLC, and PHMC).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor's degree required in social sciences or another related field, including 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


• 1+ years of experience working with or providing services to children, families, or individuals with disabilities required

Preferred

• Ability to speak and write in Spanish and/or other languages


• Ability to use American Sign Language (ASL)


• Experience working in home and community settings


• Experience facilitating meetings and working in groups


• Skills related to cultural or adaptive areas

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: This position is classified as salaried non-exempt in accordance with FLSA standards.

SALARY GRADE: 15

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.