Early Childhood - Mental Health Assistant

Early Childhood - Mental Health Assistant

The Head Start/Early Childhood Mental Health Aide assists Mental Health Coordinators in providing services to children and their families.

Education/Certification:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Highly Qualified (associate degree, 60 college hours, and/or Paraprofessional Academy)
• State Paraprofessional Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work cooperatively with others and maintain a positive attitude in the work environment
• Ability to use good judgment in problem solving and decision making
• Use time productively
• Ability to follow district policies and procedures
• Ability to accept supervisory direction and desire to improve job skills
• Ability to demonstrate tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents and visitors to the school

Experience:

• Prior experience working with children preferred, preferably in an instructional setting

Performance Responsibilities:

• Assist with management and discipline techniques within classrooms as directed by the Mental Health Coordinator.
• Observe children and keep an accurate record of observations as directed by the Mental Health Coordinator.
• Assist the Coordinator with maintaining files, clerical duties, student documentation etc.
• Help prepare teaching and training aids.
• Serve on committees when appropriate.
• Attend professional growth training and workshops.
• Interact with the children modeling soft voice, positive attitude, patience, neatness, and enthusiasm
• Assist with integration and inclusion of children with disabilities in the regular education classroom as directed by the Mental Health Coordinator and Disabilities Coordinator.
• Assist in the tracking and monitoring of mental health activities contained in the mental health plan, documentation of them, and coordination with other staff members to ensure follow-through.
• Work with a mental health professional/counselor to keep accurate mental health records and maintain confidentiality.
• Assist in the observation of students who are exhibiting atypical behaviors and work with teachers and other staff members to determine appropriate behavior management strategies.
• Assist teachers with behavior concerns as requested by the Mental Health Coordinator.
• Assist in the distribution of monthly mental health suggestions to all teachers to use in their classrooms.
• Assist in the implementation of staff encouragement activities such as mental health tips, recognition of achievement, personal notes, collaborative planning as directed by the mental health professional/counselor
• Assist in the monitoring of the mental health information in the student's comprehensive file.
• Serve as an advocate for mental health within the Head Start program, emphasizing wellness and the promotion of good mental health practices for staff, students and families.
• Assist in assuring district policies are followed in regard to child abuse reporting.
• Assist in the provision of crisis intervention services for students and staff as directed by the mental health professional/counselor.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Mental Health Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and/or Director/Principal.

Equipment used:

• Copier, computer and audio-visual equipment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment
• Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping
• Motion: Moderate walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.