Mental Health/Disability Specialist

About the role

The Mental Health/Disability Specialist collaborates with classroom staff to identify children needing individualized developmental and behavioral services. They recommend and demonstrate strategies to help children adapt and succeed, refer children for evaluations, and document services.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with classroom staff to identify children with developmental and behavioral needs.
• Attend Multidisciplinary Case Reviews and recommend strategies to help children adapt to the classroom environment.
• Develop Program Intervention Plans (PIPs) and Behavior Safety Plans (BSPs) with classroom staff.
• Lead PIP and BSP meetings with parents and classroom staff.
• Mentor teachers in using strategies and support classroom staff in implementing IEP/IFSP recommendations.
• Work with contracted Mental Health Consultants to implement social-emotional and behavioral recommendations.
• Observe children in classrooms and home settings to identify potential concerns.
• Initiate referrals to CAET for review and recommendations.
• Communicate with parents about children's screenings and concerns.
• Attend home visits with Family Services Staff and/or Teachers to provide support.
• Encourage families to pursue referrals for evaluations and services.
• Monitor progress of referrals and link families to community support services.
• Collaborate with the entire MHDB team, sharing duties and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (B.S./B.A.) in early childhood education, social work, or related field (9 hours of Early Childhood coursework required if education does not meet this requirement).
• If no Bachelor's Degree, must commit to obtaining one in a relevant field within 5 years.
• An Associate's Degree may be considered with 5 years of relevant experience and an educational plan to obtain a Bachelor's Degree.
• 3 years of experience in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Mental Health and Disabilities, working with children with IEPs/IFSPs or Behavioral Plans.
• Build rapport with children, families, and staff and work effectively as part of a team.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural differences.
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor during stressful and sensitive situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to prioritize workload and be flexible to emergent/unplanned needs and situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Regular on-time attendance.

Qualifications

• Legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or sponsorship.
• Proof of measles (MMR) vaccination or documented immunity required.
• Able to commute daily to Haysville, KS.

Skills

• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Observational and assessment skills.
• Strategic planning and implementation skills.
• Confidentiality and professionalism.

Benefits

The Mental Health/Disability Specialist position is $18.24 per hour, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Benefits include Medical/Dental/Vision plans, company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, 9 paid holidays each year, and more!