DISABILITIES/MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

Description Position Data:

Full-time 35 hours/weekly $19.81/hour 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Mon-Fri Basic Function or Position Summary:

Promotes school success through screening, referral, service provision and follow-up for children needing health, mental health, behavioral, developmental and/or physical support. Prepares parents to be their child's advocate as they navigate the special education process

Position Responsibilities and Specific Duties:

Provides education, training and technical assistance to staff, volunteers and families. Works cooperatively with management, staff, and parents to promote positive special education and transition outcomes while ensuring compliance. Ensures completion and review of child developmental, social/emotional/behavioral and speech/language screenings (when needed) within 45 days of enrollment and initiates referrals for evaluation. When necessary, makes service recommendations for individualization. Provides parent education and mentoring regarding specific disabilities, child transitions and parental rights and responsibilities. Develops positive parent advocacy skills in customers. Facilitates community referrals, including access to special education and mental health services for children. Ensures special education tracking and support of timeline from consent to services meets mandates. Attends IEP and IFSP meetings on behalf of COI; coordinates completion of reports for meeting. Conducts behavior observations to support development of behavior plans for children. Conducts classroom observations to support implementation of IEPs, IFSPs and behavior plans. Maintains awareness of new developments/trends, which may impact service delivery. Maintains complete information on CAPSYS for disabilities, transition and contacts. Completes monthly reports on disabilities, behavior concerns and mental health supports. Provide care and supervision of children on an as-needed basis Administer medication as needed to children. Promotes agency mission. Maintains confidentiality and complies with the code of ethics. Maintains consistent professional customer service. Job performance incorporates integrated service delivery model while promoting self-sufficiency. Other duties as designated by supervisor

Organizational Responsibilities:

Adheres to all policies and procedures Gathers appropriate documentation and tracks outcomes Participates in organizational committee structures as appropriate Participates in organizational and divisional management systems

Requirements Knowledge, Skills Required:

Minimum Bachelor's Degree in child development, special education, counseling, behavior science or psychology; Masters in mental health counseling or special education preferred. Knowledge of special education EI/CPSE process and regulations preferred. One year experience in parent education and advocacy preferred. Ability to work as an effective team member/leader. Strong computer skills. Maintain positive and cooperative relationships internally and externally. Excellent organizational skills including documentation and charting. Experience in interviewing and engagement skills.

Special Requirements:

Maintain a current Drivers license. Ability to travel within New York State and occasional trips outside NYS. Ability to work flexible hours.

Lifting requirements:

up to 50 lbs. Must be able to provide consistent even tempered customer service at all times.