Mental Health/Inclusion Services Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Mental Health (MH) / Inclusion Liaison and MH / Inclusion Services Specialists.

SUMMARY

Ensures delivery of special education services to meet minimum goal of 10% disabilities enrollment per state law and Head Start Program Performance Standards, philosophy and mission. Serves as the advisor and resource for Head Start staff and children / families.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintains records dealing with recruitment, referrals, certification / diagnostic information on children with disabilities.

Monitors delivery of special education services.

Advocate for Early Childhood Education, Special Education and Inclusion of children with disabilities.

Coordinates with Head Start 0 to 5 staff concerning enrollment efforts for children with disabilities.

Monitor / Observe classroom(s) throughout all Head Start 0 to 5 Center / Sites as needed to comply with all required Inclusion / Mental Health Services.

Participates in community events, fairs and recruitment efforts to promote community support for MH / Inclusion services to families from the time of enrollment.

Coordinates training activities in preventive Mental Health measures, resources, teaching strategies and early identification of children with disabilities for Head Start 0 to 5 staff, enrolled children, and their families throughout the school year.

Provides training for staff, parent and volunteer in Special Education resources, teaching strategies, monitoring, record-keeping and reporting systems and early identification of children with disabilities.

Provides training and support for staff on identification, evaluation and referrals for children in need of further assessment to the appropriate agency.

Provides practical advice and helps teach staff by observing the children in their physical surroundings at least monthly.

Maintains electronic files and enters data into ChildPlus (CP) computer system for Mental Health / Inclusion Services.

Follows up on screening of all Head Start 0 to 5 children and makes appropriate referrals as needed.

Provides system for utilizing and collecting data for the Program Information Report (PIR) and tracking all MH / Inclusion services including services provided by consultants and outside agencies.

Collects and provides data to input into the annual T&TA budget.

Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with community agencies and assists in securing resources for children with disabilities and their families.

Coordinates and advises in the purchase of special equipment and materials for Inclusion / Mental Health Services.

Reviews all Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for children with disabilities enrolled in Head Start 0 to 5.

Refers and assists with transition of children with disabilities upon their entering public / private schools.

Ensures that MH / Inclusion materials, activities and training are provided in the language and literacy level of the home. Also ensures that family cultural traditions, practices and beliefs are respected and acknowledged as they pertain to MH practices.

Ensures the engagement of parents in the planning and implementation of their child’s IEP.

Ensures that parents / staff are informed of their rights and responsibilities of their Inclusion / Mental Health Services for their enrolled children and their families as needed.

Assists, reviews and maintains the updating of Interagency Agreements, Memorandums, understanding school districts policies and procedures, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPAs) and Regional centers. Including the type of services provided, timelines, placement options, shared services and other strategies used to ensure that services are provided to child(ren) and families.

Reviews the Disabilities Services Plan and local Inter-agency Agreements annually and updates tri-annually.

Developers collaborative relationships with local Mental Health / Inclusion agencies to acquaint them with the Head Start 0 to 5 program and for referral’s when necessary.

Arranges for further, formal evaluation of children identified as possibly having a disability. The referral must be made by the child’s third (3) birthday to the Local Education Agency) LEA. If the LEA does not reach out to evaluate the child(ren) then MH / Inclusion Coordinator will arrange for evaluation with HS resources or will locate other resources for the child(ren).

Assist staff to be the liaisons between the School districts, SELPAs and other interagency resources. Ensures that meetings are held / attended on a regular basis with these agencies to ensure healthy relationships.

Performs necessary supervisory functions such as completing forms, reviewing employment applications, interviewing, preparing documents, etc.

Plans, develops and implements systems for delivery of services to meet Head Start Program Performance Standards and coordination of these efforts throughout all program areas.

Ensures reports are turned in on a timely manner to the Head Start / Program Support Director and Health Services Manager regarding compliance through monthly MIS and annual PIR collected via supervised staff.

Works in conjunction with all Services Area Supervisors, Coordinators, Managers to serve children with disabilities.

Attends and participates in conferences, meetings and trainings, as required.

Models professionalism for staff, parents, children, clients, and community members. Promotes a collaborative environment within the service areas, program, and agency.

Maintains strict compliance with universal precautions.

Adheres to the American With Disabilities Act (ADA-2010) which prohibits discriminatory actions toward children and / or adult with disabilities. In particular, children with disabilities enrolled in the classroom as mandated by Federal Law.

Maintains confidentiality of records and information on Head Start 0 to 5 staff, children and families.

Travels to all Head Start 0 to 5 centers / sites to communicate, monitor, and visit each site periodically using their own vehicle.

Actively encourages and embraces diversity.

Travels for agency business using personal vehicle.

Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.

Works evenings and weekends as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION :

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Psychology, Child Development (CD) / Early Childhood Education (ECE), Social Work, Liberal Arts or field with 30 units in Special Education required.

Additional Certifications will within One (1) year of employment required. (ex : Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Master’s Degree in Special Education, Psychology, Child Development (CD) / Early Childhood Education (ECE), Social Work, Liberal Arts or field with 30 units in Special Education preferred.

EXPERIENCE :

Four (4) years’ experience in a program serving children / families with disabilities / mental health required.

Four (4) years direct staff supervision experience required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS :

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.

Effective presentation, written and verbal communication skills.

Bilingual English / Spanish or other secondary language preferred based on the needs of the clients and the program.

Ability to work and interact with diverse populations to develop and maintain supportive, respectful, and empowering relationships with families, co-workers, and the community.

Willing to work non-traditional hours and days to meet the needs of this position.

Infant / Child CPR / First Aid certification with at least 15 hours of training on preventive health practices required within 6 months of employment.

Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by State law, and insurability by agency carrier for those driving agency vehicles. Proof of insurance will be required.

Pass required reference checks and fingerprint clearance under Title 22 regulations : Department of Justice / FBI, Criminal Record Statement Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) and background investigation as needed prior to employment.

Physical examination, TB screening clearance and signed federal criminal record declaration are required within 7 days after employment.

Obtain a valid AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Certification prior to first day of employment.

Pass and maintain Basic Pest Management in a Child Care Settings annual certification as required by the California Healthy Schools Act (HSA).

Immunized against influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and measles. The influenza vaccination must be obtained annually during flu season, August 1 through December 1. A person is exempt from the immunization requirements for the following circumstances :

1. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician declaring that because of the person’s physical condition or medical circumstances, the immunization is not safe.

2. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician providing that the person has evidence of current immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) and / or measles.

3. The person submits in writing declaration that he or she has declined the influenza (flu) vaccination. This exemption only applies to the influenza (flu) vaccine.

Former Head Start 0 to 5 parents preferred.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and / or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note : The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Fresno EOC.

REV : 7 / 31 / 2024