Mental Health and Disabilities Manager

Under minimum supervision, the Children's Program Manager of Mental Health and Disabilities is responsible for overseeing all mental health and disability services within the Head Start/Great Start Readiness Program (HS/GSRP). This position ensures full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal and state requirements, and agency policies related to mental health, behavioral support, IDEA Part B/Part C, and disability services. This role supports a full inclusion program and collaboration with special education service providers and staff. The Program Manager provides leadership in the coordination of mental health referrals, development and monitoring of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), classroom consultation, and supports children and families experiencing mental health needs. The position also oversees disability tracking, Head Start disability follow-up, and the facilitation of Child Study Meetings in collaboration with local Intermediate School Districts (ISDs). This role works in partnership with families, community mental health providers, school districts, and internal program staff to ensure children receive appropriate early intervention, evaluation, and ongoing support. 1. Know and function in accordance with all required standards and licensing guidelines including Head Start Performance Standards, Great Start Readiness Program Standards, NAEYC Standards, and State of Michigan Child Daycare Licensing Regulations. 2. Promote and uphold CAA's and Head Start's mission, philosophy, and goals, supporting whole child development and families as their child(s) first and most important teacher. 3. Establish and maintain community partnerships with mental health agencies, ISDs, early intervention providers, and social service organizations to support child and family needs. 4. Support children and families in the school, home, and community setting as needed. 5. Stay informed about trends, needs, and best practices in early childhood mental health, disabilities, and trauma-responsive care. 6. Oversee mental health referrals, disability screenings and follow-up, and ensure timely completion of all required assessments, consultations, and documentation. 7. Support teachers and staff in implementing high-quality social-emotional learning strategies, behavior supports, and classroom interventions. 8. Facilitate and document monthly compliance activities, including mental health tracking, disability service logs, and contributions to the Program Information Report (PIR), ensuring full utilization of the ChildPlus data management system. 9. Provide training and technical assistance to staff on topics including behavior intervention plans, trauma-informed support, disability accommodations, classroom strategies, and Early Childhood Mental Health best practices. 10. Plan and facilitate Child Study Meetings with local ISDs, ensuring collaborative problem-solving, accurate documentation, and timely referrals for evaluation and special education eligibility. 11. Support development of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and provide ongoing monitoring, coaching, and data review to ensure effective implementation. 12. Complete Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) as necessary in partnership with disability service providers. 13. Attend IEP/504 Plan Meetings as requested to support intervention implementation in the classroom setting. 14. Work closely with the LEA and Head Start staff to transition children with disabilities into and out of Head Start and including the transition of Early Head Start children with disabilities into Head Start. 15. Participate in child/family case conferences and crisis meetings as needed, providing expert guidance and follow-up. 16. Assist with grant writing, program planning, and budget recommendations related to mental health and disability services. 17. Work with community partners, (attending all required meetings, trainings, and conferences), representing the Community Action Agency in a professional and positive manner. Including training/working with volunteers. 18. Assist in Program monitoring including ongoing monitoring and self-assessment review and reports. 19. Serve as a resource to staff and provide feedback as needed 20. Other duties as assigned. Must be able to pass all required background checks. Show proof of a physical exam signed by a licensed physician that declares, to the best of the physician's knowledge, the physical capability of the staff member to perform the essential duties required or obtain a physical through CAA's provider. A negative TB test within the last 12 months or before starting position. 1.

Education:

Licensed Social Worker, BCBA, or Special Education Certified. 2.

Work Experience:

Three (3) years of experience in early childhood programs, mental health, special education, or child development. Minimum one year of leadership, supervisory, or program management experience. Experience facilitating multidisciplinary team meetings and working with families in a supportive capacity. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the CEO. 3.

Training:

Completed required Trauma Smart and Conscious Discipline Trainings, experience using these SEL programs preferred. 4.

Certification/Licenses:

To maintain a valid Michigan Driver's license. Licensed for social work practice or an appropriate teacher certification, preferred. 5.

Transportation:

Must have access to reliable transportation throughout the workday. Must have the ability to travel outside the area, including overnight as needed for trainings. 6.

Basic Skills:

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to compose and edit letters, including collecting, analyzing, presenting data/information for meeting or training purposes. Must be detail-oriented and able to prioritize and complete tasks within a timely manner, coordinating several tasks simultaneously while meeting multiple deadlines. 7.

Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Interpersonal Skills:

Must be able to work independently with little or no supervision. Must have initiative to anticipate situations. Good rapport with various socio-economic levels. Must be flexible in attitude. Promote teamwork. Participate as a team member with other Agency staff and as part of interagency teams. Maintain absolute confidentiality in all sensitive matters using tact and diplomacy-promoting team participation with agency staff and interagency teams. 8.

Physical and Mental Capabilities:

Must be conscientious and alert in a busy and often hectic atmosphere with ability to handle numerous tasks at once. Ability to think quickly maintaining personal poise when speaking with interagency teams.