Director of Children & Family Policy, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council

The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, an independent statewide public policy and advocacy organization, seeks an experienced, creative, self-motivated individual committed to improving public policy and services in Maryland related to children with developmental disabilities and their families. The Director of Children & Family Policy assumes an array of diverse responsibilities and has primary responsibility for Council priorities related to children and family issues.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Public Policy & Advocacy (primarily early intervention, education, child care & family support)

Advocates for improvements in policies, practices, supports and services, programs, laws, and regulations that affect children with developmental disabilities and their families. Provides leadership on these issues and works in partnership with other organizations, people with disabilities, families and advocates to bring about positive systems change.

Formulates and implements strategic action plans to accomplish positive and lasting systems changes.

Stays abreast of current and emerging issues related to children with developmental disabilities and their families. Updates Council members and the Executive Director to assist them in making informed decisions.

Analyzes and monitors current and proposed Maryland legislation relative to children with developmental disabilities and their families. Provides written and oral testimony.

Staffs the Council’s Children and Family Issues Committee. Provides support to ad hoc committees as needed.

Participates in the design of innovative projects & initiatives and Requests for Proposals that promote community inclusion and improve supports and services for children with developmental disabilities and their families. Monitors and provides technical assistance to Council funded grants in areas assigned. Analyzes project outcomes.

Works on special projects and initiatives as needed.

Participates on committees, coalitions, and other forums to accomplish Council goals and advance the Council’s mission.

Other Duties

Contributes to the Council’s newsletters, annual report and federal reports.

Coordinates activities of the Council’s Membership Committee, including Council member recruitment.

As a member of a small staff, other responsibilities may be assigned that support the work of the Council.

Position Requirements

The position requires a resourceful, versatile individual who has excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, the ability and desire to think innovatively and take initiative, knowledge of developmental disability issues (especially related to children and families), and a commitment to community inclusion. Experience in public policy is preferred.

The successful candidate will join a diverse team of Council members and staff that is committed to the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.

This is a full-time position. However, interested and qualified candidates who are only seeking part-time employment are also encouraged to apply and will be considered.

Qualified individuals with disabilities and family members of individuals with developmental disabilities are encouraged to apply. EOE

A cover letter, resume, and list of three references must be received by May 26, 2008. Mail to:

Brian Cox, Executive Director ; Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, Suite 1300; 217 E. Redwood Street; Baltimore, MD 21202

Please indicate in your cover letter if you are seeking full or part time employment. Email submissions will not be accepted. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted.

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The League for People with Disabilities
Therapeutic Integration Program Manager, Part Time - Posted 3/4/2008

The part time Therapeutic Integration Program Manager will develop, plan and facilitate daily therapeutic integration programs including developing lesson plans, organizing and purchasing supplies, facilitating facility set-up and close down and scheduling staff. Work with the Program Manager, Autism & Related Services to document and track participant goals. Communicate with families and stakeholders regarding participant’s progress and services received. Work with the Autism Services staff and participate in all Autism Services participant Individual Planning Meetings to ensure quality and individual services are given to each participant. Attend ongoing trainings and meetings with the Department of Education and DHMH as it pertains to waiver services.

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or similar field; CTRS required. Certification in education, music or art therapy may be substituted for CTRS status. Experience working with people with disabilities and extensive experience with the autism population. Have a valid state of Maryland driver’s license with clean record with no more than 2 points. Have the ability to lift up to 150lbs in accordance with safe lifting practices. Behavioral Principles and Strategies, AED, Life guarding, First Aid and CPR preferred.

E-mail resumes to tjones@leagueforpeople.org or fax 410-323-2988

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GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENT, GRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE - Posted: 1/17/2008

Looking for babysitter/shadow for three-year-old boy with autism and related speech delays.

Babysitter/shadow would accompany child to preschool and/or daycare with goals of fostering social interaction and improving oral communication skills. Responsibilities include helping to set up and implement communication aides such as picture exchange program, re-routing non-constructive behaviors, and working with different therapy techniques to encourage verbalization. Previous experience with special needs children a plus. Please include references. Hours and salary are negotiable.

Please contact Emily DeCoster at (202)213-8639 or emilydecoster@hotmail.com.