Mental Health / Disability Specialist

About the role

The Mental Health/Disability Specialist will collaborate with classroom staff to identify children needing individualized developmental and behavioral services. They will recommend and demonstrate strategies to help children adapt and succeed in both the classroom and at home. Additionally, they will refer children for additional evaluations by partner agencies and provide mental health consultations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with classroom staff to identify children with developmental and behavioral needs.
• Recommend strategies to help children adapt more successfully to the classroom environment.
• Develop Program Intervention Plans (PIP) and Behavior Safety Plans (BSP) with classroom staff.
• Lead PIP and BSP meetings with parents and classroom staff.
• Mentor teachers in using recommended strategies.
• Work with contracted Mental Health and Disabilities Consultants 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 as defined by HS performance standards.
• Identify potential concerns from screenings and initiate referrals to CAET for review and recommendations.
• Absorb and communicate results of children's developmental and behavioral screenings to parents and assist them in connecting with community support services as needed.
• Encourage families to pursue referrals for developmental/speech evaluations and mental/behavioral health consultation and services.
• Monitor progress of referrals and assist parents in communicating their concerns to site staff.
• Attend home visits with Family Services Staff and/or Teacher to observe children and provide support to families.
• Communicate with site supervisors to ensure successful implementation of PIP and BSP.
• Take direction and supervision from assigned Mental Health & Disability Coordinator while recognizing responsibility to the assigned Site Supervisor(s).

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.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with disabilities and mental health needs.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and behavior management techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using child-tracking software.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and behavior management techniques.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation package.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

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