DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGER

Job Summary:
Under general direction, the incumbent monitors sites and plans, coordinates, directs, oversees, and manages the successful implementation of Developmental Support Services in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance. This role ensures program services are provided to children with socioemotional/developmental needs, their families, and the teachers/providers who support them. The Developmental Support Services Manager supervises assigned staff, coordinates mental/behavioral health consultants and interns, and ensures compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This leadership role carries administrative, financial, and management accountability for developmental support services for children, families, and classrooms. The incumbent provides guidance, implements and evaluates service methods, and fosters a strengths-based developmental approach. The role operates within an interdisciplinary team, ensuring integrated services that address children's developmental and behavioral needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures services for children with special needs and mental health program services are provided per federal, state, and local regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards.
• Develops and oversees a monitoring/documentation system for accurate reporting and recordkeeping of children and families served.
• Establishes a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment by planning, integrating, and evaluating staff work, providing supervision, and facilitating internal program coordination.
• Collaborates within an interdisciplinary team to integrate multiple service areas, including mental/behavioral health, child development, and family support.
• Develops and implements parent education programs, coordinates referrals, conducts assessments, and provides early childhood mental health training for parents and staff.
• Partners with external mental health providers, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and other agencies supporting children and families, ensuring compliance with interagency agreements.
• Supports eligibility determination for children with disabilities and collaborates with enrollment staff to ensure appropriate service delivery.
• Ensures full inclusion of children with special needs across all program options by providing training, technical assistance, and necessary adaptive equipment.
• Conducts home visits, case coordination meetings, and assessments to support child and family needs.
• Participates in program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement efforts.
• Provides administrative and reflective supervision to staff, offering training and professional development opportunities.
• Manages purchasing of adaptive materials and supplies to ensure full inclusion in educational settings.
• Represents the program at community meetings, trainings, and conferences.
• May be required to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Infant-family and early childhood mental health, early childhood education, and special education.
• Mental health and special education resources available for children and families.
• Principles of program management, supervision, and human resources.
• Compliance requirements for federally and state-regulated child development programs.
• Recordkeeping, database management, and reporting tools such as ChildPlus.

Ability to:

• Build effective working relationships with management, staff, families, and community partners.
• Exercise sound judgment and initiative within policy guidelines.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and quality improvement strategies.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Provide training, mentorship, and leadership to staff.
• Navigate cultural fluency and work effectively with diverse communities.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, or a closely related field preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Health, Early Childhood Education, Mental Health Services, or a related field required.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in program development, community relations, and services for children with developmental needs, with at least three (3) years of management/supervisory experience.
• Experience in child development programs, disability services, or mental health services required.
• Experience working with state and federally regulated child development programs preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.