WELCOME TO

St. Nicholas Home, Penang is seeking an Early Intervention Officer responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring comprehensive early intervention services for blind and visually impaired (BVI) children and young persons from birth to 18 years of age. The role focuses on empowering children and their families through individualized intervention plans, home-based support, family education, multidisciplinary collaboration, advocacy, and community engagement to maximize each child's developmental potential and independence.

Early Intervention Services

• Develop, plan, and implement high-quality Individual Training Plans (ITPs) tailored to the developmental needs of blind and visually impaired (BVI) children and young persons aged 0–18 years.
• Conduct regular assessments and reviews of each child's progress, evaluating and modifying ITPs as required to achieve optimal developmental outcomes.
• Provide individualized home-based intervention, training, and practical guidance to parents and caregivers of newborn blind babies and children up to six years old.
• Conduct regular home visits to monitor each child's development, provide intervention, and support families in implementing recommended strategies.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records, reports, assessments, and documentation for all assigned children and families.

Family Support & Counselling

• Provide emotional support, counselling, and guidance to parents and family members whenever required.
• Serve as an active member of the Family Support Network Committee and assist in organizing and implementing family-focused programmes, workshops, and activities that promote child development and family well-being.
• Empower families through education, coaching, and ongoing support to encourage active participation in their child's development.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Work collaboratively with professionals including:

• Special educators
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech and language therapists
• Medical practitioners
• Welfare officers
• Government agencies
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

to develop holistic intervention strategies that build upon each child's strengths and individual needs.

Community Outreach & Advocacy

• Plan, organize, and conduct community awareness programmes, educational talks, workshops, and public engagement activities to increase understanding of early intervention services and the developmental needs of blind and visually impaired children.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with hospitals, the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM), healthcare providers, schools, and relevant organizations for referrals, collaboration, and service coordination.

Residential & Operational Support

• Perform Housemother duties as assigned, ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of children under the organization's care.
• Support programme operations, departmental initiatives, events, and other organizational activities as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Carry out any other duties, assignments, or projects as delegated by supervisors or management to support the objectives of the organization.
• Travel within the Northern Region of Malaysia to conduct home visits, outreach programmes, meetings, and collaborative activities.
• Be willing and able to drive for official duties, including outstation travel.

Education

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Counselling, Education, Child Development, or other related disciplines.

Experience

• Experience working with children, particularly children with disabilities or special educational needs, is an advantage.
• Fresh graduates with a passion for early intervention and child development are encouraged to apply.

Knowledge & Skills

• Good understanding of child development and early intervention practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and counselling skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children, parents, caregivers, and professionals.
• Good organizational and documentation skills.
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and report writing.

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate, patient, and empathetic.
• Passionate about empowering children with visual impairment and supporting families.
• Positive attitude with strong initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Flexible and willing to travel frequently.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.

Additional Requirements

• Possess a valid Malaysian Class D driving licence.
• Willing and able to travel extensively throughout the Northern Region (Penang, Kedah, Perlis, and Perak).
• Willing to work flexible hours when required for outreach programmes, home visits, and special events.