DISABILITIES/MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

DISABILITIES/MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

Dunkirk, NY (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=17+W+Courtney+St+Dunkirk+NY+USA+14048-2754)

Description

Position Data:

Full-time 35 hours/weekly $20.21/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.

Salary Description

$19.81/ hour