OUR PURPOSE

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver has been serving northern Colorado since 1927. We serve tens of thousands of people each year in seven ministries: Marisol Services (for women), Early Childhood Education, Shelter Services, Archdiocesan Housing, St. Raphael Counseling, Family, Kinship, and Senior Services; and Parish & Community Services.

Our employees are crucial to our success in achieving our Mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need. Catholic Charities provides a work environment where self-motivated and mission driven individuals are recognized and rewarded. We accomplish this through:

• Employer sponsored training

• Culture of Trauma-Informed Care

• Generous compensation and benefits package.

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to welcoming applicants and program participants of all faiths; as well as an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and program participants. Candidates who bring diversity to our team are encouraged to apply.

SUMMARY

The ECE Disabilities Support Specialist will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of inclusion services within Head Start & Early Head Start classrooms. This position will be responsible for providing individualized, one on one support to children who require extra skills and supports to be successful in the classroom.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implements federal guidelines and performance standards as well as state and local regulations. Manages and/or monitors the compliance with same throughout all sites.

• Monitors assurance of compliance with the IDEA.

• Provides direct and administrative support across all program sites.

• Provides support for teams to implement best educational practices and support students in achieving IEP/IFSP goals through direct instruction, modeling, and coaching.

• Supporting Positive Behavior Support planning process in compliance with Federal, State, and CC ECE requirements.

• Supports the agencys Request for Observation (RFO) process.

• Ensures smooth transitions in, out and between our programs for children with disabilities.

• Maintains interagency agreements with the local LEA, Child Find, Part C, and other agencies as appropriate.

• Observes and provides feedback, consultation, and training for staff when necessary.

• Attend and participate in agency collaborative planning meetings as necessary.

• Completes required paperwork including data collection and tracking implementation of interventions and progress.

• Attends meetings and training to keep current in the field and provides follow-up application in the classroom environment.

• Maintains confidentiality of client and agency information.

• Regular and predictable attendance.

• Uses creativity and innovation in program development and service delivery.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must comply with all Colorado State Licensing regulations for child care staff.

• Participates effectively as a team member through communication, cooperation, information sharing and problem solving.

• Participates in staff trainings and programs as required.

• Any other tasks or duties as assigned.

• 
  Experience/knowledge in the field of disabilities, child development.

• Ability to understand and convey to others the values and social teachings of the Catholic Church as they relate to the mission and work of Catholic Charities.

• Ability to work effectively within the framework of Catholic teachings.

• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

• Ability to effectively lead and motivate staff through application of Agency values

• Intermediate knowledge of computers to input information, maintain client and program data, create and generate reports, and create communications.

• Knowledge of the service populations cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and the appropriate techniques and practices for the client population.

• Ability to interact effectively as a team member and independently with Agency staff and with a diverse client base.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associates degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Special Education, or related field (BA/BS strongly preferred); and two to three years of experience supporting children with developmental delays; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to communicate effectively with community partners, program staff, children and families in both written and oral format. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written communications. Bilingual preferred.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to work individually and as a team member. Prior experience working with children and families from diverse background.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Reliable vehicle for transportation, valid Colorado drivers license and proof of insurance required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 
  Travel: Minimal within local area.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER

• Equipment Used: General Office

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel as classified.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary: Starting at $18.41-$22.51/hour DOE salary/year with increases commensurate with education and experience.

Training: We provide a robust training curriculum that will support our employees throughout their career. Training provided within the first year of employment includes: De-escalation & Safety; Public Speaking; Mental Health First Aid; Substance Abuse & Mental Health; Human Trafficking; Trauma Informed Care; and many more.

Benefits: In addition to being part of a higher purpose while working in a challenging yet rewarding environment, eligible Catholic Charities employees receive a generous benefits package, including:

• 
  Extensive Paid Time Off including 9 Paid Holidays annually (4 weeks accrual for new employees - increasing yearly) promoting work life balance.

• 403b Retirement Plan with Agency contribution of 4% & match up to 2% of annual compensation.

• Choice of 3 PPO Medical Plans (90% of employee's and 75% of dependents premiums is paid by Agency), Dental, & Vision starting the 1st day of the month following start date.

• May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through Federal Student Loans and many more benefits.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? If you are ready to make answer the call and make a difference, please submit your application online at ccdenver.org/careers. We look forward to meeting you!

We conduct background checks as part of our hiring process.

Drug-Free Workplace.

We believe every employee has the right to work in an environment that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. Consistent with applicable laws, Catholic Charities makes all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, the presence of any physical or mental disability of someone otherwise qualified, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. This policy of non-discrimination applies to all aspects application procedures, hiring, advancement, transfers, reductions in force, discharge, compensation, training, or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

EEO/AA