Resource Consultant

_For more than a century, Family and Children’s Services Niagara, the local Children’s Aid Society, has provided vital child welfare, family/community support, counselling, foster care and adoption services to residents in the Niagara Region._

**Resource Consultant**

(Up to 12-month contract)

Under the direction of the Manager of Childhood Learning, the Resource Consultant (RC) devises individual program plans for children with probable developmental risk factors or diagnosed special needs. The RC completes second stage developmental screening to complement Quality Child Care Niagara screening tools as requested. The incumbent works in conjunction with staff, parents and children to provide an inclusive learning environment that is designed to meet each child’s needs. Working as part of a team, the RC participates with community agencies to promote early identification and intervention and to streamline services.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Develops, monitors, and updates Coordinated Program Plans for children in accordance with their needs:

- Arranges meetings with identified families
- Completes the Level of Service tool to determine the level of Resource Consultant Support and advises families and programs
- Completes second stage developmental DISC screening/functional assessments with children for whom follow-up is recommended by the Quality Child Care Niagara (QCCN) screening tools scoring outcomes
- Develops individual program plans for children who are demonstrating probable developmental risk factors or who have been formally diagnosed with special needs
- Monitors growth of children identified with possible risk of developmental delay
- Recommends strategies and adaptations to promote inclusion; may involve program plan modifications, identifying and reducing barriers, completing functional assessments, and developing coordinated service plans which are reviewed regularly
- Maintains up to date written documentation for all children on the caseload
- Collaborates and consults with service providers:

- Provides consultative support to childcare programs in the implementation of the Quality Child Care Niagara screening tools
- Provides consultative support to program staff to implement the goals and objectives
- Consults with agencies providing services and arranges for the sharing of information to promote team communication and collaborative supports
- Supports families and childcare programs in the referral of children to appropriate agencies for further follow-up and diagnostic assessment
- Consults with childcare program staff to implement the CARE plan.
- Collaborates with school board personnel to adapt and update as needed
- Arranges meetings and ensures appropriate resources:

- Arranges and chairs case conferences, prepares agendas and records minutes
- Arranges meetings with childcare program supervisors and staff to review goals and assess child’s progress
- Arranges and chairs Transition to School meetings: inviting participants, preparing a transition report, visiting the school with the family prior to school entry and follow up after enrolment
- Provides in-service workshops related to working with children with identified special needs upon request
- Arranges for specific materials, resources, and equipment to support the child in the program, as needed
- Exercises appropriate communication:

- Participates and communicates as a team member with other staff/agencies involved with children on caseload
- Maintains sensitivity and professionalism in supporting families
- Maintains regular communication with parents and accommodates parental preference around work schedules where possible
- Provides input into policies relevant to inclusion, as requested
- Ensures the Supervisor is kept apprised of all matters of concern
- Reports workplace accidents/injuries in accordance with agency policies and procedures and ensures the supervisor is advised of any hazards they Exercises appropriate personal and professional behaviour
- Maintains positive working relationships with community and collateral contacts
- Respects parental decisions regarding recommended referrals/services for their child, provided it is not a child protection issue
- Adheres to professional and ethical standards and abides by applicable legislation, policies and procedures
- Actively upholds the principles identified in the Society’s Code of Ethics
- Works in compliance with OH&SA, utilizing protective equipment as necessary, and attends mandatory training as required
- Identifies individual professional developmental needs to the Supervisor, in order to ensure that performance is maximized.
- Performs other related duties as assigned. becomes aware of

**Qualifications/Efforts and Working Conditions**
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education, with College of Early Childhood Educators Certificate, or the equivalency
- Resource Teacher Certificate
- A minimum of 5 years experience in a licensed