Behavioral Health Specialist (Head Start)

Position Summary/Objective:

Must be dedicated to the Mission and Vision of UETHDA and Purpose of the Head Start Program. Must be willing to make decisions that are in the best interest of UETHDA and the Head Start Program.

At the direction of the Behavioral Health Coordinator, the Behavioral Health Specialist monitors, trains, and develops plans for behavioral health assistance in classrooms. Work in cooperation with teaching staff toward common goals with all other component areas within the Head Start program. Ensures that all Head Start Performance Standards and Federal and State regulations are met and responsible for following Agency policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Administration

• Facilitate the referral process for children identified through the screening process, or by other means, who need further evaluation, supportive services or treatment.
• Provide direct support to individual children and teaching staff in classrooms by teaching social-emotional skills, modeling strategies for teachers, modify the classroom environment, and supporting children when they engage in challenging behavior.
• Create individualized visuals relating to schedules, expectations, rules, emotions, problem solving strategies, and self-regulation.
• Record/analyze classroom observations related to children’s behavior and skill building.
• Collaborate with community partners.
• Maintain all necessary tracking systems (including the use of ChildPlus), files, documentation, records and reporting forms related to behavioral, disabilities and coaching/education related component areas.
• Ensure all required activity is performed within prescribed timeframes, kept current, and that monitoring reports documenting services are provided to Coordinator as required.
• Become knowledgeable of community and agency resources that serve children with special needs and link families to these resources. Work with staff and community resources to foster coordinated and integrated services for children with special needs.
• Arrange for supportive services (transportation, information, etc.) for families to get to and from child-related appointments.
• Monitor services children receive both on-site and off-site (e.g. therapy logs, IFSP reviews).
• Participate in staff development and other training programs relevant to the job.
• Arrange training, follow-up and support services for teaching staff as needs indicate, or as requested by staff and approved by management.
• Work with Family Engagement Specialists as needed to provide comprehensive services including, engaging families of children with disabilities in the Family Goal setting process.
• Assist with classroom staff training on age and developmentally appropriate environments, child development theories, curriculum, materials and equipment for all classrooms and centers including playgrounds.
• All other duties as assigned.

Community Health Development

• Establish and maintain relationships and collaboration with the medical, dental and mental health communities and other community agencies and partners.
• Member of HSAC (Health Services Advisory Committee).
• Participate on community projects, workgroups, initiatives and data collection.

Program Support and Regulatory Compliance

• Participates in the programs self-assessment and delegate monitoring process.
• Assists with vision, blood pressure and dental screenings to assure they are completed in required timelines.
• Oversees OAE screenings to ensure completion in a timely manner after initial referral from Family Engagement Specialist.
• Assist with monitoring to assure that all children are up to date and/or complete with all immunization (to comply with state requirements) prior to enrollment.
• Accompany family engagement and family health staff to home visits for high-risk families and medically fragile children.
• Assist families to address challenging health issues. Assist with identifying / overcoming barriers that prevent families from receiving needed health services and treatment.
• Responsible for maintaining first aid and blood borne pathogen supplies in each location where children are cared for.
• Monitors accuracy of health equipment and arrange for maintenance as needed. Responsible for ensuring yearly calibration of all hearing and blood pressure equipment.
• Provide assistance and consultation to assure that written policies and procedures are current.
• Attend interagency, organizational and committee meetings as appropriate.
• Collaborate with outside agencies to advocate for the needs of Head Start families.

Competencies

• Communication Proficiency
• Technical Proficiency
• Teamwork Orientation
• Client Focus
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Decision Making

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Occasional standing to file documents, make copies, faxing, etc. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance, stooping, bending, standing, and reaching. Assist with unloading / loading vehicles.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position and is paid hourly. Typically, this position will be 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, working Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Minimal overnight travel to trainings, etc. required.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Abilities Requirements

• Preferred Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Child Psychology, Special Education or related, or a minimum of Associates Degree in related field with 5 years relevant experience.
• Minimum One-year experience in a related position.
• Experience using ChildPlus (not required at hire).
• Excellent written and verbal communication with experience in verbally sharing data with management, Advisory Boards, and outside groups.
• Experience in working with culturally diverse clients.
• Proficient computer skills, to include Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of local community resources in job area.
• Valid Tennessee Driver’s License/ Proof of auto insurance.

EOE Statement

UETHDA hires high quality staff from a variety of fields and education levels who have a passion in changing the lives of others. UETHDA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Benefits

Tennessee Consolidated Retirement Plan (TCRS), Paid Health Insurance (employee only), 12 days of vacation, 12 days of Sick/Personal, 14 holidays, paid life insurance 1.5 times annual salary, and other optional benefits available.

Salary: 15.44 to 18.40 hourly based strictly on related education up to a Bachelor’s degree.

Resumes must be submitted through indeed.com for consideration. No phone calls please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.44 – $18.40 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

• behavioral health: 1 year (Preferred)
• special education: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: Multiple Locations