Disabilities/Mental Health Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: Disabilities and Mental Health Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood

LOCATION(S): Bronx, NY

REPORTS TO: Early Childhood Director of the Bronx

SALARY RANGE: $76,762.50 - $90,000 (benefits include life insurance, 401k plan and vacation, personal and sick time-off)

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, 8am - 4pm, or 9am - 5pm. Schedule may vary due to program needs.

DATE: April 2025

JOB SUMMARY: The Disabilities and Mental Health Coordinator is responsible for the successful operation of the Disabilities and Mental Health Content Area of Grand St. Settlements Early Childhood and Home-Based Programs. The Disabilities and Mental Health Coordinator plans and collaborates with other coordinators and staff in GSS's Early Childhood Services and Home-Based Programs to ensure that outcomes are achieved for children of all abilities. For the start-up phase for 2 years this will be an evolving position. Interim roles and responsibilities will be adjusted and this position requires an individual to be flexible. Job responsibilities will be revisited once all center-based sites are up and running

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors in Early Childhood Education or related field required
• Master's Degree in Social Work preferred; LMSW or LCSW licensure preferred
• Have background knowledge of working with students with Disabilities
• Must have demonstrated achievement in supervision and management, family and community partnerships and collaborating with diverse teams.
• Experience working with young children and understanding of principles of early childhood development
• Experience working with and knowledge of community resources
• Ability to foster and maintain positive, professional relationships with program staff and families
• Excellent writing skills and computer proficiency.
• Maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.

PRE- EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Successfully clear NYS DOI Fingerprint Screening, NYS Central Registry Clearance, Sex Offender Registry Clearance, three (3) reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, Tdap, MMR, varicella (fees may apply)
• Meet all employee health requirements in Article 47 (DOHMH) and Head Start Performance Standards
• Obtain Mandated Reporter training certificate (every 2 years) and comply with agency policy on child abuse and neglect
• Obtain First Aid/CPR and Preventive Infectious Diseases certificate within the first year of employment

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director of the Bronx, the Disabilities and Mental Health Coordinator will:

• Collaborate with the management team and staff to ensure high quality comprehensive services are delivered effectively and timely to all enrolled children/families; including IFSP/IEPs, transition plans, School Readiness, and Parent, Family, and Community Engagement efforts at directly operated programs and partner sites.
• Assist in coordination of Comprehensive services/ program integration and support ED, Health, Mental Health, Special Needs, Family engagement teams
• Participate in Annual Self-Assessment, Program Information Report (PIR), Community Assessment, Federal Reviews, COPA Quality Assurance Meetings and assist with reporting for policy council, governing board meetings
• Implement policies and procedures for the education and disabilities portion of all program options with parents, staff, and GSS supporting the effective implementation of the education and child development content area in alignment to Head Start Performance Standards, IDEA, FAPE, DOE and IFSP/IEP.
• Work with parents, teachers, and service coordinators of children in process or receiving Early Intervention/ CPSE services to ensure smooth transitions into and out of the program; Provides parents with information and assistance in understanding and advocating for services and support needed to address their child's special needs. Assist parents/guardians with the special needs referral process which includes attending EI, CPSE, Turning 5 meetings. Provide parent workshops to the general population and children with special needs.
• Develop and implement a strategy which supports a successful transition for all children including children with disabilities/mental health concerns or other special needs into the Program or from the program into kindergarten or another community program.
• Collaborate with partners, consultants, and Education team in maintaining strong relationships with any local agency responsible for implementing IDEA to ensure children receive the proper related services.
• Maintain a Health & Disabilities Services Advisory Committee with collaborating partners and parents.
• Work closely with Education Coordinator, Site Directors, teaching staff, parents and consultants to support arrangements for identification, referral, and evaluation of children with suspected disabilities for all children 0-5 including prenatal / postpartum needs
• Oversee the Disability Services Content Area for children and families in accordance with Head Start Standards and IDEA regulations; Coordinate recruitment of children with disabilities into the program with minimum enrollment of 10% at all times along with other staff and community agencies; Ensure that IFSP and IEP mandates are adhered to and follow ups with the district, therapeutic agencies and district meetings are being completed.
• Serve as Grand Street Settlement liaison for Grand Street Settlement and NYCCD SCIS classroom. To Facilitate weekly team meetings with general ed and special ed staff to address concerns and ensure children and families in integrated classrooms are being supported, maintain paperwork, send monthly invoices, assist with recruitment and provide school tours for potential students.
• Conduct observations in classrooms to assess child wellbeing and support needs. Coordinate support strategies to meet the needs of children and families and connect children, families, and teachers to resources within Grand Street Settlement and in the wider community.
• Recommend appropriate intervention strategies and provide supportive counseling as necessary to children, staff, and families.
• Coordinate with mental health consultants on child and family support plans and interventions that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and responsive to cultural differences among staff and families.
• Plan and deliver teacher professional development around issues of trauma, social emotional development and children's mental health.
• Make strategic referrals for clients and advocate for the type, frequency, and intensity of services for clients and monitor and facilitate the delivery of external resources and services.
• Maintain filing, tracking and documentation systems for the disabilities and mental health service area for children and staff; Ensure confidentiality of staff, child and family records; Gathers data for educational efforts and outcomes on individual and center-wide basis, analyzes data and makes program development recommendations to leadership team; Inputs data into COPA system.
• Work closely with the Mental Health Consultants in the coordination of Disabilities and Mental Health Content Area responsibilities

Home Based Program & Early Head Start Home Based Expansion Program Responsibilities

• Provide Coordination of EI & CPSE Referrals and Services to Home Based Families.
• Provide direct disabilities and mental health support to Home Visitors.
• Work with mental health consultants to provide coordination of mental health observations/ consultation for socialization, parent workshops, and parent meetings

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position you are applying for. If selected, we ask that you also provide us with three (3) professional references that we can contact (at least one (1) professional reference should be from a former supervisor). Please click on the link provided below, or use the link in a search bar and apply online through our career center.

https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=grandst&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US

No phone calls, please!

Please be advised that job offers can only be made once your clearances come through!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)