Children's Assessment Specialist

Position: Children’s Assessment Specialist Reports to: Children’s Director JOB SUMMARY: Is responsible for implementing the assessment and evaluation component of the Therapeutic Childcare Program. Works in conjunction with the Administrative Team (President/CEO, VP of Programs and Services, Children’s and Adult Directors, VP of Facility Management and Development, Nurse/ Health and Safety Director, Assessment Specialists, Behavioral Specialist, Quality Assurance and Training Specialist, Family Support Manager) to ensure planning, implementation, evaluation and quality assurance are in accordance with standard operating procedures and any licensing and accrediting organizations.

Collaborates with Children’s Director and VP of Programs and Services to provide a unified team concerning all facets of the program. Assumes duties and responsibilities of program operation in the absence of other Administrative Team members. Serves as ESWG’s Developmental Disability Professional (DDP) for children in the Medicaid Program and in the absence of ESWG’s full time DDP.

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES: I. Works with the Administrative Team to ensure program development and delivery are consistent with the ESWG’s mission, DECAL, Quality Rated, Medicaid Waiver and CARF standards. II. Ensures that all aspects of Medicaid DDP requirements are maintained and updated as needed. a) Oversees the services and support provided to participants to include: Monitoring and/or ensuring the implementation and delivery of the Individual Service Plan (ISP).

Supervising the delivery of service and ensuring strategies reflect the goals and objectives of the ISP. Monitoring the progress toward achievement of goals in the ISP and making recommendations for modifications to the ISP, as appropriate. b) Supervises and ensures the formulation and delivery of waiver services provided to participants annually to include: Ensuring the implementation strategies reflect the ISP and the needs of the participant.

Participating in the development of the ISP. c) Ensures completion of functional assessments to support formulation of the participants’ plans for all waiver service delivery to include: the Health Risk Screening Tool, the Supports Intensity Scale, Functional Behavioral Analysis and others as needed or required. d) Supervises high intensity services that address health and safety risks for participants to include: Reviewing and/or writing, and the implementation and effectiveness of Behavioral Support Plans and Crisis Plans.

Identifying ongoing supports as needed (medical and/or behavioral) in collaboration with appropriate personnel. e) Attends all training as required by DHBDD including receiving ISP, SIS and HRST training during the first year of employment. III. Maintains adequate records of service programs. a) Conducts new participant assessments within 1 month of enrollment and designs Plan of Care (POC) or Individual Service Plan (ISP) within 2 weeks of assessment.

b) Ensures completion of semi-annual progress POC meetings and annual POC/ISP meetings. c) Requests and maintains current IEP’s for school age children; ensures therapy progress notes and evaluations are in main file. d) Ensures IEP goals where applicable are incorporated and converted to POC. e) Ensures Medicaid related records remain updated and are copied to file.

IV. Provides guidance and training to key staff on compliance, policies, expectations, and changes. a) Acts as resource for Lead Teachers, and Teacher’s Assistants, in planning activities and lesson planning designed to accomplish POC/ISP goals to include Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy goals. b) Advises staff on POC/ISP goals and objectives and in assessing and reporting progress in progress notes.

c) Coordinates and facilitates all POC and coordinates all ISP meetings. d) Maintains a positive working relationship with parents/caregivers, staff, volunteers, and support coordination. e) Researches needed information and materials. f) Establishes and maintains functioning community resource book. g) Recommends needed changes to program literature, procedures and practices when recognized to ensure compliance.

h) Participates in SIS as primary ESWG representative and solicit input from directors as needed to ensure an accurate reflection of participant’s abilities. V. Provides guidance on an itinerant basis in the classrooms at least 2-3 hours per day. VI. Advises VP of Programs and Services on activities within classrooms affecting program objectives, staff and relationships with parents and the public.

VII. Works with state & local community agencies, school systems and health professionals to ensure participants receive services needed. VIII. Reports any problems relating to potential Easterseals’ liability; any accidents the participants incur; any problems with staff, parents or the public to the President/CEO or VP of Programs and Services.

IX. Reports any evidence of child/adult neglect and/or abuse to the President/CEO and Administrative Team for further investigation and possible reporting. X. Reports any needed maintenance to President/ CEO or VP of Programs and Services for building or grounds. XI. Works with VP of Programs and Services to ensure adequate supplies are on hand to support program needs.

XII. Works with VP of Programs and Services to ensure that ESWG meets all licensing requirements and accreditation standards. XIII. Maintains and complies with all municipal, state and federal regulations. XIV. Oversees self-administered medications as needed. XV. Attends in-service training to maintain and increase knowledge and skills.

Successfully completes at least 24 hours of identified training per year. Maintains current First Aid and CPR certifications. XVI. Respects and preserves the dignity, personal safety & confidentiality of all persons served by or employed by ESWG. XVII. Fulfills outside agencies’ requests for participant information. XVIII.

Performs other duties as requested or assigned. WORKING EXPECTATIONS:

• Staff will always exercise professionalism in the presence of participants, visitors, and other staff. Staff will ensure that all activities and conversations are always geared toward what is appropriate.
• To ensure quality of services provided, staff are expected to receive a rating of 20 (meets expectation) or higher on all performance reviews. Scoring under 20 will result in the staff member being placed on a 1-3 month probation until the level of quality is improved or termination may result.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in administration and/or field related to rehabilitation, special education, or education.
• Two years’ experience working with children and / or adults with disabilities.
• One-year experience in Administration.
• Experience with Case Management and Medicaid Regulations preferred.
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Communicate well orally and in writing.
• Interpret and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Must possess computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word and other systems related to the program. Must possess adequate typing skills.
• Must have the ability to plan and manage resources and services with minimal supervision.

ABOUT US

Easterseals West Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Columbus, Georgia. We provide high-quality programs and services designed to empower children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum independence. Our commitment to fostering inclusivity and support transforms lives, helping individuals reach their personal goals and thrive within our community.