Mental Health/Disability Specialist

Overview Child Start, Inc. is currently seeking a Mental Health/Disability Specialist to join our team. As a Mental Health/Disability Specialist, you will collaborate with classroom staff in identifying children in need of individualized developmental and behavioral services. You will recommend and demonstrate strategies to help children adapt and succeed in the classroom and at home. Additionally, you will refer children for additional evaluation by partner agencies for Part B and Part C services and mental health consultation. You will document and track screenings, individualized services, and referrals in our child‑tracking software. In this role, you will provide direct support to children and families as needed through Program Intervention Plans. You will also work with our Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator to recommend referrals to partner agencies and provide assistance with Individual Education Plans (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP). Responsibilities Observe children in classrooms and home settings to help classroom staff identify children with developmental and behavioral needs; attend monthly Multidisciplinary Case Reviews. Recommend strategies to help children with identified concerns adapt more successfully to the classroom environment; collaborate with teachers and coaches to develop Program Intervention Plans (PIP) and Behavior Safety Plans (BSP) to provide direct support for children; collaborate with the Site Supervisor to lead PIP and BSP meetings with parents and classroom staff; demonstrate and mentor teachers in using these strategies. Support classroom staff in identifying and implementing IEP/IFSP recommendations. Work with contracted mental health consultants on‑site to implement social‑emotional and behavioral recommendations. Monitor required developmental and behavioral screenings; train and support classroom staff in using screening tools and complete screenings in a timely manner as defined by HS performance standards. Identify potential concerns from screenings; initiate referral to CAET for review and recommendations; assist classroom staff in completing paperwork for referrals for developmental/speech evaluations and mental consultation. Support staff in communicating with parents the results of children's developmental and behavioral screenings and any concerns that are identified; assist parents in communicating their concerns for their children with site staff; when appropriate attend home visits with Family Services Staff and/or teacher to observe children and provide support to families. Encourage families to pursue referrals for developmental/speech evaluation and services as well as mental/behavioral health consultation and services; monitor progress of referrals; link parents to community support services as needed. Serve as a collaborative team member with the entire MHDB team; share duties with team members such as monitoring health checklist for MHDB requirements and attending Health Literacy events. Take direction and supervision from the assigned Mental Health & Disability Coordinator while recognizing responsibility to the assigned Site Supervisor(s) for helping the entire center(s) achieve success with children in attendance. Requirements Bachelor's Degree (B.S./B.A.) in early childhood education, social work, or related degree. If education does not include at least 9 hours of Early Childhood coursework, must commit to obtaining that additional education. An associate's degree will be considered with five years of relevant experience and an educational plan to attain a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field. Requires 3 years experience in either Early Childhood Education or in the field of childhood mental health and disabilities working with children with IEPs/IFSPs, or behavioral plans. Ability to build rapport with children, families and staff and to work effectively as part of a team. Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural differences. Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor during stressful and sensitive situations. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. Ability to prioritize workload while being flexible to emergent/unplanned needs and situations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Computer literacy. Ability to maintain regular on‑time attendance. Employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds for various classroom and event needs. Benefits Child Start's Mental Health/Disability Specialist position is $18.24 per hour, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Child Start offers competitive salary and benefits, including Medical/Dental/Vision plans, company‑paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, 9 paid holidays each year, and much more! Must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. In compliance with KDHE requirements, Child Start will request proof of measles (MMR) vaccination or documented immunity during the employment process. Must be able to commute daily to Haysville, KS. #J-18808-Ljbffr