Developmental/ Mental Health Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTIBILITY:

The Developmental Mental Health Coordinator provides specialized guidance coordination and support to meet the developmental and mental health needs of children enrolled in the Head Start program. This role is instrumental in ensuring the timely identification referral and follow-up of children with suspected or diagnosed disabilities. The coordinator supports IEP/IFSP processes conducts developmental observations and screenings and collaborates with teaching staff to implement appropriate supports. They model evidence-based strategies for teaching staff and provide direct classroom support to promote inclusive trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate practices. All services are delivered through collaborative and culturally responsive engagement with staff and families.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in early childhood development Psychology Social Work Special Education or a closely related field
• Masters degree preferred; candidates with an Early Childhood (ZA) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) endorsement highly desirable
• Minimum of two (2) years experience working with young children with developmental behavioral or mental health needs
• Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA the special education eligibility process and coordination of IEPs/IFSPs
• Strong familiarity with Head Start Program Performance Standards and Michigan Child Care Licensing Regulations
• Effective in diverse cultural settings and comfortable working in a collaborative team-based environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word Excel Outlook PowerPoint)
• Reliable transportation required
• Skilled in compiling and analyzing data to inform decisions and recommendations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the identification referral and follow-up process for children with suspected or diagnosed disabilities
• Conduct observations and developmental screenings for children suspected of a disability or mental health diagnosis in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Support the implementation of IEP/IFSP goals by collaborating with classroom staff and service providers
• Collaborate with the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to develop and implement effective strategies that support childrens developmental and behavioral needs
• Model effective inclusive and trauma-informed teaching strategies for classroom staff
• Provide on-site support and coaching to teaching teams to address challenging behaviors and developmental concerns
• Maintain regular communication with parents/guardians offering guidance and resources related to developmental and mental health needs
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners such as Early on and LEA representatives to ensure continuity of services
• Assist in monitoring and documenting child progress including data entry in ChildPlus and related systems
• Provide professional development and training for staff on topics such as child development trauma-informed practices and inclusive classroom strategies
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and care conferences as needed
• Maintain organized records reports and documentation for internal tracking and reporting purposes
• Stay current on best practices in early childhood development mental health and disability services
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently
• Perform other duties as assigned

WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Works in a normal office environment with usual pressures of managing personnel and dealing with time constraints. Because of multiple sites within the department and the need to meet with others within the community it is common to drive to several locations sometimes in inclement weather.

CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND ETHICAL CONDUCT:

• All staff will use data to help achieve program goals; apply techniques and strategies that promote a culture of learning; identify and address gaps that continuously improve our programs.
• All personnel of Matrix must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement efforts into their everyday performance.
• All Head Start employees must adhere to the federal regulations and requirements for Head Start operations including the Program Performance Standards licensing regulations and the NAEYC Code of Conduct
• Demonstrate and actively promote an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of Matrix Human Services.