SUMMARY:

The Head Start/Early Head Start Mental Health/Disabilities Specialist reports to the Head Start/Early Head Start Health Services Manager. Responsible for leadership, development, and implementation of operational procedures for mental health and services for children with disabilities; planning, development, and implementation of operational procedures for mental health and children with disabilities; community linkages, to locate and access resources for families; staff and parent communication; team leadership, team building, staff training and development, analysis of trends in the field, as well as data on children and families in the program. The Specialist must develop and implement an effective management plan in order to fully execute the duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Include the following:

• Develops/updates annually the Mental Health/Disabilities Plan in conjunction with the Health Services Manager
• Coordinates and assist in developmental screenings and assessments and takes appropriate action regarding findings.
• Initiates MDT meeting to determine mental health needs of each child enrolled.
• Coordinates with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), including teachers, other service area staff, parents, Local Education Association (LEA), Early Steps-Part C Agency, and other professionals in developing an IEP for each child with a disability.
• Coordinates conferences and staffing in conjunction with the MDT, LEA and/or Early Steps-Part C Agencies.
• Obtains diagnostic report and confirmation of the disability by the appropriate professional and provides assistance for follow-up.
• Discusses diagnosis with parent and obtains permission for services prior to delivery.
• Supervises services consultants who work with children and provides on-site assistance to staff involved with children that have disabilities.
• Provide prompt referrals of children suspected of having a disability to the LEA or the Early Steps-Part C agencies and coordinate any needed evaluation and follow-ups.
• Work closely with the LEA or the Early Steps-Part C agencies to develop and implement the Individual Education Plan (IEP) or the Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP).
• Work closely with the Family Services management staff to recruit children with disabilities to enrollment and maintain at least 10% of children with disabilities.
• Collaborate with local agencies that serve children with disabilities to recruit and to promote the importance of early education.
• Periodically observes children and consults with staff and Mental Health provider to develop appropriate intervention strategies as needed.
• Arranges, coordinates and monitors all services to children with disability including contractual and donated services.
• Consults regularly with parents and staff on the progress of the disability program and the individual children enrolled in the program.
• Actively involves parents and Mental Health Consultant in planning and implementation the individual mental health needs of children and families.
• Seeks out and coordinates specialized training for all staff and parents for working with children diagnosed with a disability.
• Maintains confidentiality of information, records and documents related to children, families and staff members.
• Provides transition opportunities for children with a disability entering and leaving Head Start/Early Head Start.
• Provides or assures transportation collaboratively with the LEA and Family and Community Partnerships service area for children with a disability.
• Provides input on Training and Technical Assistance needs of parents and program staff as it related to children with special needs to assist in planning the comprehensive training plan.
• Provides input in the budget process as it relates to the needs of the disabled children and their families.
• Attends all pre-service, in-service trainings, management meetings, agency events and appropriate professional and educational conferences and meetings to develop an enhance knowledge and skills as requested.
• Reports suspected child abuse and neglect situations.
• Performs home visits on an as needed basis.
• Solicits for in-kind for mental health services, when possible.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None