Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist

About the role

The Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist plays an essential role in the planning, implementation, coordination, training, and evaluation of the disabilities services of the Head Start/Early Head Start programs. Responsibilities include designing and distributing disabilities program tools responsive to the needs of children, families, and staff, facilitating implementation of disabilities services administration activities, overseeing mental health services, supporting transitions for children with disabilities, and building relationships with local school districts, Early Supports and Services, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Designs and distributes disabilities program tools responsive to the needs of children, families, and staff
• Facilitates the implementation of disabilities services administration activities program-wide
• Oversees the implementation of mental health services for the program
• Supports the transition procedures for children with disabilities moving from Early Head Start to Head Start and from Head Start to public school
• Works closely with content area Specialists, Education/Site Managers, and Home-Based Services Managers to enhance collaborative elements of the total program
• Builds and fosters relationships with local school districts, Early Supports and Services, local agencies, and community partners to enhance services to children and families

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Human Services, or related field
• Experience: Five years of prior related disabilities and mental health education experience, particularly with young children and pregnant women, required; 2 years of supervisory or management level experience in related field preferred
• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; knowledge of community, county, state, and federal policies regarding Head Start and Childcare Licensing preferred; skills in program development, implementation, operation, evaluation, and fiscal management preferred
• Characteristics: Attention to detail, confidentiality, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to fostering a positive workplace and early childhood classroom experience
• Age: Must be 21 years of age

Qualifications

• Technical: Successful completion of criminal record check, CPR/First Aid certification
• Transportation: A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required for occasional travel between program locations

Benefits

Not specified

Pay

$33.80- $36.93, based on level of education and relative work experience

Schedule

Full Time, Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Community Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.