Mental Health & Disabilities Advocate

Mental Health & Disabilities Advocate 601 S 4th St, Opelika, AL 36801

Full-time Full-time Summary:

(Current job positions in Hurtsboro, AL and Auburn, AL) Accept, refer, follow-up and track referrals for all Early/Head Start children who have possible special needs (whether educational or mental health). Work closely with education team, supervisor and with contract mental health provider to see that services are provided to children as well as parents and teachers; learn, use, and model for teachers the prescribed curriculum; monitor classrooms via video system and assist teachers as needed. Support classroom staff and Center Supervisors in providing appropriate, consistent classroom management so that learning can take place for all children present. Work with members of the Special Services Team to include the Center Supervisors, and school system personnel to create and carry out special programs and services for ACHR Child Development Program.

Primary duties:

Responsible for setting up e-DECA (social-emotional screener) system each year, maintain spreadsheet to track information. Record in ChildPlus all key referral, diagnostic and IEP information & dates for each child in the agency. Maintain timely, clear documentation of observations & work done with each child with special needs on the agreed on "behavior concern". Create/maintain files that document participation/activities with children, teachers, parents and others. Keep notes documenting each conference held with child's teacher, parent or other person on behalf of child, family or agency and send summary to supervisor. Complete Training Summary and Sign-In Forms for ALL teacher or parent training activities. Track children with mental health/behavior needs including number of visits with child's teacher and with parent(s) on child's behalf (PIR item). Ensure that classroom staff implements agency approved programs including Conflict Resolution. Document and report observed problems with children in classrooms & assisting in any reasonable way. Plan, carry out and document monthly mental wellness meetings for staff. Observe classrooms that have children with known challenging behaviors. Assist in facilitating social/emotional and developmental screenings as needed and agreed on with supervisor & special services team members and record results in data system. Assist mental health consultant in activities as agreed on with supervisor or in special services meetings, formal or informal. Act as an

ACHR-CDP

liaison with other agencies to ensure that services are coordinated to provide children and families with the best services available for each child. Apply ACHR Education and School Readiness Philosophy as well as ACHR Policy & Procedures, DHR Standards, USDA regulations, and Head Start Performance Standards. Attend all assigned training, including in-house training for classroom staff; represent ACHR professionally at various events including conferences and training activities. Attend and participate in meetings relevant to children on caseload, including IEPs for any ACHR child.

Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Psychology, Social Work with child emphasis or a related degree.

Experience:

Prior experience with young children in an organization involved in the delivery of similar services is preferred.

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person