Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc. (Plaza) is a comprehensive early childhood education program with a focus on school readiness for children zero to five years of age. Developmentally appropriate services are provided for children from low-income families, zero to five years of age. Plaza de la Raza currently serves over 650 children and their families.

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director of Program Services, this position is responsible for the design and implementation of the Disabilities and Mental Health components to ensure services provided for identified children and families enrolled in the program are consistent and of high quality. Provides direction to teaching staff, Home Visitors, and Family Services in the arena of Disabilities and Mental Health and supervises the Mental Health Consultant to ensure quality services and integrated program services. Coordinates and implements referral and tracking systems for Disabilities and Mental Health, serves as a coordinator and provides guidance for the interpretation of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) Individual Education Plans (IEP) and setting goals and objectives. Identifies and analyzes children’s needs and students with specialized learning needs; considers instructional and home environments in relation to disabilities and provides guidance/support for instructional material and teaching methods. Assist staff in recognizing possible mental health challenges and appropriate referrals and follow through. Coordinates and implements staff/parent training. Interacts with public and private service agencies (i.e. Local Education Agencies (LEA) and Regional Centers, community mental health agencies and providers), conducts home visits as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

The Assistant Director of Program Services provides general direction and supervision. This position exercises supervision over the Mental Health and Disabilities Aide.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Disabilities:

• Ensures that at least 10% of all funded enrollment opportunities are available to children with disabilities.

• Ensures services for children with special needs and their families support the attainment of expected outcomes as defined in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• Conducts outreach to local organizations and in the community to help recruit and enroll children with disabilities to help meet EHS/Head Start ERSEA requirements for providing enrollment opportunities for age-eligible children with disabilities in the community of service.

• Ensures initial screenings data for all incoming and returning children is completed and obtained, including ASQ-3/ASQ:SE-2 screenings are completed, to help identify children with suspected or unidentified.

• Ensures Training and Technical Assistance to Instructional Staff to ensure that there is a clear process for identifying children with suspected or unidentified disabilities through an internal concern identification and referral process.

• Ensures special education assessments and eligibility determinations are completed by licensed/certified professionals within the timelines established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and that forms and reporting procedures are consistent with Head Start regulations and grantee requirements.

• Provides guidance to parents regarding Parent Rights in Special Education.

• Monitors classroom lesson plans to ensure identified children’s goals and objectives are incorporated into daily routines.

• Conducts and documents monthly observations of children with special needs in all program options.

• Collaborates with Regional Centers and LEAs to develop assessment processes and procedures for children with special needs and monitors required services.

• Completes classroom observations and attends home visits with staff, as needed.

• Assists parents in arranging smooth transitions for children with special needs entering the public school system, transitioning from Early Head Start to Head Start, or moving from Home-Based to Center-Based services.

• Ensures educational materials appropriately meet the needs of children with disabilities.

• Works with interdisciplinary staff, community partners, and parents to develop individualized goals aligned with each child’s IFSP.

• Ensures compliance with Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Grantee Instructional Memo (GIM) and all applicable state and federal requirements related to disability services, including IDEA and Head Start Performance Standards.

Mental Health:

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and monitors mental health-related services for Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.

• Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and serves as an advocate for infants, toddlers, children, and family mental health needs.

• Coordinates mental health support services for children, families, and staff, including referrals and follow up as needed.

• Provides administrative support to the work of the mental health consultant who provides services to the children, families, and staff (only resources and referrals for staff) regarding social emotional and mental health concerns.

• Assists with conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies to support positive relationships and effective communication among families, staff, and community partners.

• Coordinates and implements referral and tracking systems for mental health services.

• Assists staff in recognizing possible mental health concerns and ensuring appropriate referrals and follow-through services.

• Provides mental health information and updates at monthly Parent Policy Committee meetings.

• Compiles, maintains, and annually updates a list of community mental health resources.•

Monitors mental health consultant contracts and services.

• Conducts ongoing monitoring activities of mental health service protocols to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards.

• Ensures compliance with LACOE MH GIM and all applicable state and federal requirements related to mental health services, including Head Start Performance Standards and other relevant regulations.

General Duties:

• Provides training, support, and technical assistance to Center-Based staff, Home Visitors, and Family Services staff.

• Coordinates Health and Mental Health Advisory Meetings in collaboration with the Integrated Health and Nutrition Coordinator to support access to community resources that benefit enrolled children and families.

• Coordinates disability and mental health services with specialists in other content areas.

• Monitors and ensure follow-up on required assessments and services are completed in a timely manner.

• Assist parents, through individual and group meetings, in supporting their child’s social/emotional, physical, and cognitive development at home.

• Consults with staff and parents regarding the progress of services and documents, all meetings in case files and centralized recordkeeping systems while ensuring confidentiality.

• Participates in the ongoing assessment of the quality of disability and mental health services provided in all program options, including center-based and home-based programs.

• Coordinates and implements staff and parent training.

• Collaborates with public and private agencies to develop and maintain Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

• Works collaboratively with other content specialists to address family needs and connect families with appropriate resources.

• Completes annual reports, monthly tracking reports, performance evaluations, professional development plans, and other required documentation.

• Participates in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENT S

Knowledge of: Program requirements and regulations essential to the health and welfare of children, including Title 5 and Title 22 licensing regulations, IDEA requirements, and Head Start Performance Standards; LEA services and procedures; referral processes; and assessment systems. Plaza de la Raza policies and procedures related to disabilities and mental health services. Infant/toddler mental health and developmentally appropriate approaches and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ); Incorporating individualized goals for children with special needs and mental health needs into daily classroom and outdoor activities.

Ability to: Work with children and families from diverse populations, effectively communicate with children and families in their preferred language, participate in IFSP and IEP meetings, implement Plaza de la Raza and LEA policies and procedures, contribute to the development of Plaza de la Raza Disabilities and Mental Health Policies and Procedures, provide guidance to Inter disciplinary team, apply problem solving skills, demonstrate respect for individuals and groups with varied cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities and backgrounds, maintain confidentiality.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Complete an online employment application on and submit the required documentation: 1) Resume and 2) Transcripts confirming degree and major. (Note: Only complete application packets will be considered for the screening and selection process.)
2. Submit official transcripts prior to date of hire.