Early Intervention Mental Health Specialist

STEP, Inc.•Williamsport, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

STEP Head Start is seeking a compassionate, knowledgeable, and collaborative Early Intervention Mental Health Specialist to join their team. The organization, Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc., has been serving the community for 60 years as part of the Community Action Network. This role is an opportunity to positively influence children's lives during their most important developmental years by supporting children, strengthening families, and helping educators create inclusive learning environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, Human Services, or related field.
Two years of professional experience observing, assessing, planning, and implementing individual and group activities for young children, including those with disabilities, special needs, and mental health and behavior issues.
Valid driver's license and vehicle with adequate insurance coverage available for daily use.
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Clearance, National Sex Offender Registry check prior to hire; and Motor Vehicle Record check.
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training completed within 90 days of hire.
Physical examination prior to hire.
Tuberculosis test prior to hire.
Computer training and/or documented proficiency with popular word processing, spreadsheet, and database software; experience with and/or training in Microsoft Office products particularly Word, Excel, and Access is preferred.
Physical ability to perform essential job functions without any health restrictions, including the ability to sit for long periods of time; stand, lift, and carry up to thirty pounds; have unrestricted use of the upper body; corrected or uncorrected hearing and vision within normal range, and a clear speaking voice; and other abilities necessary to ensure child safety in the classroom, other group areas, and when in the community, such as, but not limited to, the following: o Ability to bend, squat, reach, kneel, and climb stairs; o Ability to move from a sitting to standing position quickly, safely, and without difficulty; o Ability to chase an eloping child.

Nice To Haves

Experience with and/or training in Microsoft Office products particularly Word, Excel, and Access is preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with educators, families, and community agencies to promote the healthy development and inclusion of young children, particularly those with disabilities, developmental delays, social-emotional concerns, or behavioral challenges.
Observe and assess children, support screenings, referrals, and evaluations.
Help implement IFSPs and IEPs.
Advocate for children and families to ensure access to appropriate services.
Coach teachers on classroom management, behavior support, inclusion practices, and social-emotional development.
Model effective intervention and de-escalation strategies.
Facilitate family and interdisciplinary team meetings.
Collaborate with schools and service providers.
Support successful transitions into and out of Head Start.
Provide training and technical assistance to staff and parents.
Maintain accurate documentation and performance data.
Contribute to program planning, compliance, and continuous quality improvement efforts to ensure high-quality, integrated services for children and families.