PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB:
This position will assist with the supervision of all First Steps Service Coordinators, providing guidance and assistance to promote self-direction, build understanding of the requirements and support their team members to meet the requirements in all aspects of Service Coordination. Execute an ongoing process of assessment and monitoring of the quality, timeliness and completeness of documents, services, and records by providing leadership and mentoring to Service Coordinators in a supportive and positive environment.
This description may not include all the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this position.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Program Leadership & Oversight:
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The Service Coordinator is responsible for delivering all components of Missouri First Steps service coordination in accordance with DESE and Part C requirements, with caseload size determined by the Director
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Provide direct supervision and oversight of assigned Service Coordinators.
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Assist the Assistant Director and Systems Point of Entry (SPOE) Director in implementing SPOE administration plans as requested by the Assistant Director or Director.
- Support implementation of needs assessments and technical assistance plans as requested by the Assistant Director or Director.
- Assist with addressing complaints involving Service Coordinators and support resolution.
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Support Service Coordinators in implementing corrective actions.
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Assist the Assistant Director and SPOE Director with performance appraisals as directed.
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Monitor Service Coordinator compliance with Department of Secondary Education (DESE) First Steps contract requirements, timelines, and caseload expectations.
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Provide leadership, coaching, and team morale support to ensure adherence to best practices.
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Serve in the role of Assistant Director during absence, with guidance from the SPOE 8 Director.
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Attend or participate in DESE-sponsored trainings, meetings, and virtual calls as requested.
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Oversee completion of Service Coordinator duties when needed during absences.
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Participate in staff meetings and implement new or revised policies and procedures.
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Ensure consistent use of SPOE reporting, documentation, and recordkeeping systems.
Human Resources & Staff Development:
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Provide new Service Coordinator orientation and ongoing training.
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Mentor Service Coordinators to build knowledge, confidence, and quality of work.
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Assist in implementing workforce development, Quality Assurance (QA) processes, and reviewing documentation for accuracy as requested by the Assistant Director or Director.
- Provide daily supervisory support including timesheets, schedule coverage, and general oversight.
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Help Service Coordinators solve problem-solve crises and navigate difficult cases.
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Maintain strong working relationships with team members, families, and external partners.
Compliance & Quality Assurance:
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Assist leadership in ensuring adherence to DESE compliance requirements, best practices, and documentation standards.
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Support collection of compliance-related information for Service Coordinators.
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Participate in DESE quality assurance activities including best practice reviews and documentation checks.
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Ensure Service Coordinator’s maintain accurate and timely electronic records in WebSPOE.
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Ensure adherence to abuse/neglect reporting protocols.
Service Planning & Utilization Review:
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Support Service Coordinators with Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP) planning, meetings, assessments, service initiation, and monitoring.
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Assist Service Coordinator’s in maintaining continuity of services and adherence to authorizations and IFSP decisions.
Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Conduct:
Abilities First employees are expected to always model exemplary leadership. This includes representing the agency in a positive, respectful, and professional manner through words, actions, and expressions. Employees are expected to communicate concerns, challenges, and differing perspectives through the established chain of command, using constructive, solution-focused, and professional language rather than judgmental or disparaging commentary. Abilities First expect staff to observe the highest ethical standards, maintain professional conduct above reproach, and demonstrate unwavering integrity in all internal and external interactions.
Work Environment:
The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. The work environment is fast-paced and result-oriented, which presents multiple demands with frequent interruptions, constantly shifting schedules and priorities, and simultaneous deadlines requiring the employee to be flexible, organized, and cooperative. This position has access to confidential information. This requires the employee to maintain a high level of knowledge in confidentiality, agency policy and procedure, and applicable laws.
Work Schedule:
Employees who have direct reports will be expected to maintain office hours, in person, for a minimum of 2 days per week.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Core competencies align with the Abilities First Core Values – OATH
One Team One Mission
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Contributing to Team Success – Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
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Engagement Readiness – Demonstrating a willingness to commit to one’s work and to invest one’s time, talent and best efforts in accomplishing organizational goals.
Accountable, respectful service
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Continuous Improvement – Originating action to improve existing conditions and processes, identifying improvements opportunities, generating ideas, and implementing solutions.
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Quality Orientation – Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
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Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills – Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related area, keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertise.
Transparent stewardship
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Decision Making – Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
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Planning and Organizing – Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed effectively.
Hold the rope
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Adaptability – Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
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Leadership Disposition – Demonstrating the traits, inclinations, and dispositions that characterize successful leaders; exhibiting behavior styles that meet the demands of the leader role.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
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Must meet Service Coordinator qualification standards.
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Bachelor’s degree per DESE requirements.
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Minimum 5 years early intervention experience, including 3 years in multi-disciplinary settings.
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Supervisory or management experience preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.
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Must maintain high-speed internet for remote work.
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Must pass background screening.
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Must be able to travel as needed.
PHYSICAL CONTEXT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Physical Requirements
Percentage of Work Time Spent on Activity
0-24%
25-49%
50-74%
75-100%
Seeing: Must be able to see to read documents/reports and focus on computer for an extended period.
X
Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with coworkers and general public.
X
Sitting: Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
X
Standing/Walking: Must be able to move about the work area.
X
Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to stoop or kneel to pick up items off the floor and filing in a bottom drawer file cabinet.
X
Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift 20 pounds with or without reasonable assistance.
X
Driving: Must be able to drive locally for work-related assignments.
X
Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to type, handle documents, and use equipment and electronic devices.
X
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.
Revised 5-6-14; 03-28-2016; 03-28-17; 03-28-18; 8-22-19; 07-14-202; 11/08/2024; 12.18.24; 12/18/25; 3.16.26
