Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator - Maryland Rural Development Corporation

The Head Start Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator ensures that enrolled children with disabilities and their families receive applicable program services delivered in the least restrictive possible environment and that they participate in all program activities.

Outcomes:

• Provide initial and ongoing training and support to teachers working with identified students.
• Ensures timely completion of referral forms by teachers and other staff.
• Create, train, and monitor the assessment and referral process to ensure children with potential needs receive timely and appropriate services.
• Create partnerships with schools and other IDEA agencies to make sure that newly referred or existing identified students receive all services in a prompt and complete manner.
• Attend community-based meetings to remain connected to all relevant agencies related work.
• Work with families to obtain appropriate resources and services. This may be done in collaboration with teachers, Family Advocates, and the Health and Nutrition Coordinator.
• Establish a regular schedule in all classrooms to ensure identified children are receiving accommodations.
• Monitor each site at least twice a month on a recurring schedule or as needed
• Complete notes on findings and incorporate observations into data.
• Provide teachers tools that promote positive behavioral supports whenever possible as the primary intervention.
• Establish relationships with mental health providers in each county. May include the creation of agreements, contracts, or MOUs with partners where applicable.
• Coordinate mental health services and training for staff and families enrolled in the program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to early childhood education, mental health or closely related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and/or and Master’s degree in related field are preferred.
• Five (5) years or more of related experience (preferred area of Special Education), including planning, monitoring, and reporting on multiple programs.
• Ability to drive to all MRDC locations multiple times per month

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development