Inclusion Specialist (Mental Health Childhood)

Inclusion Specialist (Mental Health Childhood)

JOB TITLE:  INCLUSION SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT:  HEAD START/EARLY HEAD START

LOCATION: ORANGE/OSCEOLA COUNTIES

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  Supports the Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program by planning, administering, and overseeing the required Program for Mental Health/Disabilities Services are delivered to children and families in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards 1308 and all applicable requirements of the Head Start Act.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Writes and revises Policies and Procedures for areas Mental Health and Disabilities.
2. Confers with area specialists concerning mental health and disability concerns.
3. Participates with other area specialists in the screening process for children who may have special needs.
4. Assists a team with the identification and selection of program options, as appropriate for children.
5. Ensures contractual diagnosticians are oriented to the federal standards and definitions.
6. Selects appropriate screening instruments applicable to MDH area.
7. Conducts classroom visits to monitor teaching staff are using IEP’s & IFSP’s.
8. Assists the Program Manager with the budget as it relates to MDH services, supplies, and training.
9. Reviews files of children and families to determine their needs and to arrange for intervention services.
10. Works with the Family and Community Partnership (FCP) Coordinator in designing, conducting or arranging for mental health and disability trainings for families.
11. Monitors, follows up, and inputs screenings and referrals into ChildPlus.
12. Provides training to staff to assist them in better understanding special needs services.
13. Attends IEP meetings. Plans and coordinates Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs). Serves on the weight scale committee to determine eligibility for HS/EHS.
14. Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with the LEAs to collaborate services.
15. Works with a team to implement transition activities for children with special needs leaving the program.
16. Recruits eligible children into HS/EHS, including children with disabilities.
17. Seeks in-kind (donated time, services, products, cash) for the program and ensure it is documented.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language. Ability to understand requirements outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards and all other applicable laws and regulations related to the Head Start Performance Standards, to include the Active Supervision of children. Knowledge of mental health and disabilities standards and regulations. Knowledge of curriculum design and the ability to train adults in a learning environment. Knowledge of a variety of computer software including Microsoft Office. Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families and other mental health professionals, interact with young children, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate skills in problem solving and organization, gather and analyze data and make concise, accurate reports and recommendations,  work and communicate with people from various socio-economic and multi-cultural backgrounds, sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work or a related field; two (2) years’ experience in securing and individualizing needed services for children with disabilities.

• Possession of a license or certification in mental health preferred. (If employee does not meet this criteria, the program must consult with a licensed or certified professional in mental health).

Salary  $39,774.77 Annually

PAY GRADE:  10

Equal Opportunity Employer – Veteran/Disability