Thursday, January 30, 2014

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

1.       “Behavior Intervention Specialist - EXCEL Fremont
LINCOLN CHILD CENTER
Lincoln Child Center enables vulnerable and emotionally troubled children and their families to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Behavior Intervention Specialist - Intensive
PROGRAM: EXCEL - Fremont
ACCOUNTABILITY: Program Manager
JOB SUMMARY:
The Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) implements a high quality, comprehensive and individualized intervention program to assist children with appropriate behavior within their school, their home, and their community. Exercising independent and discretionary decision making, the BIS works with individual families on issues relating to the clients' individualized treatment plans. The BIS utilizes community resources and local professionals to develop a strong quality program for each client, monitors all data to determine effectiveness of program and completes assigned documentation consistent with program guidelines and Medi-Cal regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ability to work collaboratively with members of inter-disciplinary teams; and ability to provide ongoing clinical consultation to assigned staff.
Demonstrated awareness of, sensitivity to and competence in dealing with cultural and socioeconomic diversity of client population.
The willingness and the ability to be trained, using our therapeutic and relationship-building philosophy that includes Collaborative Problem-Solving, Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI), Positive Behavioral Intervention, and SAFE Environments training programs.
Use clinical insights, educational motivational techniques and commitment to excellence to promote clients' growth;
Develop a safe and successful positive behavior plan designed to reduce the number of disruptive behaviors in the classroom and the community;
Co-facilitate therapeutic groups for clients;
Provide milieu-based supervision for children individually and in groups at all times, assisting each child in working with a group and in handling individual problems;
Provide solution-focused counseling and crisis intervention to clients throughout school day;
Develop and implement effective behavioral management techniques consistent with goals and treatment plans and Lincoln Child Center philosophy;
Must be able to physically manage acting out behavior of children ages 6-17 years utilizing authorized physical intervention protocols;
Initiate, plan and implement client outings into the community in order to expose clients to broad range of experiences and promote positive interaction with the community;
Work under the direction of site clinician and site manager to provide on-going family contact and quality support services linking child and family with well researched, relevant and affordable community resources and services;
Participate actively in all team meetings, staff meetings, individual and group supervision meetings and school meetings (IEP, SST, SART, etc.) as requested and collaborate proactively with treatment team to deliver quality mental health services to clients and families;
Develop relationships and ongoing communication with teachers and other staff; provide concrete strategies for positive and feasible individual and class intervention strategies that are in line with client treatment and goals;
Participate in development and implementation of summer program for clients and in cross-site projects (i.e. holiday gift drive, Thanksgiving dinner, etc.);
Participate in on-going training on intervention techniques and life-skills curriculum;
Complete all Medi-Cal documentation in accordance with regulations. Develop and administer outcome measurements to ensure quality of service and implementation of individualized treatment plans;
Enrich class and student's instructional programs to meet their individual instructional and treatment needs, goals and interests using Lincoln Child Center and community resources; and
Maintain all appropriate records including crisis intervention files and/or incident reports, behavioral tracking forms, lesson plans consistent with IEP goals and objectives, attendance records, clinical notes and other records as required;
INTENSIVE DUTIES:
Be dedicated to a single milieu/classroom environment of 10-12 emotionally disturbed designated students an entire school day with one or fewer LCC staff to provide relief or support;
Be directly responsible for intensive crisis and behavioral management, and behavioral support service delivery, including hands on, in similar environment;
Maintenance of ongoing service documentation for same service model, with all documentation having to occur after school hours;
Display an exemplary level of professional coordination with external constituents including non-LCC teaching staff, district administration, and school site administrative leadership.
Exhibit independent professional decision making on a moment-to-moment basis without immediately available consultation with fellow LCC staff.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
Attend required meetings as assigned;
Follow agency policies and procedures;
Participate in Lincoln Child Center in-service training programs;
Understand and follow all Lincoln Child Center safety policies, procedures and rules. Perform all job duties safely. Attend all required safety training sessions. Identify and immediately report all workplace hazards, safety rule violations, near misses, and work-related injuries; and
Perform other duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a major in a behavioral science subject and four (4) years documented mental health experience;
Spanish speaking a plus;
Demonstrated awareness of, sensitivity to and competence in dealing with cultural and socioeconomic diversity of client population;
Good written and verbal communication skills;
The ability to relate effectively and professionally with children, supervisor, co-workers and staff;
Valid California driver's license, a clear driving record and personal vehicle insurance coverage; and
Availability of a personal vehicle in good working condition to be used on Lincoln Child Center business.
Must meet eligibility requirements to bill for Medi-Cal services
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The willingness and the ability to be first aid and CPR trained; and
A high degree of physical fitness with the ability to run, jump, bend, stoop, kneel, drop to one knee and get back up.
SPECIFIC SKILLS:
A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems;
Valuing a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person;
A conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change;
The ability to establish a respectful relationship with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence;
The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals;
The capacity to maintain a helping role and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals; and
The ability to set appropriate limits.
CLASSIFICATION: Regular, full-time, non-exempt, benefited position.
SCHEDULE: Flexible schedule based on program needs. Full-time or part-time employees scheduled for a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for benefits.
AFFILIATION: Union.
COMPENSATION: Union Salary Scale.
BENEFITS: Competitive benefits package available “
I would really love to have this position, I would have the opportunity to work with children in the field of intervention with I have over 17 years of experience doing so. I also have many years of experience working with children who have behavior and or personality issues, for some reason I have an abundance of patience, compassion, but firm stand on working with children as such and their families with best workable solutions coping skills. I believe that would also feel comfortable with this position because I do have a bachelor’s degree in social work, and I think that my degree and early childhood studies with mesh with this particular position.  I believe that I have good verbal skills and have lead numerous meeting as well as the coordinator of those meetings, writing is NOT my favorite subject, but I have had to write several education reports for my previous job and for the children’s court.  Although this position does not note a specific salary, this organization offers a Union Membership which I like and was familiar with in my hometown. When I moved to New Mexico I was extremely surprised to know that most places in New Mexico did not utilize or support unions. I am very much aware of cultural differences and am willing to advance in knowing more about this subject. I can speak, write, and understand Spanish. I am also familiar with ASL American Sign Language. The one thing that I felt might be a small problems is the physical part, at this point I am able to sit on the floor with young children, run and jump as well but not sure how long this is going to last, I am getting older. Hopefully I will be able to do as my grandmother did she was 85 years young and was still working with individuals with disabilities. I like the fact that this job offers benefits, however, I would need to know what benefit package(s) they offer. 
2.        ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­“Community Living Specialist - Behavioral Health
Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. - Houston, TX
Harris County Advocate Programs – Behavioral Health (part of Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.) is hiring people with a Bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field, such as psychology, social work, rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human growth and development, special education, educational psychology, early childhood education, and early childhood intervention, to serve as Community Living Specialists.

HCAP-BH’s mission is to help At-Risk youth ages 3-18 avoid institutionalization in a hospital, residential treatment center, or incarceration.

The job is 10-30 hours per week and pays $10-15 per hour, depending upon the duties. Applicants MUST have flexible schedules to be available during various times to meet the needs of clients and families. The CLS works closely with MHMR, therapists, and community members to provide the youth and family with services to attain this goal. CLS will be supervised weekly, and will learn a great deal about community resources, case management, networking, mental heal.”
I think that my heart will always want to take on the advocacy positions for children and their families. I think what is really drawing me to this particular position is this organization’s mission statement: “HCAP-BH’s mission is to help At-Risk youth ages 3-18 avoid institutionalization in a hospital, residential treatment center, or incarceration.”  I do not necessarily want to do the “incarceration part.” However, every job has it’s not so pleasant part. Nevertheless, I do have experience working with the juvenile/probation system in my community. At one time I was working with young male first time felony offenders. I did not think I would appreciate working with this group, but to my surprise I was drawn to the fact that some of those individuals, in which I was assigned to, in my opinion, more than likely would  have traveled down a more of a  positive road had they had better parenting supervision/guidance. I also could appreciate this particular job, because it is a part-time position.  I want to continue with operating my own childcare programs, so part time would work out great. Although this particular position ask for someone with a Bachelor’s degree, I would not mind taking the position with the understanding from the organization that I would be able to advice to  a Masters’ level position.                                                                                                                                                   
3.        “On-Call Early Childhood Education Specialist(Job Number: 1300002369)
Description
 Health, Education & Social Programs
Education, Community & Social Programs
Telecommute/ Home-Based
 About ICF International
ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI) partners with government and commercial clients to deliver professional services and technology solutions in the energy, environment, and transportation; health, education, and social programs; and homeland security and defense markets. The firm combines passion for its work with industry expertise and innovative analytics to produce compelling results throughout the entire program life cycle, from research and analysis through implementation and improvement.
 We have a passionate commitment to our work and to helping our clients achieve their objectives. We combine technical expertise with world-class analytics. We provide room for entrepreneurial thinking and grass-roots innovation to achieve compelling results for both our clients’ projects and our own company. All our work is done in a professional, collegial, and intellectual environment that allows individuals the latitude they need to perform work that parallels their passions. Since 1969, ICF has been serving government at all levels, major corporations, and multilateral institutions. More than 4,500 employees serve these clients worldwide. ICF's website is http://www.icfi.com/.
  Job Description:
 ICF International seeks an On-Call Early Childhood Education Specialist to work within our Education, Community & Social Programs Division (ECSP).   ICF's ECSP Division conducts technical assistance, training, research, and evaluation projects in a wide range of content areas including early education policy, quality improvement, system-building, and assessment.  We seek an Expert Consultant to work on a variety of military projects.  Our work focuses on providing comprehensive early childhood technical assistance and innovative training based on the latest research, data, and established best practices.  The Expert Consultant would work closely with our military clients and others to ensure that technical assistance and deliverables provided is tailored and customized to the needs and requests.
 Primary responsibilities for this position will involve: researching available resources, developing outlines and writing guidance, such as program manuals, fact sheets and sample forms as assigned, developing and implanting training and providing direct technical assistance on a large variety of military early childhood topics.  Candidates must have extensive military and training experience, be excellent writers, outstanding communicators, able to manage multiple tasks and timelines, be versed in a wide variety of military early childhood topics, able to work on tasks independently and maintain positive relationships
Basic Qualifications:
Master's degree in education, early education, early childhood, or related subject.
5 + years of experience working in a military early childhood setting including Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Navy.
10+ years of experience with providing content knowledge on early childhood programs, curriculum standards, quality standards, and assessment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or Access) is essential in this fast-paced and client-oriented environment. 
Experience working with multiple stakeholder groups as a participant, content advisor, and technical assistance provider.
Preferred Experience/Skills:
Experience providing technical assistance to State Education Agencies (SEA), State Child Care Administrators, and/or other state leaders in early education. 
Experience assisting states in building effective early childhood systems.
Knowledge and understanding of:
State early learning and development standards.
Principles and approaches to appropriately assess young children’s knowledge and skills.
Principles and approaches to appropriately assess program quality.
Professional Skills:
Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills 
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision making capabilities 
Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment 
Ability to be flexible to handle multiple priorities  
Sound business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information 
Ability to apply detailed knowledge of organizational procedures to make independent decisions and serve as a credible resource for a senior management team
 ICF offers an excellent benefits package, an award winning talent development program, and fosters a highly skilled, energized and empowered workforce.
ICF International is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer - M/F/D/V
For a listing of other career opportunities at ICF, please visit our Career Center at www.icfi.com/careers/”
This particular job position does ask that the individual have at least at least five years of military. Although I have never enlisted in the military I have experience working at the New Mexico Holloman Air Force Base. I was employed as a public relation specialist, and when I was employed in the field of early intervention I was assigned to the While Sands Missile Range Base In Las Cruces New Mexico I have over ten years of working with military families with children who developmental delays. I would love the chance of working outside the United States  I have over “10+ years of experience with providing content knowledge on early childhood programs, curriculum standards, quality standards, and assessment”.

                                                                    References
ICF International is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer http://www.icfi.com/careers/
Behavior Intervention Specialist - EXCEL Fremont  http://www.indeed.com/q-Behavior-Intervention-Specialist
Community Living Specialist‎  http://www.webcrawler.com/‎                                                                                                        

Friday, January 17, 2014

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The Children’s Defense Fund - http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/
Investments in early childhood are vital to the success of our nation's youth. Extensive research has shown that early childhood programs significantly increase a child's chances of avoiding the prison pipeline. Furthermore, these programs have well-documented economic and societal value. Studies have shown that investments in quality early education can produce a rate of return to society significantly higher than returns to most stock market investments or traditional economic development projects. - See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/policy-priorities/early-childhood-education-care/?gclid=CNOqt42LhrwCFQmIfgodIyYAZA#sthash.oWpu3RAa.dpuf

National Parenting Educational Networks’:
 “VISION
The vision of the National Parenting Education Network (NPEN) is that all parents/families will have the information, resources and support needed to provide a nurturing relationship and an optimal environment that will encourage their children’s healthy growth and development.
MISSION
The National Parenting Education Network is committed to advancing the field of parenting education.
GOALS
Information Sharing: (1) To facilitate and encourage the sharing of and discussion about ideas, resources, practices and any other information relevant to parenting educators and (2) To consolidate and/or make accessible research-based information and resources on parenting education.”
Below are just some of the Links that National Parenting Educational Network has to offer:
Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs:
Guidelines for Excellence In the Domains of . . .
Parent Development
Parent-Child Relationships
Early Childhood Development
Family Development
Culture & Community
The reason why I chose these particular organizational websites is because, although early childhood development are very important, in my opinion the family unit can be and oftentimes is the foundation of the child’s success or lack of.  These particular programs not only focus the child’s early childhood development they focus of the entire family’s well-being as a whole unit and not just as a part.  


                                                 References
Copyright © 2012 Children's Defense Fund. All Rights Reserved. 
            25 E Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20001 | 800-CDF-1200
           | cdfinfo@childrensdefense.org  - See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-
           us/#sthash.9io46I33.dpufReferences
National Parenting Educational Networks ’National Parenting Education Network

 The Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework: http://www.naaee.org

Friday, January 10, 2014

Family are the best!!!

It only took me what seemed to have be 100 times before I could copy and paste this wordle which in my mind family really is my main focus and passion!!