Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist

Easterseals Southern California • Escondido, CA

5d

About The Position

The Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist works under general administrative direction and collaborates 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 role supports inclusion and children’s well-being, with particular relevance to children ages 0–5.

The specialist ensures compliance within Early Head Start Home Base services; develops, maintains, and tracks IFSPs, IEPs, children’s progress reports, and related records in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards; collaborates with staff and parents on atypical behavior, development, and children’s individual needs; conducts on-site behavioral screenings within 45 days of enrollment; identifies community resources and obtains agency MOUs; assists with staff in-service training; and attends IFSP/IEP meetings as directed. Other assignments may be made based on program needs and the associate’s expertise.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field such as Psychology, Child Development, or Special Education, successful completion of an accredited college infant-toddler class with a grade of B or better, and pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and first aid certification. The starting pay range is $34–$38 per hour.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, such as 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 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 stand for extended periods and to reach, bend, stoop, and squat; fine manual dexterity and ability to push, pull, talk, and hear; near and far visual acuity, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision.
• Must pass FBI, DOJ, and criminal background checks.
• Ability to travel locally and maintain a clean driving record, proper auto insurance, and vehicle registration.

Nice To Haves

• Specialization in Early Childhood Mental Health.

Responsibilities

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time