REPORTS TO: Program Manager of Education & Mental Health

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Supports the Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program by planning, administering, and overseeing the required Program for Mental Health/Disabilities Services are delivered to children and families in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards 1308 and all applicable requirements of the Head Start Act.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Writes and revises Policies and Procedures for areas Mental Health and Disabilities.
Confers with area specialists concerning mental health and disability concerns.
Participates with other area specialists in the screening process for children who may have special needs.
Reviews screening results and may refer children to the appropriate intervention service provider. Utilizes screening data to refer children and to monitor their progress. Ensures the initial screening for this service area is completed in the timeframe required by the Performance Standards.
Assists the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) with the identification and selection of program options, as appropriate for children with special needs.
Ensures contractual diagnosticians are oriented to the federal standards and definitions of disability conditions required for a categorical diagnosis.
Selects appropriate screening instruments applicable to MDH area. Arranges with Site Supervisor any needed functional assessments by licensed/certified diagnosticians.
Conducts classroom visits to monitor teaching staff are using IEP’s & IFSP’s. Provides assistance to staff and families. Documents classroom observations and submits classroom reports to the Program Manager, Site Supervisor, and Director. Follows up in the classroom to ensure recommendations were implemented. Communicates results to all applicable staff.
Assists the Program Manager with the preparation and expenditure of budget as it relates to Mental Health and Disabilities services, supplies, and training.
Participates in the staffing process by reviewing files of children and families to determine their individual needs and to arrange for intervention services.
Works with the Family and Community Partnership (FCP) Coordinator in designing, conducting or arranging for mental health and disability trainings for families. Promotes family involvement in the total mental health and disability program. Counsels families concerning specific family mental health and disability problems and may refer family to a local mental health and disability professional. Follows up with family in a timely manner.
Monitors, follows up, and inputs screenings and referrals into ChildPlus.
Provides training to staff to assist them in better understanding special needs services.
Attends IEP meetings conducted by the LEA and/or other agencies. Plans and coordinates Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with the Local Education Agency (LEA) or Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) with the local Part C agency as needed. Provides follow-up regarding each child with special needs.
Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with the LEAs to collaborate services for children with special needs. Ensures contract(s) are maintained with mental health and disability professionals in the community so that services to families and children are accessible and available.
Works with the comprehensive team to implement transition activities for children with special needs leaving the program.
Recruits eligible children into HS/EHS, including children with disabilities.
Seeks in-kind (donated time, services, products, cash) for the program and ensure in-kind is documented accurately and timely.
Serves on the weight scale committee to determine eligibility for HS/EHS.
Participates in the Agency’s Quality Improvement Program.

{Above are essential functions of the job. 4C promotes an equal employment opportunity work place, which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please see your supervisor should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.}

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work or a related field; two (2) years’ experience in securing and individualizing needed services for children with disabilities.
Possession of a license or certification in mental health preferred. (If employee does not meet this criteria, the program must consult with a licensed or certified professional in mental health).

(A comparable amount of education, training or experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualifications.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Ability to understand, process and facilitate the implementation of the requirements outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards and all other applicable laws and regulations related to the Head Start Performance Standards, to include the Active Supervision of children.
Knowledge of mental health and disabilities standards and regulations, child development theories and practices, disabilities related laws (ADA, IDEA), and behavior management techniques.
Knowledge of curriculum design and the ability to train adults in a learning environment.
Ability to operate a personal computer. Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, database and presentation software, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. Ability to navigate the Internet. Ability to gain knowledge of Child Plus software.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families and other mental health professionals.
Ability to interact with young children.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to demonstrate skills in problem solving and organization.
Ability to gather and analyze data and make concise, accurate reports and recommendations.
Ability to work and communicate with people from various socio-economic and multi-cultural backgrounds.
Sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals within and outside the Agency, including but not limited to clients and co-workers.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

Ability to operate a motor vehicle for travel to off-site locations.
Ability to speak in front of large groups.
Ability to set up meetings/trainings including moving tables, chair, etc. and cleanup.
Position requires bending, stooping, and kneeling.
Required to stand and/or be in continuous motion for extended periods of time while performing job functions.
Ability to use auditory and visual senses to observe and communicate with children.
May be required to perform moderate lifting, approximately 30-50 pounds, for example in lifting children.
Must be able to appropriately redirect children, if child is in danger of hurting him/herself or others.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Office and off-site work environment. Frequently travels and conducts business in classroom settings.
Possible exposure to communicable diseases, including blood borne pathogens.
May be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends.
Local travel required. Ability to travel in/out of state for training as needed.

STARTING SALARY- $40,851.00 to $44,936.10
PAY GRADE-10

Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability

To apply: Join our team today! Apply directly with our website. Positions are available in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Apply at https://4cflorida.org/careers/