The Specialist is responsible for the coordination of the Early head Start program services designed specifically for children with developmental, mental health or behavioral concerns. The Specialist coordinates the process of assessing children including initial screenings, ongoing assessments and other needed specialized evaluation. The Specialist is responsible for working collaboratively with parents, School Districts, Early Childhood Intervention Programs and consults to address the needs of children with developmental, behavioral and/or mental health concerns to develop a plan of care.

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), teachers 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. Ensures staff and parents understand how to strengthen nurturing and supportive environments and relationships in the home and at the centers.

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

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

7. Ensures a minimum of 10% enrollment opportunity for disabled children 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 Early Head Start.

10. Train Early Head Start Staff to administer developmental and social/emotional screening tools.

11. Assists parents and staff in utilizing community resources for children with suspected or identified mental health, developmental and/or behavioral needs.

12. Ensures 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 Home Educator/Family Development Worker in conducting follow-up services with families.

14. Attends meetings, workshops and other professional development events as required or requested.

15. Prepares reports, letters and other written documentation.

16. Performs other duties assigned.

Education Experience License & Certification Testing Other

•Required: Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, child development, social work or related field. •Preferred: Master’s Degree or higher in psychology, counseling, social work or related field.  •Required: Two to three years of work experience in the delivery of counseling, social work or educational services, one year of which have been in an administrative capacity. •Preferred: Three to five years of work experience in the delivery of counseling, social work or educational services, with two to three years’ experience in a supervisory capacity.  • Criminal Background Check • Drug Testing,  TB Testing

Additional Skills:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (oral and written) • Knowledge of Early Head Start • Knowledge and understanding of early childhood developmental, behavioral and mental health issues • Knowledge and understanding of developmental and behavioral assessments, procedures and instruments • Good oral and written communication skills • Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality • Must have reliable transportation • Must have valid driver’s license, proof of current automobile liability insurance, and be insurable by AVANCE • Able to travel overnights and out-of-town, as needed • Able to work independent and is self-motivated • Computer literate • Able to respond to crisis situation expediently and efficiently • Strong organizational skills • Able to work evenings and weekends as needed • Able to moderate lifting and carrying 15-30 pounds

***30 Hrs w/ potential to increase to 40 Hrs

ATTN: Carolina Guerrero, This position is for the National Office located in Del Rio, 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