Intervention Support Specialist

The Intervention Support Specialist is responsible for providingtechnical assistance to the local program staff of HS and/or EHS and allcomponent staff related to the integration of the disabilities andmental health component throughout the programs they serve. TheIntervention Support Specialist provides training, support and guidanceto staff and parents on the mainstreaming and provision of services tochildren with disabilities and their families and the social/emotionalwellbeing for children and families. The Intervention Support Specialistis responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children?sServices; building an understanding of the program by communicating thismission to staff, families and the community. This position must complywith all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards andpolicies, including those of the federal Administration for Children andFamilies (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care(EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE),Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family EngagementNetwork (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children?s Servicespolicies and procedures. All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start andChildren?s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with,children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of childabuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children andFamilies (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 ??51A ? 51G. Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of achild must inform his or her supervisor immediately. Theresponsibilities of a particular position may support both Early HeadStart and Head Start depending on the individual assignment. Thespecific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on thepersonnel payroll authorization or change of status form. Allcommunications are potentially sensitive and are subject to HeadStart's policy on confidentiality. Essential Duties Integrated Supportand Services (Up to 80%) Works collaboratively with all component staff,parents and staff from community agencies, early intervention programsand the public schools to ensure that: children with disabilities arerecruited; interdisciplinary program planning occurs; appropriatereferrals, screening, assessment, diagnostic services and placements areprovided; Individualized Education Plans (IEP?s) and Individual FamilyService Plans (IFSP?s) are incorporated and implemented; an accepting,mainstreamed classroom environment is provided; an educational programfor parents is developed; and a smooth transition into HeadStart/Kindergarten (including K0, K1 and K2 classrooms) is arranged for.Observe and informally assess children identified through screeningand/or teacher/parent referral, when appropriate; Provide assistance inadapting and modifying educational activities and methods andimplementing recommendations of outside specialists; Provide ongoingconsultation and support to parents and staff regarding: P.L. 94-142,Chapter 71b and IDEA; Head Start/Early Head Start philosophy ofmainstreaming children with disabilities; support networks for familiesbefore and after Head Start/Early Head Start; Advocacy skilldevelopment; Referrals to contractual and outside mental healthprofessionals; Monitor services provided by licensed or certified mentalhealth professionals; Identifying behavioral or mental health concernsof an individual child or group of children; Assist in providing specialhelp for children with Atypical behavior or development. Observe andassess the appropriateness of programs outside Head Start or Early HeadStart for possible placement or referral following the evaluation of achild; Coordinate paperwork and create action plans related to social &emotional disabil ties effort t

Created: 2026-04-04