Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist The Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist is responsible for consulting with staff and families on supporting children with behavioral, or social and emotional needs within the classroom birth to five. The person in this position coordinates disabilities services for the program, working with classroom staff to develop their classroom environment, using curriculum, and planning individualization for children ages birth to 5 who have a diagnosed disability. The Mental Health & Disabilities Specialist develops, manages and evaluates a mental health and well-being approach and creates methods to meet child, family and staff needs. Education and Experience Open Position $42,034 to $45,051 annual salary 10 month position Paid Winter and Spring Breaks Open until filled Kaiser Medical, Vision, & Dental 4% annual salary contribution to 401(k) Flex account, Basic Life insurance paid personal & sick days and holidays High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED); BA/BS in Social Work, Psychology, ECE or related field; and/or a Masters in Social Work, Family or Child Counseling, or related field; and at least 3 years experience working with children birth to 5 years old with at least one year counseling or clinical mental health experience working with children and their families. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Registration with the Office of Child Care s Central Background Registry and ability to obtain First Aid/CPR Cert. Valid Oregon Driver s License and insured vehicle available for use on the job or acceptable alternative. Current license from the State of Oregon (LPC, LMFT, LSW); or MA in Counseling Field from CACREP accredited university & ability to become a Registered Intern with the State of Oregon. Understands human development and early childhood education theories and practices. Possesses knowledge of community resources, including those that relate to children and families. Experience in supervising, monitoring and evaluating staff. Proficient in the use of computers and related information technologies. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary. Works sensitively in approaching families or individuals with concerns related to mental health. *For a complete list of duties, please see the attached job description Ready to make a difference? Here s how to apply: Applications can be downloaded at www.mycommunityaction.org. Email your application and copies of licenses or certification documents to jobs@mwvcaa.org. Or mail/submit to: Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, 2475 Center St NE, Salem OR 97301. 503-581-1152 Equal Opportunity Employer Job #201805
Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency 2475 Center St. N.E. Salem, OR. 97301 Job Title: Mental Health & Disabilities Specialist Program/Dept: Head Start Reports to: Head Start Director FLSA Status: Exempt Revision Date: October 2017 Pay Range: P POSITION DESCRIPTION OUR MISSION: EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO CHANGE THEIR LIVES AND EXIT POVERTY BY PROVIDING VITAL RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP. GENERAL DESCRIPTION This position is responsible for consulting with staff and families on supporting children with behavioral, or social and emotional needs within the classroom birth to five. The person in this position coordinates disabilities services for the program, working with classroom staff to develop their classroom environment, using curriculum, and planning individualization for children ages birth to 5 who have a diagnosed disability. The Mental Health & Disabilities Specialist develops, manages and evaluates a mental health and well-being approach and creates methods to meet child, family and staff needs. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Education and Experience High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED); BA/BS in Social Work, Psychology, ECE or related field; and/or a Masters in Social Work, Family or Child Counseling, or related field; and at least 3 years of experience working with children birth to 5 years old with at least one year counseling or clinical mental health experience working with children and their families. Communication Skills Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. Utilizes effective communication skills with individuals or groups. Good communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions Other Qualifications and Requirements Understand and believe in the mission of Community Action. Registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division. Valid Oregon Driver s License and insured vehicle available for use on the job or acceptable alternative. Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification. Provides results of tuberculin test and initial physical examination as required. Understands human development and early childhood education theories and practices. Possesses knowledge of community resources, including those that relate to children and families. Experience in supervising, monitoring and evaluating staff. Proficient in the use of computers and related information technologies. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary. Head Start Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist Page 1 of 5
Relates positively to all people on a continuous basis. Works sensitively in approaching families or individuals with concerns related to mental health. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Current license from the State of Oregon (LPC, LMFT, LSW); or MA in Counseling Field from CACREP accredited university & ability to become a Registered Intern with the State of Oregon. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. Mental Health Consultation (30%) Provide follow up support to Regional Team Resource Specialists and classroom staff in all areas of mental health systems monitoring to ensure the completion of required services. Mentor, lead, coach, and follow-up with teachers in presenting sensitive information to families. Assist site staff and families in resolving challenges related to children s behavior, and maintaining positive staff morale. Provide consultation with classroom teams regarding mental health concerns. Coordinate early identification, prevention and intervention services for mental health concerns that interfere with children s development. Conduct or coordinate general observations, as needed, in each classroom, followed by a reflective debrief with teaching staff and Regional Team Resource Specialists. Provide or coordinate individual observations with parent permission when required based on child s social, emotional or behavioral challenges in the classroom. Attend and/or facilitate staff and family meetings to offer consultation and connection to resources, interventions, referrals and follow-ups for parents and teachers. Provide, either through consultation or referral, mental health services to children and parents as appropriate and requested by parents. Develop, compile and maintain community partnerships with mental health providers on available resources. Work directly with Education Specialist and other specialists, as appropriate, to triage situations that requires a multidisciplinary approach to providing services to children, families and staff. Monitors completion of mental health screenings and supports staff in implementing strategies identified as a result of mental health screenings. Facilitates modification of services necessary for children with behavioral or other challenges that prevent them from being successful in the typical classroom. This may be placement in a temporary home base caseload or in the therapeutic classroom. Monitors progress of children receiving modification of services with the intent to reintegrate them into their regular classroom again as soon as is feasible for the child. Disability Services Coordination (30%) Works with program management to set up systems for entrance into Head Start as well as transition to kindergarten for children with disabilities. Responsible for establishing and maintaining the system for serving and identifying children with disabilities including: o Ensuring each child enrolled with Head Start receives timely screenings for developmental delays. o Ensuring appropriate contracts and interagency agreements are renewed each year. o Coordinates participation of Head Start staff in Individual Family Service Plan meetings of enrolled children. o Coordinates spring referral of children with disabilities with community partners. Works closely with Intake Assistants, Specialists, Managers, and Transportation Services during Intake and Enrollment of children with disabilities. Head Start Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist Page 2 of 5
Attends or assigns staff to attend pre-placement IFSP meetings for families interested in Head Start placement. Work with classroom teams: o To create developmentally appropriate learning environments, including setting up new classrooms and providing specialized support to teachers working with children with disabilities in their classrooms. o To oversee the evaluation of individual goal setting for children and its incorporation in the curriculum, weekly lesson plans and daily classroom activities. o To ensure that children with disabilities experience inclusion in all aspects of Head Start services. o To ensure that children with diagnosed disabilities receive individualized services. o To make appropriate referrals for families. Provide follow up support to Regional Team Resource Specialists and classroom staff in all areas of disabilities systems monitoring to ensure the completion of required services. Mentor, lead, coach, and follow-up with teachers in presenting sensitive information to families. Conduct or coordinate general observations, as needed, followed by a reflective debrief with teaching staff and Regional Team Resource Specialists The following represent combined duties for both Mental Health & Disabilities content areas: Planning, Record Keeping and Monitoring (15% per content area) Utilizes the Child Plus data base to retrieve reports and evaluate outcomes in the Mental Health and Disabilities components. Assists with the completion of the program annual self-assessment, Program Information Report, Community Assessment and grant processes. Attends Leadership Team meetings providing information and suggestions for increasing quality of program mental health and disability services. Reviews existing and develops new policies and procedures for program staff regarding mental health and disability services. Reviews child applications for the program to allow for appropriate placement of children with diagnosed disabilities. Supervision (10%) Supervision of one Therapeutic Teacher and one Therapeutic Teacher/Disabilities Assistant. Utilization of listening techniques, reflective and consistent methods of supervision. Provide guidance and positive reinforcement to include conducting and reviewing staff performance through evaluation and regular meetings. Must have excellent communication abilities, and be able to interact with diverse individuals while maintaining professionalism, tact and inclusiveness through shared decision making. Provide overview and supervision of all mental health contractors to maintain consistent quality of mental health services throughout the program. Provide guidance, support and follow-up with WESD and other supporting service providers. Supervision of Counseling Interns Training and Staff Development (15%) Provide training to staff teams regarding: Increasing understanding and procedures to follow when mental health concerns arise. Completion and follow up to developmental and social-emotional screenings. Identifying and referring children with atypical behavior or development. Effectively dealing with dangerous or challenging behavioral concerns within the classroom. Strategies for working with temperament differences of young children. While performing the above Essential Duties and Responsibilities the employee must: Maintain continuous work-related learning by attending regular and special program training events, degree and certificated programs, or comparable special studies by arrangement with the program director and by reading materials related to early childhood mental health consultation and best practices. Head Start Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist Page 3 of 5
Possess working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, agency policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. Model direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect of work with children, families, staff and community members. Use positive communication skills, actively avoiding rumor spreading or other disruptive behavior in the workplace. Work cooperatively with staff to promote a unified team approach. Exercise independent judgment and discretion. Customarily and regularly exercises an ability to make significant decisions. Actively participate as a team member, which includes sharing ideas, communicating, problem solving, and mutual support. Energetically problem-solve, perform duties and engage with people. Bring personal interests and enthusiasm to all tasks as a skillful team worker. Work cooperatively with managers, administration, co-workers, and the public. Work closely with family members and volunteers when participating in program activities. Maintain high standards in all aspects of work. Apply the highest ethical standards to themselves and others on a daily basis. Ask for, accepts and apply constructive criticism. Adapt interpersonal skills in response to individual styles, personalities and cultures. Seek, secure, share, and maintain resources needed for a superior program. Participate in classroom activities and works closely with parents and other family members. Support and enthusiastically participate in program changes and continuous improvements. Work the required hours per week, maintaining regular and punctual attendance, making adjustments for family appointments and other program activities. Work evenings and weekends as necessary. Apply solution building skills in consultation with others to achieve creative, high quality results. Comply with MWVCAA safety policies and personnel rules. Consistently balance a variety of tasks simultaneously. Develop and utilize organizational systems. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Directly supervises one Therapeutic Teacher, one Therapeutic Teacher/Disabilities Assistant, and interns. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with agency policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. CONFIDENTIALITY Respects the confidentiality of information about Head Start enrolled children and families, agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; regularly is required to stand or walk; occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. EQUIPMENT USED The equipment used described here is representative of that an employee may encounter while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Head Start Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist Page 4 of 5
While performing the duties of this job the employee will use office equipment and materials including, but not limited to, a computer, copy machine, telephone, fax machine and printers. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions Work within a team environment Head Start Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist Page 5 of 5