First Steps Service Coordinator - Newton County

Community Support Services of Missouri (CSS) has been in operation since 1978 supporting children and adults with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. Our mission is to foster and promote maximum independence, quality of life, personal growth, health and safety for the individuals we serve. We ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to live a life defined by potential, not any potential limitations. At CSS we strive each day to live out our ABLE Core Value: Above and Beyond, Better Together, Lead Intentionally, and Empower Everyone. 

Position Summary

The First Steps Service Coordinator  is a professional position charged with the referral, intake, eligibility and IFSP implementation process of Missouri’s First Steps Early Intervention system.  First Steps Program shall serve as the System Point of Entry (SPOE) for Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) covering the contracted SPOE region.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for Missouri’s First Steps Early Intervention process and timelines – 45 day, Initial, 6 Month Review and Transition. 
• Develop and maintain electronic Early Intervention records in the Web-SPOE Child Care Management System.
• Responsible for the initiating and maintaining the eligibility process for First Steps families.  
• Carry out required activities for IFSP development.  
• Facilitate the initial IFSP meeting within 45 days of referral. 
• Responsible for  attending monthly EIT meetings for the team assigned.
• Responsible for monthly contact with families to ensure appropriate provision of services
• Facilitating a timely delivery and monitoring of available services.
• Uphold all compliance standards and indicators.
• Maintain confidential and HIPAA/FERPA Compliant files and data.
• Responsible for documenting thorough accurate and consistent case notes and records within two (2) working days.
• Establish a working relationship with families by building rapport and respect.
• Responsible for assisting parents of eligible children in gaining access to the early intervention services and other services identified in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
• Refer families to other state and community programs and resources.
• Attend and participate in CSS and state agency meetings, monitoring activities and training as directed.
• Engage in Public Awareness/Child Find and Provider Recruitment activities.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Through knowledge of Missouri’s First Steps system, philosophy, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of basic child growth and development and family dynamics.
• Work with and respect persons with developmental disabilities.
• Exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Possess good communication and interviewing skills.
• Effectively utilize problem solving, negotiation and mediation skills.
• Possess good documentation skills.
• Possess good organizational and time management skills.
• Possess the ability to effectively use a computer.
• Ability to identify and develop community and state resources.

Required Education

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree as delineated in Missouri First Steps System Personnel Standards.

Qualifications

• Obtain and maintain all Module Trainings developed, FERPA Training, and Mandated Reporter training as required.
• A valid driver’s license, clear background screen and  proof of current auto insurance  
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the early intervention field 
• A minimum of two (2) years as a service coordinator
• Supervisory experience preferred

Physical Requirements

• All employees should possess the ability to:
• Lift 50 pounds or more on a repeated basis as required.
• Potentially bend, stoop, kneel, and twist repeatedly.
• Operate any required equipment with good dexterity. 
• Traverse changing terrain. 
• Periodically alternate between standing, sitting, and walking.

This is a full time position with benefits including medical, dental, vision and supplemental plans.  We offer 3% matching on retirement with 100% vesting on day 1!