Mental Health/Disability Coordinator

WAYNE-METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY•Dearborn Heights, MI

7d•$23 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health/Disability Coordinator assists in coordinating services for children ages 0–5, including children with atypical or challenging behaviors, certified disabilities, and physical handicaps. The coordinator provides reflective coaching to site staff to support inclusive practices and positive early childhood outcomes. The role works with families, staff, service providers, school districts, and community partners to coordinate screenings, referrals, plans, training, and transitions for children with disabilities or those in the diagnostic process. The position maintains program records and reports, supports compliance with applicable State and Federal requirements, Head Start Performance Standards, GSRP standards, and agency policies, and contributes to outreach, recruitment, retention, advocacy, and non-federal match activities. Work is primarily in a school setting, with travel to various sites. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with specific hours determined by department needs and occasional Saturdays.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or Mental Health.
Experience working with children who exhibit challenging behaviors and/or across disability spectrums.
Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, diagnostic tests, screening tools, assessments, and laws protecting individuals with disabilities.
Ability to observe and record information, including non-verbal information.
Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors, colleagues, and agency staff.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with individuals and groups.
Ability to represent the agency professionally.
Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
Intermediate knowledge of basic internet applications and programs, including Google technology and Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to learn and use required programs.
Good interpersonal and professional skills, including professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.
Ability to provide services to people facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers.
Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
Ability to travel to various sites.
Valid identification and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual oral and written skills in Arabic or Bangla; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Ensure developmental screenings are completed and establish timelines following a child's entry into the program.
Receive, process, and follow up regularly on referrals for special education services.
Maintain contacts with mental health, disability, and other service providers.
Provide reflective coaching to teaching staff and site managers on mental health, disability, and inclusive practices.
Support classroom staff in implementing Positive Behavior Interventions (PBIS) and other program curriculums.
Collaborate with site managers and teaching staff to develop individual and comprehensive child behavioral plans.
Assist in monitoring and documenting progress on behavioral and educational plan action steps.
Coordinate integrated services with program staff across education, child health and nutrition, parent engagement, and community engagement.
Monitor and ensure that IEP and IFSP goals are incorporated into Head Start Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs).
Attend and participate in staff meetings, IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, home visits, Health Services Advisory Committee meetings, and community meetings as required.
Communicate disability-services standards and laws to staff and parents and provide families with resource coordination and linkages.
Plan and deliver, or arrange, individualized and group training for staff and parents.
Prepare monthly reports on area activities and progress toward program goals, including recommended plan modifications.
Analyze data and reports, including through abstract reasoning when needed.
Ensure documentation of classroom visits and coaching sessions is completed.
Assist with transitions for children with disabilities and children in the diagnostic process, ensuring an efficient process and full parental participation.
Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with school districts, public school academies, higher education institutions, and social service agencies.
Participate in developing and monitoring interagency agreements.
Attend relevant national, state, and local meetings for professional development and complete at least 15 clock hours of professional development annually.
Maintain manual and electronic files and records to document activities, provide reliable information, and meet State and Federal requirements.
Maintain confidentiality of enrolled-family records, including managing Protective Services reports and mandated reporting requirements.
Cooperate with investigations related to personnel, licensing, accreditation, or other circumstances.
Participate in early childhood program employee and family outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts.
Advocate for low-income community members, including through advocacy groups, professional organizations, and efforts to improve access to community services.
Help generate non-federal match value through Head Start program activities and collaborations.
Maintain a positive, cooperative, and professional approach toward work, clients, and staff, and follow Wayne Metro policies and procedures.
Comply with State licensing regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, and GSRP standards.
Help ensure the health and safety of children, families, and staff in accordance with agency, federal, state, and local policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.