Mental Health / Disability Specialist

About the role

Child Start, Inc. is currently seeking a Mental Health/Disability Specialist to join our team. The Mental Health/Disability Specialist will collaborate with classroom staff in identifying children in need of individualized developmental and behavioral services. They will recommend and demonstrate strategies to help children adapt and succeed in the classroom and at home. Additionally, they will refer children for additional evaluation by partner agencies for Part B and Part C services and mental health consultation. They will document and track screenings, individualized services, and referrals in our child-tracking software.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with classroom staff in identifying children with developmental and behavioral needs.
• Attend Multidisciplinary Case Reviews and Recommend strategies to help children adapt more successfully to the classroom environment.
• Collaborate with Teachers and Coaches to develop Program Intervention Plans (PIP) and Behavior Safety Plans (BSP).
• Lead PIP and BSP meetings with parents and classroom staff.
• Demonstrate and mentor teachers in using these strategies.
• Support classroom staff in implementing IEP/IFSP recommendations.
• Work with contracted Mental Health Consultants on-site to implement social-emotional and behavioral recommendations.
• Monitor required developmental and behavioral screenings.
• Train and support classroom staff in using screening tools and complete screenings in a timely manner.
• Identify potential concerns from screenings and initiate referrals to CAET for review and recommendations.
• Aid classroom staff in completing paperwork for referrals for developmental/speech evaluations and mental consultation.
• Communicate with parents about children's developmental and behavioral screenings and any identified concerns.
• Attend home visits with Family Services Staff and/or Teacher to observe children and provide support to families.
• Encourage families to pursue referrals for developmental/speech evaluation and services as well as mental/behavioral health consultation and services.
• Monitor progress of referrals and link parents to community support services as needed.
• Serve as a collaborative team member with the entire MHDB team.
• Share duties with team members such as monitoring health checklist for MHDB requirements and attending Health Literacy events.
• Take direction and supervision from assigned Mental Health & Disability Coordinator while recognizing responsibility to the assigned Site Supervisor(s) for helping the entire center(s) achieve success with children in attendance.

Requirements

Must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship.

In compliance with KDHE requirements, Child Start will request proof of measles (MMR) vaccination or documented immunity during the employment process.

This is not a remote position. Must be able to commute daily to Wichita, KS.