JOB TITLE: MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
SUPERVISOR: MENTAL HEALTH/DISABILITIES MANAGER
PROGRAM: EARLY HEAD START (EHS)
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: FULL-TIME, NON-EXEMPT
JOB FUNCTION: The Mental Health Specialist is responsible for facilitating and directing the delivery of services that address the developmental and social-emotional needs of Early Head Start children and families in accordance with Early Head Start Performance Standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Included but not limited to)
Within the boundaries of approved Quality Care and EHS policies and procedures; the Mental
Health Specialist is responsible for and has the authority to fulfill the duties listed below:
- Assist the Mental Health/Disabilities Manager and other Early Head Start staff, facilitate the implementation of services for children, families, and staff with disabilities or mental health needs including, but not limited to; acting as a liaison between families and agencies, conducting home visits, developing a Service Area Plan, developing collaborations and following up with mental health consultant or other consultant reports.
- Identify children who may have special needs and behavioral concerns through training staff, observing children in the classroom, meeting with parents and staff, and recommending appropriate referrals.
- Develop, implement, and monitor the implementation of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), as it pertains to a disability or mental health need, including, but not limited to; making referrals to appropriate agencies when a disability or mental health need is identified or suspected, attending IEP/IFSP meetings, and participating in all phases of the transition process for Early Head Start children and families.
- Maintain an accurate record-keeping system and develop reports related to disabilities, mental health, and behavioral needs, including but not limited to, information regarding screening, referrals, and evaluations.
- Actively engage with teachers in planning and implementing the individual behavioral needs of children and provide support to teaching staff to design behavioral interventions for students.
- Implement Service Area Plan, follow-up on implementation, and provide adjustments as needed; analyze Service Area Plan to determine success and assist teachers in identifying inappropriate behaviors and develop better behavior alternatives.
- Present information on various topics related to area of professional expertise in behavior management for the purpose of communicating information to teachers and parents.
- Attend appropriate Early Head Start training, as scheduled, to stay abreast in Early
Childhood Education, Mental Health, Family Support Services, Behavior Interventions, and other related areas.
- Meet with supervisor weekly to update and discuss status of program initiatives.
- Submit ongoing reports and provide necessary data as required to demonstrate compliance and progress of the program.
- All other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or other related fields with two-four years of experience working with children with disabilities or mental health field.
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) preferred.
- Maintain First aid and CPR certifications.
- Bilingual preferred. (Spanish)
- Strong judgment and interpersonal skills.
- Detail oriented and great organizational skills.
- Computer literate, with knowledge of MS Office and database applications.
- Ability to communicate well, both written and verbal.
- Able to work independently and well with others.
- Possession of valid NJ Driver’s License with good driving history for the use of company vehicles.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
COVID-19 considerations:
During the pandemic, we are providing in-person and remote services. Daily wellness checks, masks and social distancing while reporting to the office and/or partnering centers.
Education:
Experience:
- working with children with Disabilities: 3 years (Required)
Language:
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Willingness To Travel:
Work Location:
Company's website:
Company's Facebook page:
- https://www.facebook.com/Quality-Care-Services-100547501681637/?modal=admintodotour
Benefit Conditions:
- Only full-time employees eligible
Work Remotely:
- Temporarily due to COVID-19
COVID-19 Precaution(s):
- Personal protective equipment provided or required
- Temperature screenings
- Social distancing guidelines in place
- Virtual meetings
- Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place