Position Summary The Mental Health & Disabilities Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of the EHS-Child Care Partnership program services designed specifically for children with developmental, mental health or behavioral concerns. The Coordinator coordinates the process of assessing children including initial screenings, ongoing assessments, and other needed specialized evaluation. The Coordinator is responsible for working collaboratively with parents, Child Care Partners, School Districts, Early Childhood Intervention Programs, and Consultants to address the needs of children with developmental, behavioral and/or mental health concerns to develop a plan of care.

  Working Conditions General office and sedentary. Regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer and calculator. Work evenings and weekends as needed. Local and day travel is required on a frequent basis.

1. Develop, implement, and monitor systems and procedures for responding to child’s mental health, behavioral, and/or developmental needs, in a manner that ensures confidentiality of children’s records.

2. Monitor and evaluate service delivery to ensure staff’s collaboration with the child’s parent(s), Child Care Partner(s), and other Early Head Start supportive staff, to develop a plan for responding to each child’s mental health, behavioral, and/or developmental needs or concerns.

3. Provide guidance to staff to ensure the dissemination of information to parents and Early Head Start staff regarding child development, understanding children’s behavior, appropriate techniques and methods for responding to and guiding children’s behavior, and other information on mental health issues.

4. Ensure staff, partners, and parents understand how to strengthen nurturing and supportive environments and relationships in the home and Child Care Partners home.

5. Scheduling the services of consultants (licensed professionals) to provide timely and effective identification of and intervention in family and staff concerns about child’s development behavior, and/or mental health.

6. Ensure parents, partners, and staff receives help for children with atypical behavior or development.

7. Ensure a minimum of 10% enrollment opportunity for children with disabilities as required by the Head Start Performance Standards.

8. Provide education to staff and parents on the requirements of IDEA and the Head Start Performance Standards regarding services for children with suspected or identified disabilities.

9. Monitor the process to ensure continuity of services for children with suspected or identified disabilities entering in EHS-Child Care Partnership program.

10. Train EHS Staff and Child Care Partners to administer developmental and social/emotional screening tools.

11. Assist parents, staff, and Child Care Partners in utilizing the community resources for children with suspected or identified mental health, development, and/or behavioral needs.

12. Ensure children with suspected or identified developmental concerns are referred to School Districts and Early Childhood Intervention for evaluation and/or special services.

13. Ensures departmental staff works closely with Family Development Worker (FDW) and Child Care Partner in conducting follow-up services with families.

14. Attend meetings, workshops, trainings, and/or other professional development events as required or requested.

15. Prepares reports, letters, and other written documentation.

16. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education • Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Mental Health or related field

Experience • Minimum of three years’ work experience in working with preschool children with special needs, including at least two years supervisory experience

ATTN: Carolina Guerrero, This position is for the RGV site located in Alamo, Texas

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE Due to the volume of interest, we cannot respond to every resume and we are unable to provide ongoing status. You will only be contacted if you are determined to be one of the most qualified candidates for the position(s) based on your skills and experience.

Positions open until filled. Must pass background check, physical and drug screen.

AVANCE is an Equal Opportunity Employer