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Head Start Mental Health Content Area Specialist
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The Head Start Mental Health Content Area Specialist plans, coordinates, and implements the mental health service area to children enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Local, State, and Federal regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Supports the education component of Head Start by researching, recommending, and implementing evidence-based social and emotional programs, such as Conscious Discipline, that serve as a preventative measure for children’s health and well-being. This includes securing training, resources and supplies for full program implementation.
- Develops an effective system to identify and support interventions for children displaying concerns with mental health. This system includes conducting observations, intervention, assessment, and referral. Develops documents and tracking systems for outcomes and auditing purposes. Enters data in ChildPlus.
- Implements the DECA (Devereux Early Childhood Assessment) and Trauma Smart program by working with teachers and Head Start students directly in the classroom to support effective prevention strategies and the development of new skills. Provides ongoing professional development to teaching staff.
- Works with the Head Start Director to secure contracts for additional mental health consultation as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards. Provides oversight of mental health contractors to include tracking of referrals, success of interventions, and delivery of activities designed to support staff well-being.
- Lead the Head Start Program in its’ Trauma-Informed initiatives, by collaborating with district and community providers. Influence the climate within the Head Start program by sharing and modeling trauma-informed care best-practices.
- Supports families by presenting and providing resources on child development and indicators for potential delays and behavioral concerns. This includes leading parenting groups, presenting at building-level parent meetings, and offering brief solution-focused therapy sessions as appropriate.
- Ensures that each child receives a social and emotional screen within 45 days of enrollment and facilitates discussion on what the results may indicate as requested.
- Serves on the Head Start Leadership Team to support effective systems, manage risks, and ensure compliance with all regulatory bodies, to include Head Start Program Performance Standards, MARC, Federal Office of Head Start, Kansas City Public Schools, licensing and Health and Human Services. Participates in annual self-assessment review to identify strengths and areas of growth; developing action plans as required. Updates policies, procedures and handbooks annually.
- Participates in required trainings (minimum 15 hours annually), workshops, collaborative meetings with MARC and KCPS, and maintains required certifications, as applicable. Maintains professional standards and technical knowledge in Mental Health education and research through review of professional literature, participation in conferences and continuing education, informs staff and colleagues of the results of these activities.
- Treats children, families and colleagues with professionalism and supports a positive work environment that aligns with the philosophy of KCPS Head Start, Trauma Smart and Conscious Discipline.
- Follows district guidelines for reporting incidents of suspected abuse, neglect or contagious disease.
- Utilizes relevant district and Head Start software and technology effectively in the performance of duties. Completes paperwork according to assigned timelines and follows code of conduct and confidentiality policies.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversight of mental health contracts for consultation services
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s Degree in Social Work/Counseling
- Five (5) years’ experience working with children in mental health
- Proficient in child growth and development
- Knowledge in child behavior and guidance
- Professional oral and written communication skills
- Ability to calmly support families experiencing high stress
- Successful completion of required background check and submission of an initial physical and TB screening
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Professional license in a mental health discipline Experience in Head Start or early childhood settings
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, lift objects/children of at least forty pounds; use stairs; move quickly from one space to another; spend extended time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions; visual ability requires mono and color vision. This position will be required to complete the CPI crisis prevention training.
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