Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist

Easterseals Southern California • Escondido, CA

6d • $34 - $38

About The Position

Under general administrative direction, the Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist works collaboratively with staff and families to ensure services are delivered to all children, including children with identified disabilities, in Early Head Start/Head Start and Department of Education programs. The position supports Early Head Start Home Base service compliance, maintains child and family service plans and progress documentation, collaborates with parents and staff regarding children’s behavior, development, and individual needs, and helps connect families and programs with community resources.

The role also includes conducting behavioral screenings, attending IFSP/IEP meetings as directed, and assisting with staff training on early intervention and related topics. The position requires local travel and the ability to perform the physical activities described in the posting. Starting pay is $34–$38 per hour.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field of Psychology, Child Development, or Special Education.
• Successful completion of an Infant Toddler class from an accredited college with a grade of B or better.
• Pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and first aid certificate.
• Knowledge of California Department of Education, Child Development Division policies and procedures; Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing program regulations; and Title 5 and Title 22 funding terms and conditions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups.
• Ability to relate well to children and their families.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, establish and meet timelines, and plan, coordinate, and implement school site programs.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and related computer software.
• Ability to travel locally and maintain a clean driving record, proper auto insurance, and vehicle registration.
• Pass FBI, DOJ, and criminal background checks.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and to reach, bend, stoop, and squat; fine manual dexterity; ability to push, pull, talk, and hear; and near and far visual acuity, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision.
• Occasional lifting/carrying of 0–30 lbs; occasional standing and walking, each up to 3 hours per day; and constant sitting, up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to perform repetitive keyboard activity, telephone use, and writing, and to view a computer monitor and read newsprint.

Responsibilities

• Provide and ensure compliance within Early Head Start Home Base services.
• Develop, maintain, and track Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Education Plans (IEPs), children’s progress reports, and record-keeping documentation in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Collaborate with staff and parents regarding atypical behavior or development and children’s individual needs.
• Conduct on-site behavioral screenings of children within 45 days of enrollment.
• Identify community resources and secure Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with each agency.
• Assist in developing and presenting staff in-service trainings regarding early intervention and related topics as directed.
• Attend IFSP/IEP meetings as directed.
• Perform other assignments as needed based on the associate’s expertise, knowledge, ability, or program needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time