Mental Health Specialist

JOB TITLE: MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

SUPERVISOR: MENTAL HEALTH/DISABILITIES MANAGER

PROGRAM: EARLY HEAD START (EHS)

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: FULL-TIME, NON-EXEMPT

JOB FUNCTION: The Mental Health Specialist is responsible for facilitating and directing the delivery of services that address the developmental and social-emotional needs of Early Head Start children and families in accordance with Early Head Start Performance Standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Included but not limited to)

Within the boundaries of approved Quality Care and EHS policies and procedures; the Mental

Health Specialist is responsible for and has the authority to fulfill the duties listed below:

• Assist the Mental Health/Disabilities Manager and other Early Head Start staff, facilitate the implementation of services for children, families, and staff with disabilities or mental health needs including, but not limited to; acting as a liaison between families and agencies, conducting home visits, developing a Service Area Plan, developing collaborations and following up with mental health consultant or other consultant reports.

• Identify children who may have special needs and behavioral concerns through training staff, observing children in the classroom, meeting with parents and staff, and recommending appropriate referrals.

• Develop, implement, and monitor the implementation of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), as it pertains to a disability or mental health need, including, but not limited to; making referrals to appropriate agencies when a disability or mental health need is identified or suspected, attending IEP/IFSP meetings, and participating in all phases of the transition process for Early Head Start children and families.

• Maintain an accurate record-keeping system and develop reports related to disabilities, mental health, and behavioral needs, including but not limited to, information regarding screening, referrals, and evaluations.

• Actively engage with teachers in planning and implementing the individual behavioral needs of children and provide support to teaching staff to design behavioral interventions for students.

• Implement Service Area Plan, follow-up on implementation, and provide adjustments as needed; analyze Service Area Plan to determine success and assist teachers in identifying inappropriate behaviors and develop better behavior alternatives.

• Present information on various topics related to area of professional expertise in behavior management for the purpose of communicating information to teachers and parents.

• Attend appropriate Early Head Start training, as scheduled, to stay abreast in Early

Childhood Education, Mental Health, Family Support Services, Behavior Interventions, and other related areas.

• Meet with supervisor weekly to update and discuss status of program initiatives.

• Submit ongoing reports and provide necessary data as required to demonstrate compliance and progress of the program.

• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or other related fields with two-four years of experience working with children with disabilities or mental health field.

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) preferred.

• Maintain First aid and CPR certifications.

• Bilingual preferred. (Spanish)

• Strong judgment and interpersonal skills.

• Detail oriented and great organizational skills.

• Computer literate, with knowledge of MS Office and database applications.

• Ability to communicate well, both written and verbal.

• Able to work independently and well with others.

• Possession of valid NJ Driver’s License with good driving history for the use of company vehicles.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
During the pandemic, we are providing in-person and remote services. Daily wellness checks, masks and social distancing while reporting to the office and/or partnering centers.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• working with children with Disabilities: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Willingness To Travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location:

• One location

Company's website:

• www.qualityinc.org

Company's Facebook page:

• https://www.facebook.com/Quality-Care-Services-100547501681637/?modal=admintodotour

Benefit Conditions:

• Only full-time employees eligible

Work Remotely:

• Temporarily due to COVID-19

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

• Personal protective equipment provided or required
• Temperature screenings
• Social distancing guidelines in place
• Virtual meetings
• Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place