MENTAL HEALTH-INCLUSION SPECIALIST

ALLEGHENY LUTHERAN SOCIAL MINISTRIES INC•Bedford, PA

31d

About The Position

The Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Bedford and Fulton counties work in partnership with families to build children’s and parents’ strength, promote self-esteem, and encourage self-sufficiency and lifelong learning. This position will provide behavioral support and strategies to help strengthen children’s social-emotional skills and improve their ability to learn; support teaching staff in the establishment and maintenance of positive and productive partnerships with families; and help coordinate, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate behavioral/mental health concerns to ensure the highest degree of quality services are provided to children.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Family Studies and Human Development or Counseling preferred.
Work related experience in a human services setting, including working with low-income children and families, preferred.
Valid Driver’s license, Act 33, 34/151 and FBI Clearances.
ALL POSITIONS REQUIRE A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE, ACT 31, 34/151 AND FBI CLEARANCES.

Responsibilities

Coordinates with the Manager and Life Enrichment Assistants for students with disabilities entering Head Start for smooth transition.
Participates in the transition planning from Early Intervention to IU8 services.
Assists families and PCEs working with children with IFSPs.
Attends PALS and provide PBIS, social emotional information to families.
Assists in planning and participating in Parent Cafes.
Collaborates with the home-based team to participate in home visits.
Plans and facilitates wellness activities and events with families and staff.
Participates in Wellness Wednesday and the Wellness Committee.
Conducts in-home based assessments to support PBIS.
Develops community linkages to locate and access resources for families.
Develops and maintains effective communication with staff and parents.
Assists in the implementation of the special needs and mental health plans and curricula, making recommendations for improvements or corrective action. Provides guidance to PCE to implement curricula and objectives.
Maintains standards for the use of component forms and reporting procedures, including a confidential record keeping system.
Maintains individual files on all children with disabilities in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Arranges for or conducts speech and developmental screenings on all enrolled children according to Head Start regulations, ensuring appropriate referrals are made.
Assists with the mental health tiered approach for staff and parents including mental health education, screening, referrals and follow-up.
Monitors activities of PCE regarding the IEP/IFSP, including the provision of direct services to children and the making of necessary referrals. Serves as a resource person to staff and/or families, as requested. Ensures IEP/IFSP progress is updated regularly.
Participates in the interagency organizations and cooperate with all agencies involved with the education and care of young children in Bedford and Fulton Counties. LICC is mandatory in both counties.
Assists in representing ALSM Children’s Services through community public relations and marketing events.
Facilitates two-way communication between staff and parents.
Is involved in regular staff meetings with the coordinating teams for the purpose of recognizing and dealing with family and/or child needs. Shares relevant information, as appropriate.
Maintains regular communication with the home-based team concerning the meeting of component objectives, unmet needs of families, potential problem areas, etc., and makes recommendations for improvements or constructive action.
Attends and participates through data reporting etc. in HSAC 2 times per year.