Content Specialist - Mental Health

JOB CODE: 2291

PAY GRADE: 1200

SALARY RANGE: $39,157 - $66,662

LOCATION OF WORK
Department of Human Development and Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the administrative direction of the Program Administrator - Head Start or the Assistant Program Administrator - Head Start, performs highly responsible work planning the coordination and supervision of all Head Start services for children with social-emotional learning needs; coordinates a wide range of other comprehensive services. Work also involves coordinating the duties of Case Managers engaged in performing a variety of social services activities, including counseling, referrals, care management, and related services plans. Acts as a liaison with appropriate community services agencies to implement family needs assessment programs designed to identify special needs and concerns of students, parents, and teachers. Performs other work as requested within federal and state guidelines.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Designs and coordinates a full range of comprehensive services which meets Head Start Performance Standards for identifying and serving all professionally diagnosed children and their parents. Coordinates with the education supervisor on the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children with special needs; attends IEP meetings. Plans, coordinates, and conducts staff and parent training sessions on a regular basis. Updates the annual health, safety, and mental health plans in conjunction with the Program Administrator - Head Start, Policy Council, parents, and staff. Develops the Mental Health Service Plan and assists with developing the program budget to ensure adequate funds are budgeted for mental health related services. Utilizes the Inventory of Practices tool to conduct ongoing assessments of teacher-child interactions, quality learning environments, and implementation of teaching strategies that promote healthy social-emotional development and prevent challenging behaviors. Assists with the facilitation of Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, case conferences, and parent-teacher conferences to develop and implement Child Behavioral Support Plans. Facilitates access to mental health services, refers families to appropriate staff for other comprehensive services, and documents follow-up services. Assists with entering, reconciling, monitoring, and analyzing program data; generates timely reports to measure quality of services, compliance, and child and program outcomes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of mental health services as related to preschool-aged and disabled children. Knowledge of common medical problems encountered in preschool-aged children. Skill in oral, written, and interpersonal communication and effective problem solving. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, parents, community agencies, and preschool-aged children. Ability to understand and relate to the underprivileged, the disabled, preschool-aged children, and parents. Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with clients and staff from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. Ability to interpret medical and disability information and translate data into a usable form. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups and to individuals. Ability to prepare basic statistical and narrative reports, business correspondence, and memoranda using computerized systems. Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information, prioritize tasks, organize time efficiently, and manage multiple demands. Ability to work independently and demonstrate flexibility to changes in work schedules and assignments. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS