Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator

Plaza De La Raza Child Development Services Inc•Industry, CA

1d•$35 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc. (Plaza) is a comprehensive early childhood education program serving over 650 children aged zero to five from low-income families, focusing on school readiness. The Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator, under the direction of the Assistant Director of Program Services, is responsible for designing and implementing the Disabilities and Mental Health components of the program. This role ensures high-quality services for identified children and families, provides direction to teaching staff and Home Visitors, and supervises the Mental Health Consultant. Key responsibilities include coordinating referral and tracking systems, guiding the interpretation of IFSPs and IEPs, identifying and analyzing children's learning needs, assisting staff in recognizing mental health challenges, and coordinating staff/parent training. The position also involves interacting with public and private service agencies and conducting home visits as needed.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Special Education, Psychology, Early Childhood Development, behavioral science, mental health, or related field.
Three years of experience in the management and delivery of direct services for children with special needs and/or family mental health services, counseling, psychology, or a related field.
Knowledge of program requirements and regulations essential to the health and welfare of children, including Title 5 and Title 22 licensing regulations, IDEA requirements, and Head Start Performance Standards; LEA services and procedures; referral processes; and assessment systems.
Knowledge of Plaza de la Raza policies and procedures related to disabilities and mental health services.
Knowledge of Infant/toddler mental health and developmentally appropriate approaches and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).
Ability to work with children and families from diverse populations.
Ability to effectively communicate with children and families in their preferred language.
Ability to participate in IFSP and IEP meetings.
Ability to implement Plaza de la Raza and LEA policies and procedures.
Ability to contribute to the development of Plaza de la Raza Disabilities and Mental Health Policies and Procedures.
Ability to provide guidance to Inter disciplinary team.
Ability to apply problem solving skills.
Ability to demonstrate respect for individuals and groups with varied cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities and backgrounds.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Successful completion of an initial health examination.
Proof of the absence of Tuberculosis.
Documentation of current immunizations against Influenza, Measles (MMR) and Pertussis (TDAP).
Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment.
Completed and signed statement of any pending and/or prior criminal arrests/charges/convictions related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and/or violent felonies.
Verification that determines eligibility for employment in the United States of America.
A valid California driver’s license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties.
As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
A combination of relevant experience is preferred.
Bi-lingual in a language reflective of the population served is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensures that at least 10% of all funded enrollment opportunities are available to children with disabilities.
Ensures services for children with special needs and their families support the attainment of expected outcomes as defined in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Conducts outreach to local organizations and in the community to help recruit and enroll children with disabilities to help meet EHS/Head Start ERSEA requirements.
Ensures initial screenings data for all incoming and returning children is completed and obtained, including ASQ-3/ASQ:SE-2 screenings.
Ensures Training and Technical Assistance to Instructional Staff for identifying children with suspected or unidentified disabilities.
Ensures special education assessments and eligibility determinations are completed by licensed/certified professionals within the timelines established by IDEA.
Provides guidance to parents regarding Parent Rights in Special Education.
Monitors classroom lesson plans to ensure identified children’s goals and objectives are incorporated into daily routines.
Conducts and documents monthly observations of children with special needs in all program options.
Collaborates with Regional Centers and LEAs to develop assessment processes and procedures for children with special needs and monitors required services.
Completes classroom observations and attends home visits with staff, as needed.
Assists parents in arranging smooth transitions for children with special needs entering the public school system or transitioning between program options.
Ensures educational materials appropriately meet the needs of children with disabilities.
Works with interdisciplinary staff, community partners, and parents to develop individualized goals aligned with each child’s IFSP.
Ensures compliance with LACOE Grantee Instructional Memo (GIM) and all applicable state and federal requirements related to disability services.
Plans, organizes, coordinates, and monitors mental health-related services for Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and serves as an advocate for infants, toddlers, children, and family mental health needs.
Coordinates mental health support services for children, families, and staff, including referrals and follow up as needed.
Provides administrative support to the work of the mental health consultant.
Assists with conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies to support positive relationships and effective communication.
Coordinates and implements referral and tracking systems for mental health services.
Assists staff in recognizing possible mental health concerns and ensuring appropriate referrals and follow-through services.
Provides mental health information and updates at monthly Parent Policy Committee meetings.
Compiles, maintains, and annually updates a list of community mental health resources.
Monitors mental health consultant contracts and services.
Conducts ongoing monitoring activities of mental health service protocols to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Ensures compliance with LACOE MH GIM and all applicable state and federal requirements related to mental health services.
Provides training, support, and technical assistance to Center-Based staff, Home Visitors, and Family Services staff.
Coordinates Health and Mental Health Advisory Meetings in collaboration with the Integrated Health and Nutrition Coordinator.
Coordinates disability and mental health services with specialists in other content areas.
Monitors and ensure follow-up on required assessments and services are completed in a timely manner.
Assist parents, through individual and group meetings, in supporting their child’s social/emotional, physical, and cognitive development at home.
Consults with staff and parents regarding the progress of services and documents all meetings in case files and centralized recordkeeping systems while ensuring confidentiality.
Participates in the ongoing assessment of the quality of disability and mental health services provided in all program options.
Coordinates and implements staff and parent training.
Collaborates with public and private agencies to develop and maintain Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
Works collaboratively with other content specialists to address family needs and connect families with appropriate resources.
Completes annual reports, monthly tracking reports, performance evaluations, professional development plans, and other required documentation.
Participates in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.