The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Health & Disability Program Specialist (of the program) plays a crucial role in their team, as they are responsible for collaborating with the students, families, and program staff to provide/facilitate early intervention and strengthening children’s skills in social emotional and academic development. Their responsibilities include consultation support for program staff and families (training, coaching, technical assistance), and facilitation and collaboration with community partners.  The ECE Health & Disability Program Specialist will foster inclusive communities that promote family wellbeing and nurture strong parent/caregiver relationships.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Hybrid Work Arrangement potential
• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
  
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)
  

Mental Health: This position is required to develop a plan in collaboration with the child's teacher, parents and community agencies as needed, on children referred for additional support that will address a step by step plan for said child in regard to all mental health provisions.  A copy of observations completed by the ECE Health & Disability Program Specialist must be placed in the child’s file.

Disability: This position is required to develop a plan per child as referred on addressing any disability (suspected or diagnosed) or delays and working with professionals, local school districts, and staff on addressing the child’s needs.  The ECE Health & Disability Program Specialist will collaborate with community agencies on the development and implementation of any IEP or IFSP’s.

1. Coordination and Management: Develop, manage, and coordinate supporting children, families and program staff with cognitive development, physical development and health, language and literacy, social emotional development, disabilities, and mental health in the Early Childhood Education programs. This involves overseeing the provision of services to children with a suspected or diagnosed disability or delay, ensuring their inclusion, and promoting their overall development.
2. Early Childhood Mental Health: Provide guidance and support to program staff and parents in addressing mental health needs within the educational setting which can include the classroom or during home visits. Your expertise contributes to creating a positive and nurturing environment for all children. Will initiate referral to Mental Health Consultants as needed.
3. Dental & Health Screening and Assessment: Participate in identifying children who may require additional support due to developmental delays or disabilities. Regular screenings and assessments help tailor interventions to individual needs. Work with local partnerships such as the Anacortes School District to address the needs of the children, local health professionals to provide assessments and screenings.
4. Parent Training: Collaborate with parents and caregivers, providing them with information, strategies, feedback, training and resources to support their child’s growth and development. The ECE Disability Health & Disability Program Specialist will also provide parent trainings at Family events and Policy Council Meetings, and other meetings as assigned. Empowering families is a vital aspect of this role.
5. Professional Development: Ensure that staff members receive ongoing training and professional development. This includes equipping staff with knowledge and competencies necessary for high-quality service delivery, by providing training and coaching on best practices for supporting children with disabilities.
6. Compliance Monitoring: This position requires compliance with federal, state, and tribe regulations and policies. This position is required to have full understanding of this information including family & client rights, and to collaborate with other program components (such as Family Advocate, Food Services, and Education) to maintain compliance with regulations. Inclusive approach contributes to an effective and holistic early childhood program.
7. The ECE Health & Disability Program Specialist will continue ongoing training and professional development, which are essential to ensure high-quality service delivery.
8. Ensure timely follow-up and monitoring of children’s progress.
9. Develop an ongoing monitoring system to track and report data.
10. Maintain accurate records, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP, observations, progress reports and more.
11. Complete accurate reports as assigned.
12. Acts on referrals made by program staff and parents.
13. Must attend trainings as requested to increase skills in the area of job responsibilities.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

 Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

1. Must demonstrates skill in oral and written communication and report writing
2. Must demonstrates skill to gather and analyze data, make concise reports and recommendations
3. Must have knowledge in Health and Nutrition Education and the desire to work with children and families in health care related issues, preventative programs and client advocacy
4. Must demonstrate skills in scheduling work to meet program timelines
5. Must demonstrate skills in maintaining records
6. Demonstrates skills in the supervision of employees when assigned
7. Ability to work with minimal supervision

1. BA degree in Early Childhood Education, special education, or psychology, or related field and at least 2 years of Early Childhood work experience.
2. Must complete 30 hours Basic STARS course and 10 STARS hours of continuing education each year
3. Minimum of two years’ experience in working with young children (0-3) in a culturally diverse setting
4. Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license
5. Must obtain First Aid and CPR certifications within 30 days of hire
6. Must have initial TB test, and be free from communicable disease
7. Must have a favorable Tribal, State and Federal Criminal background check in accordance to the Indian Child Protection Act and the Family Violence Prevention Act
8. Sensitive to needs of low-income families and families with disabilities and relate to psychosocial and health problems
9. Must maintain confidentiality at all times, except when directed to do so when requested by a court of law
10. Because this position requires in-person work and is student and/or visitor facing, complete vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (also known as COVID-19) is required

Physical Demands: Long periods of sitting (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 30 lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, cash handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone. Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination.  Working Environment: Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must sit or stand at desk for the majority of shift. Sometimes works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)  

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment. All materials, including electronic materials of any type or format, produced are considered works made for hire and are the property of the Samish Indian Nation.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position.  The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.