Primary Function

Responsible for the coordination and implementation of a high-quality Disabilities/Mental Health Program for Head Start/Early Head Start children, parents and staff of PCI as outlined in the ACF Head Start Performance Standards. Will also develop and maintain a viable, working relationship with parents, staff and community agencies for the purpose of establishing a resource network.

Duties

• Responsible for knowing the PCI and Head Start program philosophy and goals in order to provide quality Disabilities/Mental Health services to PCI children and families.

• Responsible for knowing and understanding all aspects of the Head Start program, including ACF Head Start Program Performance Standards, TDPRS Minimum Standards, content area plan, Standard of Conduct, policies and procedures.

• Will update Department Policies and Procedures and Departmental Plan.

• Will prepare reports for Policy Council and Board of Director’s Meeting.

• Will organize and coordinate efforts to identify behavioral and/or mental health concerns through observations, intervention and counseling services.

• Will coordinate and implement the classroom observations and Intervention services and assist in providing special help for children with behavior/emotional problems.

• Will ensure that all classrooms have a healthy, safe, and conducive learning environment by making periodic on-site center visits with collaboration of the ECC.

• Keep abreast of Early Childhood Development, Disabilities, and Mental Health trends and interpret to center staff and other programs.

• Will support and provide technical assistance to the staff who have direct responsibilities for children identified as needing Disabilities/Mental Health Services.

• Will utilize the library of Mental Health resources such as publications and/or films for training and circulation purposes.

• Will establish and maintain positive linkage with LEAs, Education Center Coordinators and other agencies on all services delivered to children, and their families, who have been identified as having emotional/behavioral problems. Will utilize community mental health resources as needed.

• Will attend Parent Committee meetings as scheduled, to provide guidance, support and technical assistance.

• Will prepare and submit all necessary weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports in a timely and correct manner. Will coordinate all Mental Health Inter/Intra Agency Referrals through the Assistant Area Head Start Center Coordinator.

• Will work closely with the Mental Health Consultants to implement an effective, quality Mental Health Program.

• Will ensure that parental consent for Disabilities/Mental Health Services to children is obtained.

• Will maintain current data on all assigned Disabilities/Mental Health children in ChildPlus.

• Will coordinate/train and process the Brigance and ASQ Screenings.

• Will be responsible for contacting parents to inform them of all Disabilities/Mental Health services that are being provided for their child.

• Will provide services utilizing Agency computer system and Zoom approach.

• Will coordinate parent conferences to share staff observations, and information of concerns regarding the child’s Disabilities/Mental Health in order to develop/implement a plan of action.

• Will work closely with parents to discuss and identify appropriate responses to their child’s behaviors to develop alternative approaches and techniques.

• Will develop Interim Service Plan on children referrals to ECI or LEA Agencies.

• Will develop IFSP/EIP “at a glance” for Teacher’s use.

• Will conduct training or provide education on Disabilities/Mental Health issues for staff and parents to provide an understanding of mental health and to promote mental wellness.

• Assist with the Agency’s Trauma Informed Program.

• Reporting Child Abuse – Responsible to report child abuse and neglect or suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with the policy set forth in the PCI Employee Handbook, Head Start Performance Standards and applicable state laws regarding child abuse.

• Confidentiality of Information – Responsible to maintain the confidentiality of information pertaining to children, families, and staff as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards and PCI Employee Handbook.

• Code of Conduct – Responsible to abide by all standards of conduct as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards and PCI Employee Handbook.

• Ability to work with individuals with special needs, different ethnic or cultural backgrounds or language.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Able to observe and determine mental health needs for children and family. Proficient in Microsoft Word and current computer applications and software. Must have good written and verbal communication skills.