OVO Head Start is seeking a seasoned mental health services professional to join our interdisciplinary team. The Mental Health/Special Needs Coordinator coordinates mental health screenings for at-risk preschoolers, works with established community partner agencies to initiate mental health and disability services, and provides training and support to Head Start staff on behavioral intervention strategies. A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work Counseling, Special Education or other related field is required.
Some of the job duties include:
- Adhere to all Personnel Policies, Head Start Program Performance Standards, Program Policies and Procedures and Indiana Childcare Licensing Regulations.
- Provide consultation to teaching staff on disabilities, mental health issues and social/emotional concerns.
- Organize and coordinate the program’s disabilities concerns which include recruitment, enrollment, diagnosis and provision of services.
- Obtain a diagnostic report and confirmation of disabling conditions by the appropriate professional and develop a follow up plan for assistance to be used with the child in given activities.
- Coordinate conferences and staffing patterns to better serve disabled clients.
- Arrange, coordinate and monitor contractual and donated services by special needs and mental health providers.
- Coordinate and conduct training for staff and parents to meet the special needs of children.
- Advocate for children with disabilities or special needs to ensure smooth transition to public school programs.
- Review and evaluate teacher referrals for necessity and accuracy for children who may have a special need.
- Work collaboratively with program staff to implement the Social/Emotional Curriculum to address both preventative and responsive measures for children and staff in all classrooms and ensure that all requirements are being implemented.
- Use a research based coordinated coaching strategies for teachers and teacher aids
- Schedule weekly coaching observations at each center to work with children and staff
- Conduct weekly formal and informal observations of classroom practice recognizing strengths and areas for staff improvement through ongoing coaching
- Provide modeling and hands-on support to teaching staff for children with behaviors that interfere with their ability to participate comfortably and appropriately in classroom routines.
- Support staff through the development and follow up of individualized behavior assessments and plans to support children’s success in the classroom.
- Provide ongoing communication and information sharing with staff regarding individual support systems for children’s behavior.
- Support staff by providing mental health and wellness information and regularly scheduled opportunities to learn about mental health, wellness and health education.
- Advocate for early childhood education through ensuring quality services to children, families and the community. Be a liaison for the company and program within the community.
- Ensure sufficient and proper supervision of all children at the site at all times.
- Work collaboratively with all staff to provide for the needs of the children in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
- Utilize, monitor and maintain program databases to accurately track child, family and staff information.
- Encourage parent and community volunteerism.
- Provide ongoing communication and information sharing with staff and parents.
- Submit timely, neat and accurate reports with appropriate data.
- Attend all assigned training and meetings.
- Ability to recognize and manage one’s own behaviors, moods, and impulses.
OVO is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $23.86 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- No weekends
Work Location: In person
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