Early Interventionist

**Job Description**:
**POSITION PURPOSE**

This position is responsible for receiving and processing referrals to Early Intervention Services and Oak Valley Health’s Child Development Programs. Responsibilities include the completion of a family-centred interview with parent/caregiver using developmental screening tools and child development knowledge to determine eligibility for available services and supports. Also provides parents/caregivers with an orientation to services and support to access and coordinate with other community services, where appropriate.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Receives and reviews referrals for relevant services and programs (Early Intervention Services, Oak Valley Health Child Development Programs including York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program, Infant Hearing and Blind Low Vision programs).
- Conducts in-depth interviews and completes relevant developmental screening tools with referred families enquiring about Early Intervention Services/Oak Valley Health Child Development Programs.
- Reviews information from interview and screening tools to determine eligibility for appropriate services and provides information on intervention services/community resources to caregivers based on their assessment of the information gathered.
- Provides parent/caregiver with preliminary support intervention approaches based on available resources/aids to support child development until services are initiated.
- Processes referrals and enrolls children (family) to appropriate service/program after initial eligibility screening as determined by required program criteria outlined.
- Identifies urgency of request and notifies appropriate regional program if there may be a need for priority review/services (i.e., complexity of child’s needs and family situation could include jeopardized childcare space/ living situation).
- Completes appropriate forms and records information within the appropriate client record depending on where referral is going.
- Navigates sensitive conversations concerning child’s health and development.
- Uses Region provided mapping tools to assign/forward new referrals to appropriate geographic teams.
- Provides community resources and information to ineligible referrals and when possible, initiates a warm transfer to connect to other services.
- Liaises with Early Intervention Services and Oak Valley Child Development Programs management and administrative support teams regarding service trends, processes, and provides feedback as needed.
- Liaises with and refers to other health care professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech-Language Pathologists after obtaining consent of caregivers.

**QUALIFICATIO**N**
- Successful completion of a Community College Diploma in Early Childhood Education or approved equivalent education and experience and a post diploma Resource Teacher certificate.
- Minimum two (2) years’ experience working with infants, young children (birth to age 6) with special needs and staff in inclusive settings, including experience working with families in home and/or childcare programs, utilizing a family-centred model of early intervention.
- Knowledge of related legislation, standards, acts, regulations and guidelines.
- Understanding of typical/atypical development to support developmental progress and practices.
- Ability to utilize developmental screening tools for assessing eligibility and determining appropriate Early Intervention Services program options.
- Demonstrated ability in the Region’s core competencies.