POSITION DESCRIPTION

Mental Health & Disabilities Coordinator

Department: Head Start

Location: Juneau

Covered Position: Yes

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade(s): 10 - 11 ($33.29+ DOE)

Reports To: Program Director

PURPOSE: Coordinate the delivery of the mental health and disabilities services between Head Start staff and families according to Head Start Program Performance Standards. Plan and write the Mental Health and Disabilities work plan and ensure implementation. Collaborate with clinicians, healthcare providers, community organizations, and educational institutions to ensure that clients receive the necessary resources, services, and support for their mental and physical well-being. This position also safeguards accurate, complete, efficient input into database system, including generating reports. Will serve as a member of the Head Start Management Team, and will build collaborative relationships with other agencies.

Essential Functions. An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Maintain working knowledge of theories, principles, and program guidelines.
• Analyze and interpret program guidelines, statues, agency policies and procedures with minimal supervision.
• Assist the Program Director in developing and updating program policies and procedures.
• Assist the Program Director in writing, preparing, and submitting grant applications for the program. May be responsible for preparing and submitting grants for component/specialty area.
• Will develop and maintain accurate, complete and confidential data in accordance with program requirements, with Federal, State, Local and Tlingit & Haida Policies and Procedures.
• Have a compassionate approach to working with children and families, and effectively interact with staff, children and families of all cultural, economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Work in collaboration with the Education Coordinator to ensure that systems, supports and resources are in place for continuous monitoring and data reporting related to child school readiness goals, as well as individualized and integrated Individual Family Service Plan/Individual Education Program (IFSP/IEP) occurs in the curriculum and lesson plans.
• Monitor and document the progress of children with mental health and/or disabilities enrolled in the program.
• Ensure that systems, supports and resources are grounded in cross cultural responsiveness to address professional development and continuous improvement, program environment and partnerships related to child transitions.
• Provides training to support teachers in the implementation of mental health and disabilities policies and procedures in a manner consistent with Tlingit & Haida Head Start standards for compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Monitor mental health and disabilities data to help develop training and information materials for staff.
• Work closely with the staff to provide personalized support and resources, including referrals to appropriate services such as counseling, therapy, or school district services.
• Provides observations, feedback and on-going training/technical assistance to all classroom staff in regard to positive behavior support, classroom environment, and all aspects of a child’s special needs related to mental health and disabilities
• Work in collaboration with other related components to assist staff in providing for the emotional, cognitive, and social development of children in coordination with the school readiness goals.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community groups, schools, organizations, community liaisons and agencies to better serve Head Start children and families (i.e., School Districts, Infant Learning Programs, SEARHC), including Memorandums of Understanding and Interagency Cooperative Agreements.
• Supervise up to 3 Lead Teachers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. A comprehensive set of capabilities required to perform job tasks effectively:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills
• Strong understanding of mental health and disability issues, including relevant laws and regulations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex information from multiple sources
• Ability to manage priorities in a changing environment with limited information
• Ability to defuse emotionally charged situations in a respectful manner.
• Ability to maintain accurate, complete, and confidential records.
• Attend mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.
• Adhere to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Familiarity with Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Bachelor degree in social services, mental health services, special education or a related field
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Master’s degree in social services, mental health services, special education or a related field

• Current First Aid/CPR certificate.
• Two years’ experience in equivalent position.

Physical Requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:

• The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Travel will be required on small aircraft, jet or ferry to conduct site visits/observations.
• Flexible hours may be required, including evenings and weekends for events and workshops.
• Certain positions at Tlingit and Haida may have exposure to certain hazardous materials or conditions. The supervisor will review these if applicable.