What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist position at Community Action Agency Of Oklahoma?
JOB SUMMARY
The Head Start Mental Health & Disabilities Specialist is responsible for the coordination of mental health/disabilities services in the total Head Start program with cooperative agencies in compliance with all federal, state, local and other appropriate policies, and guidelines. Duties will include serving as the special education intake coordinator for site referrals, teacher consultation, community awareness, crisis counseling and referrals to outside agencies.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Mental Health Observations and Consultation Services -
Makes observations of classroom procedures, management, atmosphere, physical layout, childrens learning, children and curriculum interaction, and teacher/child interaction.
Makes observations of children who may be possible referrals for individual assessments or multi-disciplinary intervention. Observations will actively involve the classroom teachers impression, knowledge, and observation of the children.
Be available to consult with teachers concerning the development and management of individual children in the classroom
Evaluations and assessments
May include an intake interview with parent/guardian, observation of the child at the Head Start Center, and evaluations and assessments from a professional outside of the Agency.
Evaluation results will be interpreted to the parent/guardian, Head Start Center Director, and teachers of the Head Start Center.
Disabilities Services
Organize and coordinate the program disabilities in recruitment, enrollment, and provision of services.
Coordinate METS meeting for children with disabilities in the Head Start Program.
Coordinate with the multi-disciplinary team, including the LEA personnel, Head Start teachers, other content area staff, and parents in developing an IEP for each child with a disability.
Establish and assure that there is an up to date record keeping, documentation and child services tracking system for the disabilities effort. The system includes the confidentiality of records.
Develop and assure the implementation of a referral system for children requiring further evaluation. The system should include information gathering, completion of the referral document, securing parental permission during the METS team staffing, assuring that the referral process is completed appropriately.
Assist in the development and implementation of a plan to assure the smooth transition of children with disabilities into the LEA system and assist parents in the transition process.
- Assist with Pre-service Workshops, Staff Training, Staff Meetings, Parent Group Meetings, and other programs.
- Other related duties as requested to meet the goals of the program.
- Conduct, coordinate, or procure training for staff and parents at Agency, Center, and individual level based upon assessed training needs achieved through Support system monitoring and management request.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The environment is varied to include the Head Start Support office, Head Start Centers, and various Community Resources. Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such as lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or positioning body as to be on childs level and floor level. Must be able to bend, stop, kneel, crouch, and able to run or walk hurriedly for a childs safety.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Masters Degree in Special Education or related field.
Five (5) years of experience in services to children with special needs.
Human relations skills and management ability.
Have a valid Oklahoma Drivers License and transportation available.
Must meet all applicable requirements established by state and funding sources to include finger printing.
Meet required Work Environment standards.
SUPERVISION
Reports to: Head Start Director
Supervises: None assigned
Coordinates with: Head Start Management, Agency personnel and other agencies.
1. Master's Degree in Special Education or related field.
2. Five (5) years of experience in services to children with special needs.
3. Human relations skills and management ability.
4. Have a valid Oklahoma Driver's License and transportation available.
5. Must meet all applicable requirements established by state and funding sources to include finger printing.
6. Meet required Work Environment standards.
