Support Services Manager

• Follow specific and timely course of action to address any disabilities evaluation or mental health referrals needed based on screening results or other information.
• Communicate the importance of early intervention and disabilities and mental health services to teachers and families.
• Maintain accurate and thorough records of children who have been referred for a disabilities evaluation to Chicago public schools/ early intervention.
• Ensures teachers and families are fully involved in the referral, evaluation, IFSP or IEP development, service delivery, and transition process of children with suspected or identified disabilities.
• Attends EI and CPS evaluations and IFSP/IEP meetings, as needed.
• Responsible for the coordination of disability services for children in the early childhood education department, managing IFSP/IEP data and act as a liaison with the Chicago Public School special education services and Early Intervention with Child and Family Connections.
• Provide support to school age program in the coordinator of disability services for children and youth.
• Support parents and families in their role as the primary advocate for their child.
• Responsible for providing guidance and support to the administrative staff, intake team, teachers, and families during the enrollment of children with or suspected disabilities. This includes having pre- attendance meetings with teachers, staff, and families and identifying the appropriate ADA accommodations and modifications required.
• Responsible for working collaboratively with staff, families, teachers, advisors, Early Intervention (EI), and Chicago Public Schools (CPS), DCFS and DFSS to address the needs of children with developmental and social/emotional concerns.
• Supervises the disability para-professionals.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with diverse learners and their families address family’s linguistic needs, including translation and interpretation services demonstrate sensitivity and respect for families' cultural values and practices.
• Assess/evaluate child, family and community needs and concerns with the Director, Site Director, Family Service Manager, and Intake Specialist Coordinator and assist teaching team in integrating these into program.
• Meet quarterly or more with teachers in order to assist in developing individualized programming for diverse learners.
• Collaborate with part B and C agencies to improve teaching practices and request classroom observations, brainstorm strategies, model effective practices, and provide ongoing support to education staff.
• Meets on a monthly basis with the Early Childhood Education administrative team to update staff on child-family concerns, programmatic issues, etc.
• Plan and participate in staff and parent development activities with the early childhood education team.
• Send monthly disability tracking reports to DFSS and ensure all content area is accurately reflected in the agency’s PIR in a timely manner.
• Assists parents and staff in completing of Board of Education and OHS annual program self-evaluations and follow up validations.
• Attend monthly all agency staff meetings and mandated workshops/presentations that will promote professional development.
• Works with Director, Site Director, staff, NAEYC, and ASQ Accreditation Team to complete National accreditation of the Pre-School Programs.
• Responsible for the program complying with Erie, the Board of Education and all State licensing requirements and performance standards, including promoting the health and safety of all children, following sanitation procedures and universal precautions, completing a bi-annual physical exam, complying with the Confidentiality and Child Abuse and Neglect Act as a mandated reporter, as well as the American with Disabilities Act and Erie's Inclusion Policy.

• Completion of a four-year college degree from an accredited college or university; preferably in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or Child Development.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required.
• Experience working with children with disabilities and their families.
• Demonstrate the following qualities: self-motivated, self-directed, follows directions, makes good judgments, is creative, reliable, and dependable.
• Exhibits sincere interest in working with children and is knowledgeable regarding children's development and growth.
• Documentation of U.S. Citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Ability to respond immediately to any emergency situation.
• Upon offer of employment, must complete all forms related to hiring including Erie's application, employment status and 3 letters of recommendation. In addition, must complete all DCFS forms, including a Criminal Background Check, Fingerprinting and a Child Abuse and Neglect Background Check.

• Compensation of $50,000 - $55,000 based on experience.
• Work / life integration:
  • Generous paid time off
• (examples below for full-time employment)
  • 12 accrued sick days per year.
  • 3 personal days.
  • Paid birthday off .
  • 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth.
  • In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
  • Vacation:
    • Year 1 = 8 days
    • Year 2 = 13 days
    • Year 3 + = 20 days
  • Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible.
  • Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees.
  • Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave.
• Professional Development:
  • Employer-sponsored learning and development programs.
  • Paid day off annually for personal professional development.
  • Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows.
  • DEI Council-sponsored education and engagement series.
• Wellness support:
  • Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Employer-paid life insurance.
  • Voluntary life and AD&D and shot and long-term disability.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care.
  • 403b with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Yoga, Zumba and Book Club, when onsite.

Since 1870, Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children & youth, mental health & community wellness, adult education & training, legal services, and more.