Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator

Description

POSITION:  Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator

JOB CODE:  MHDSDC  

OCCUPATIONAL GROUPING: Mental Health and Disabilities 

REPORTS TO:  Assistant Director of Program Services

CLASSIFICATION:  Non-Exempt

POSITION TYPE:  Full Time/Full Year (12-Months)

SALARY GRADE:  42

HOURLY PAY RANGE:  $34.85 to $38.47 

LOCATION:  City of Industry, CA

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc. (Plaza) is a comprehensive early childhood education program with a focus on school readiness for children zero to five years of age.  Developmentally appropriate services are provided for children from low-income families, zero to five years of age. Plaza de la Raza currently serves over 650 children and their families.

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director of Program Services, this position is responsible for the design and implementation of the Disabilities and Mental Health components to ensure services provided for identified children and families enrolled in the program are consistent and of high quality. Provides direction to teaching staff, Home Visitors, and Family Services in the arena of Disabilities and Mental Health and supervises the Mental Health Consultant to ensure quality services and integrated program services. Coordinates and implements referral and tracking systems for Disabilities and Mental Health, serves as a coordinator and provides guidance for the interpretation of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) Individual Education Plans (IEP) and setting goals and objectives. Identifies and analyzes children’s needs and students with specialized learning needs; considers instructional and home environments in relation to disabilities and provides guidance/support for instructional material and teaching methods. Assist staff in recognizing possible mental health challenges and appropriate referrals and follow through. Coordinates and implements staff/parent training. Interacts with public and private service agencies (i.e. Local Education Agencies (LEA) and Regional Centers, community mental health agencies and providers), conducts home visits as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

The Assistant Director of Program Services provides general direction and supervision.  This position exercises supervision over the Mental Health and Disabilities Aide.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Disabilities:

· Ensures that at least 10% of all funded enrollment opportunities are available to children with disabilities. 

· Ensures services for children with special needs and their families support the attainment of expected outcomes as defined in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

· Conducts outreach to local organizations and in the community to help recruit and enroll children with disabilities to help meet EHS/Head Start ERSEA requirements for providing enrollment opportunities for age-eligible children with disabilities in the community of service.

· Ensures initial screenings data for all incoming and returning children is completed and obtained, including ASQ-3/ASQ:SE-2 screenings are completed, to help identify children with suspected or unidentified.

· Ensures Training and Technical Assistance to Instructional Staff to ensure that there is a clear process for identifying children with suspected or unidentified disabilities through an internal concern identification and referral process.

· Ensures special education assessments and eligibility determinations are completed by licensed/certified professionals within the timelines established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and that forms and reporting procedures are consistent with Head Start regulations and grantee requirements. 

· Provides guidance to parents regarding Parent Rights in Special Education. 

· Monitors classroom lesson plans to ensure identified children’s goals and objectives are incorporated into daily routines. 

· Conducts and documents monthly observations of children with special needs in all program options. 

· Collaborates with Regional Centers and LEAs to develop assessment processes and procedures for children with special needs and monitors required services. 

· Completes classroom observations and attends home visits with staff, as needed. 

· Assists parents in arranging smooth transitions for children with special needs entering the public school system, transitioning from Early Head Start to Head Start, or moving from Home-Based to Center-Based services. 

· Ensures educational materials appropriately meet the needs of children with disabilities. 

· Works with interdisciplinary staff, community partners, and parents to develop individualized goals aligned with each child’s IFSP.

· Ensures compliance with Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Grantee Instructional Memo (GIM) and all applicable state and federal requirements related to disability services, including IDEA and Head Start Performance Standards.

Mental Health:

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and monitors mental health-related services for Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff. 

• Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and serves as an advocate for infants, toddlers, children, and family mental health needs. 

• Coordinates mental health support services for children, families, and staff, including referrals and follow up as needed.

• Provides administrative support to the work of the mental health consultant who provides services to the children, families, and staff (only resources and referrals for staff) regarding social emotional and mental health concerns.

• Assists with conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies to support positive relationships and effective communication among families, staff, and community partners.

• Coordinates and implements referral and tracking systems for mental health services. 

• Assists staff in recognizing possible mental health concerns and ensuring appropriate referrals and follow-through services. 

• Provides mental health information and updates at monthly Parent Policy Committee meetings. 

• Compiles, maintains, and annually updates a list of community mental health resources. 

• Monitors mental health consultant contracts and services. 

• Conducts ongoing monitoring activities of mental health service protocols to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards. 

• Ensures compliance with LACOE MH GIM and all applicable state and federal requirements related to mental health services, including Head Start Performance Standards and other relevant regulations.

General Duties: 

• Provides training, support, and technical assistance to Center-Based staff, Home Visitors, and Family Services staff. 

• Coordinates Health and Mental Health Advisory Meetings in collaboration with the Integrated Health and Nutrition Coordinator to support access to community resources that benefit enrolled children and families.

• Coordinates disability and mental health services with specialists in other content areas. 

• Monitors and ensure follow-up on required assessments and services are completed in a timely manner. 

• Assist parents, through individual and group meetings, in supporting their child’s social/emotional, physical, and cognitive development at home. 

• Consults with staff and parents regarding the progress of services and documents, all meetings in case files and centralized recordkeeping systems while ensuring confidentiality. 

• Participates in the ongoing assessment of the quality of disability and mental health services provided in all program options, including center-based and home-based programs. 

• Coordinates and implements staff and parent training. 

• Collaborates with public and private agencies to develop and maintain Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). 

• Works collaboratively with other content specialists to address family needs and connect families with appropriate resources. 

• Completes annual reports, monthly tracking reports, performance evaluations, professional development plans, and other required documentation.

• Participates in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of:

Program requirements and regulations essential to the health and welfare of children, including Title 5 and Title 22 licensing regulations, IDEA requirements, and Head Start Performance Standards; LEA services and procedures; referral processes; and assessment systems. Plaza de la Raza policies and procedures related to disabilities and mental health services. Infant/toddler mental health and developmentally appropriate approaches and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ); Incorporating individualized goals for children with special needs and mental health needs into daily classroom and outdoor activities.

Ability to:

Work with children and families from diverse populations, effectively communicate with children and families in their preferred language, participate in IFSP and IEP meetings, implement Plaza de la Raza and LEA policies and procedures, contribute to the development of Plaza de la Raza Disabilities and Mental Health Policies and Procedures, provide guidance to Inter disciplinary team, apply problem solving skills, demonstrate respect for individuals and groups with varied cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities and backgrounds, maintain confidentiality.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Special Education, Psychology, Early Childhood Development, behavioral science, mental health, or related field. A master’s degree in a related field is desirable. 

Experience:

Three years of experience in the management and delivery of direct services for children with special needs and/or family mental health services, counseling, psychology, or a related field. A combination of relevant experience is preferred. 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of an initial health examination, performed by or under the supervision of a physician, to determine, at a minimum, if the prospective employee can perform requirements of the job description physical requirements.

• Proof of the absence of Tuberculosis, from a physician, to show that the prospective employee is cleared to work with children and families.

• Documentation of current immunizations against Influenza, Measles (MMR) and Pertussis (TDAP).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment.

• Completed and signed statement of any pending and/or prior criminal arrests/charges/convictions related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and/or violent felonies.

• Verification that determines eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

• A valid California driver’s license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties is required.

• As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services. 

• Bi-lingual in a language reflective of the population served is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch; and hear. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.

• Respects and maintains rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.

• Attends mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.

• Works as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic.

• Acts conscientiously in performing routine duties.

Adheres to Plaza de la Raza's Standard of Conduct which indicates that staff members are required to adhere to the following codes of conduct:

1. Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability;

2. Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members;

3. Maintain visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care;

4. Use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.

5. Not employ methods of discipline that involve isolations, the used of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.

6. Not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors or anything of significant monetary value form contractors or potential contractors.

7. Maintain respect and promote professional relationships with  LACOE, families, staff and children.

8. Refrain from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products in the workplace or at any activity funded by federal or state funds.

9. Maintain adherence to LACOE, state, or federal mandates, including but not limited to program eligibility determination regulations for Early Head Start, Head Start or state preschool services.

Enrolling pregnant women and children that are not eligible to receive Early Head Start or Head 

Start services.

BENEFIT PLANS

Plaza offers eligible employees the opportunity to select plans and programs that meet individual and family needs through our comprehensive benefit plans listed below:

Health Care:  Medical (Kaiser), Dental (Sunlight), Vision (Sunlight), Long Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness Coverages.

Financial:  401(k) Plan 

Paid Time Off:  Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave, Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty 

Work/Life Solutions:  Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE)

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Complete an online employment application on www.plazadelarazacds.org; and submit the required documentation: 1) Resume and 2) Transcripts confirming degree and major. (Note: Only complete application packets will be considered for the screening and selection process.)

2. Submit official transcripts prior to date of hire. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer to all.  Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.