Massachusetts Veterans Jobs

Functional Title: Children Specialist The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) seeks a committed, engaging, and collaborative Children Specialist. Working in a consultative capacity, the Child Specialist will provide technical assistance and represent and participate in early intervention and education-related committees and work groups. Provide consultation on Individual Education Plans, Individual Family Service plans, and Individual Transition plans. At times, consult with the Adult Case Manager about services for hearing children of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Parents when issues involve the development and/or education of hearing child. Lastly, guide and counsel parent(s) to promote positive change on behalf of children and families. /_Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):_/ * Acts as a centralized point of contact for professionally presented, objective information for parents regarding how to evaluate or compare potential educational programs for their child who has hearing loss, technology choices, early language development, and educational approaches to assist parents in knowing their options and in their own decision-making. * Provides technical assistance to and/or referral for early intervention and educational programs around the communication needs of children with hearing loss. * At program start-up, develops specialized, written information and resource listings regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing children at birth to 6-8 years for parents and professionals. * Shares access to various resources (print and human resources) that can help educate families about language and educational approaches. * Helps early intervention and other providers understand the perspectives of parents who are deaf and refer them to appropriate programs/services as needed. * Encourages and receives referrals from, for example, medical personnel, educational personnel, early intervention programs, early childhood programs, daycare, local education agencies, teachers, DCF, OCCS, parents and family members, MCB, and advocates. * Understands the transition process from early intervention to the LEA and can serve as a consultant to the team. * Collaborates with other agencies and service providers to promote cultural competency. * Provides information and referral to recreational and social activities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. * Reports cases of possible abuse and/or neglect to DPPC and DCF as a mandated reporter and works appropriately with DCF, MRC, DDS, DMH, and DPPC on abuse cases. * Works with adult service agencies to make the transition smooth between child and adult services. * Prepares reports, interagency correspondence, monthly statistics, and written program development suggestions. * Tracks progress of active cases, documents services provided, and keeps an updated organized client database * Analyzes and interprets data, laws, and policies and performs advanced or specialized work involving diverse or complex factors or situations based on a thorough knowledge of the specialty area. * Exercises great independence in making decisions. * Carries out special projects as assigned by the Director. /_Required Qualifications_/ * Experience working with young children and their development, parents of young children, and working with families of children with special needs or with educational programs for children. * Knowledge of the effects of hearing loss and Deafness and Deaf culture. * Experience with early language development and communication approaches and components thereof, including hearing aids, other assistive technology, cochlear implants, ASL approach, oral/auditory approach, cued speech, and “total communication.” * Ability to objectively present information to parents without bias or prejudice and to work with parents to enable them to make their own informed decisions regarding early language development and educational strategies. * Knowledge of the educational and social needs of individuals and children who are hard of hearing, late-deafened, and deaf. * Conversational fluency in American Sign Language. * Familiarity with various community service areas and/or special services related to deafness and hearing loss through experience and/or education. * Ability to research topics, read research articles, and select critical, current information either through reading or information gathering from other persons. * Build a functional, up-to-date resource file. * Determine the complexity of a request and the steps needed for problem resolution. * Lead meetings, case conferences, and/or committees. * Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to hearing, deaf, and hard-of-hearing parents, to other professionals, and to counsel by phone and in person. * Conduct oneself with maturity and appropriate empathy, focusing on the client’s needs without letting one’s own personal needs and/or preferences take precedence project. * Fundamental understanding of the IDEA and ADA as it applies to the education of children /_Preferred Qualifications:_/ * Successful completion of Parent Consultant Training Institute (PCTI) provided by the Federation for Children with Special Needs. * Specific knowledge of in-state programs and resources. * Knowledge of parental practices and values of other races and cultures. * In-depth knowledge of Federal and MA laws and regulations related to early intervention and education of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. * In-depth knowledge of eligibility and services available to children and families from MA state agencies and other private sources in MA. * Through understanding of all appropriate referral resources and community links, including community early intervention programs, parent/infant programs for the deaf and hard of hearing, SSI and other entitlement benefits, and specialized parent groups for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children. * Knowledge/familiarity with all language and educational approaches for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in MA. _Agency Mission:_* * MCDHH provides accessible communication, education, and advocacy to consumers and private and public entities so that programs, services, and opportunities throughout Massachusetts are fully accessible to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. _ _ _Pre-Offer Process:_ A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form. Please upload a cover letter and resume to the requisition. For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. _MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:_ Applicants must have (A) at least four (4) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, case management or clinical/therapeutic experience (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Based on assignment, travel may be required. Incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required (A) experience. Based on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, within the Department of Developmental Services, a Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, physical education or other a related field is required. Based on assignment as a Mental Health Case Manager or Forensic Transition Team Coordinator, within the Department of Mental Health, a bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation counseling, education or other a related field is required. _Comprehensive Benefits_ When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Community and Social Services* *Organization: Commission for the Deaf and Hard Of Hearing *Title: *Children Specialist- Case Manager-Central * Location: *Massachusetts-600 Washington Street Requisition ID: 240003SM