Disabilities & Mental Health Coordinator

Salary:  
BS Degree $28.50/hr
MA Degree $31.50/hr

FLSA Status:  This is an Exempt position.

Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
This position works 260 days per year, 8 hours per day. Schedules may vary due to work assignments and projects.

Department: Early Learning

Location: Head Start Administrative Office, 2302 Ocoee Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406

SUMMARY: 
Under the supervision of the Education Manager, the Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator is responsible for supervising the Mental Health and Disabilities Team in their efforts to provide support for staff, children, and families. Department duties and oversight includes provision of training, ensuring screenings and referrals,  and monitoring therapy services that range from mental health behavioral therapy to speech therapy. This position also coordinates therapeutic processes for children, families, and staff, and intervenes/provides support as needed.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.

Coordinates the preparation, updating, and implementation of the Mental Health and Disabilities (MHDC) Service Area Plans.

Ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards related to mental health, disabilities, and child health services.

Creates, implements, and evaluates procedures as needed to ensure effective service delivery.

Monitors and provides data metrics to the Education Manager, Assistant Director, and Director to ensure program standards are met.

Plays a key role in program audits and federal reporting processes including PIR, FA1, FA2, Self-Assessment, Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP), CAP Follow-Up, and licensing compliance.

Ensures that children receive necessary services offered both by the program and through external organizations.

Provides prevention and early identification of suspected disabilities and mental health concerns.

Screens and observes children to determine the need for referrals.

Tracks and monitors therapy services provided.

Ensures that Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Intervention Plans and/or behavior strategies are implemented and documented in the agency’s electronic tracking system.

Provides therapeutic support to families, staff, and children as needed.

Collaborates with community therapeutic service providers to coordinate services for enrolled children and their families.

Assists and supports classrooms experiencing challenging behaviors to promote inclusive learning environments.

Supports classroom staff in creating inclusive environments and implementing individualized accommodations or behavioral strategies.

Trains staff on mental health, disabilities, behavior management, and child abuse reporting.

Ensures all standards and policies are followed across classrooms and service areas.

Develops and maintains interagency agreements with LEAs, early intervention providers, and other community service agencies to ensure coordinated and timely referrals.

Compiles and maintains up-to-date records of community resources, including Local Education Agencies (LEA/SELPA).

Procures and manages contracts with outside licensed professionals (e.g., psychologists) who provide services and consultation.

Performs supervisory responsibilities for assigned Specialists, including scheduling, performance evaluations, timekeeping, disciplinary actions, and daily oversight.

Coordinates regularly scheduled MHDC meetings and ensures timely follow-up to meet families’ comprehensive needs.

Ensures successful implementation of MHDC goals and coordinates with the Child Services Team to support program-wide objectives.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Performs other duties as assigned.
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BA Degree in Psychology or related field required

MA Degree in Psychology or related field preferred

Experience in Psychology, Child Development, or related field preferred

Any combination of equivalent experience and education to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS:  LPC, LMFT, LSW, or School Counselor required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

Child Development and Family Dynamics

De-escalation strategies and techniques

Americans with Disabilities Act

Therapeutic Procedures

Skills in:

De-escalation techniques

Behavior/ Classroom Management

Staff supervision and performance evaluation

Content area oversight and management

Training methodologies

Targeted mentoring and coaching

Case management

Microsoft word and other basic computer programs 

Data entry and monitoring

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Positions in this class typically require: walking, standing, reaching, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

This position is classified as Medium Work in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, which require all staff—regardless of job function—to support the health and safety of children. This may include the direct supervision of children and/or the ability to respond promptly and effectively during emergencies at a Head Start center.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Safety Sensitive: N 
Department of Transportation - CDL: N
Child Sensitive: Y

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This position is subject to pre-employment screenings, which include a background check, drug screening, lift test, TB screening questionnaire and/or TB skin test (as determined by initial results), complete physical examination, Hepatitis B titer, and fingerprinting. Ongoing requirements include a physical reexamination on an annual or bi-annual basis and fingerprint clearance every five years.

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.