Mental Health/DisabiltiesCoordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Comprehensive Services Manager, the Disabilities/Mental Health Coordinator is responsible for administering the disabilities and mental health services for children and families; ensuring disabilities and mental health services are individualized for children and families with disabilities in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and applicable laws and regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Ensures an integrated and comprehensive system of services for children with disabilities and their families is provided through the continual review of IEP/IFSP documentation and collaboration with Local Education Agencies (LEA’s) and Regional Centers as described in the Head Start Performance Standards and established agency Memorandums of Understanding.
• Collaborates with teachers, parents, local education agencies, and community agencies in providing program services.
• Ensures professional diagnoses and assessments of individuals with disabilities and with mental health needs are obtained through continual case coordination, ongoing monitoring of documentation and records, and utilization of a systematic tracking system which allows for regular reporting of case status.
• Develops/participates in Individual Education Plans and Individual Family Service Plans; maintains records and writes reports.
• Interfaces with service providers for mental health and provides input to Behavior Plans and additional resources or assessment needs.
• Provides supports and direction to teachers in the implementation of services to children with special needs.
• Provides support and resources to parents; including coordinating support groups, parenting workshops and linking with other services in supporting their understanding of their child’s individual needs.
• Ensures Head Start Services to children with disabilities are in compliance with federal regulations and laws governing disabilities efforts as defined in IDEA and ADA. Through the ongoing monitoring of documentation, the utilization of a tracking system which allows for regular reporting of mental health and disability status of children and providing training to teachers on disability services.
• Collaborates with managers and coordinators to develop and implement a monitoring system that ensures compliance with the program goals and Performance Standards in Disabilities and Mental Health.
• Provides training and guidance to staff, parents, and community on a variety of pertinent topics in the areas of disabilities and mental health.
• Develops a system to ensures that mental health data is reviewed, evaluated and interpreted by monitoring classroom activities based on children’s assessment and IEP. Maintains mental health records, and other data affecting mental health services in a confidential manner.
• Ensures mental health and education staff collect mental health screening data using a program approved screening tool. Assessments are tracked and monitored for compliance with proper referral and follow-up as required by Federal and state regulations
• Collaborates with Family and Community Partnership staff to develop disabilities/mental health community resources and outreach for recruitment to appropriate agencies and populations ensuring enrollment of 10% of children with certified disability.
• Collaborates with early childhood education staff to facilitate the integration of mental health and inclusion activities in the classroom curriculum including social emotional curriculum and activities.
• Ensures classroom observations are conducted by a mental health or child development specialist; with feedback to classroom staff and overall status report.
• Coordinate with internal and outside therapist and other service providers to ensure that services are provided and integrated with Head Start and Early Head Start individual goals for the child.
• Reports to work on time and maintains reliable and regular attendance
• Models Pacific Clinics’ approach, mission and core values in all communication and correspondence.
• Communicates effectively in a culturally competent and diverse consumer population and promotes favorable interaction with managers, co-workers and others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE/POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• BA Degree, preferably with a major in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or related field.
• Must have at least three years of experience in the area of Disability Services and Mental Health.
• Knowledge of the referral process for special needs children.
• Knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Ability to exercise professional judgment in evaluating before making decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to work in Windows environment (including MS Office, Excel, Internet).
• Must be able to speak English/Spanish (Bilingual) or one of the predominant languages in the service area.
• Ability to relate well and maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents and other agencies.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment in evaluating before making decisions and maintain all information in strict confidence.
• Able to work effectively in a team environment.
• Must maintain DOJ, FBI, and Child abuse Index Clearance
• Must possess a current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification
• Must possess a valid California driver's license, reliable transportation and maintain an insurable driving record under the Clinics' liability policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• May occasionally need to provide gentle physical restraint children.
• Travel/overnight many be required associated with attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties.
• May be required to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases.
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Work is generally performed in a classroom setting, kitchen or in an office environment, involving face-to-face communication.
• Some evenings and weekends work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, social or community events.