Job Description

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong and communities are vibrant .

LSF is looking for a talented Disability and Mental Health Coordinator who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose & Impact:

The Disability and Mental Health Coordinator is responsible for the implementation, quality, direction and coordination of the mental health and disabilities content areas as stated in the Head Start Performance Standards. Annually, the Disability and Mental Health Coordinator will assist in revising the Head Start/Early Head Start Disability and Mental Health Plan.

Essential Functions:  

• Work with area professionals and organizations that provide services to Early Head Start children including those with disabilities and their families in an effort to coordinate available resources and ensure that enrolled children are receiving maximum and appropriate services in a timely manner.
• Responsible for the overall planning and implementation of the total Mental Health/Disabilities area of the Program. 
• Make on-site visits to each classroom in the assigned area to help identify children with disabilities and to ensure these children are receiving necessary services. 
• Attends the Health Advisory Committee meetings and utilizes the committee in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the mental health/disabilities content area. 
• Promote team cooperation in the provisions of mental health and disability services to Early Head Start children. 
• Assist Health Services Coordinator in the organization of the Health Advisory Committee and in utilizing the committee in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the health, mental health, and disability content areas. 
• Promote, in conjunction with other Early Head Start staff, active parent involvement in the Mental Health and Disability program and assures that the education program meets the child’s needs. 
• In conjunction with other Early Head Start staff, assist the families in assuming the primary responsibility for their own health care and linking the child and their family into ongoing health services. 
• Maintain up to date requirements and regulations of local, state, and federal agencies. 
• Maintain and update data of individual mental health and disability records on each child in the assigned area as to what services are needed and received. 
• Assist in coordination of follow-up mental health and disability services. Assist in setting up appointments for screenings and follow-up. Assist with travel arrangements when problems arise. (e. transport children and/or parents to and from providers) 
• Work closely with local Independent School Districts (ISD’s), Local Education Agencies, Co-ops and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI’s) in setting up Referrals for Assessment meetings for child and parent. Ensure appointments are kept. Attend Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings. 
• Be available to assist in classroom activities when necessary. 
• Train personnel regarding conditions and job requirements necessary for specialized care and observation when needed. 
• Coordinate with other Early Head Start staff, assist in interpreting the diagnosis to the teaching staff and parents, and ensure that the education program meets the child’s needs. 
• Travel independently to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. 
• Requires regular interaction with staff, local ISD’s, health care professionals, children, and families. 
• Inspect and evaluate classrooms, playgrounds, and buildings for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. 
• In conjunction with Early Head Start staff, compile, and analyze data on the effectiveness of the mental health, and disabilities services. 
• In conjunction with Early Head Start staff, responsible for updating the annual Head Start Services Plan and compiling information for the Program Information Report (PIR). 
• Reconcile appropriate consultants’ charges with statements. 
• Copies of the Brigance Assessment, completed by the classroom staff, are to be reviewed and to be insured that parents receive the results at the center conference or home visit. 
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Early Head Start Program Director.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Mental Health, Health Education, Child Health, Special Education, and Behavior Health or related field or social services environment. Training or course work in early childhood education and children with special needs a plus. Applicant must have working knowledge of Florida’s health care providers and community resources related to ESE, Disabilities Medicaid guidelines and Mental Health service. Must possess working knowledge of computer, word processing, spreadsheets, and software (MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 

Experience:  

• At least two years of experience working in a Community Health System ESE, Mental Health Agency, Early Head Start, Head Start or a social services environment that serves culturally diverse low-income children and families. Experience working with comprehensive record keeping systems. Head Start/Early Head Start experience preferred. Experience in identifying special needs children. 
• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area. 
• Also required: Certification in First Aid and CPR within six months of the date assigned to this position; and successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check and drug screening prior to hiring. 

Skills : 

• Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills.
• Must have the ability to communicate with, develop and motivate employees to create a positive work environment.
• Must be flexible and have well-developed written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to conduct staff training on Health Procedures, maintain records, prepare reports, and clearly understand written or verbal instruction.
• Ability to organize, manage, and control workflow. Ability to work effectively with individuals from various ethnic, socioeconomic, educational and cultural backgrounds. Ability to identify, assimilate, comprehend, and solve critical elements of various situations (initiate solutions without constant supervision).
• Must be comfortable with public speaking.
• Knowledge of and intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Power point and Access. 
• Knowledge of HS/EHS philosophy, goals and applicable regulations. 
• Knowledge of internet based database, email to scan and transmit 
• Basic math skills needed to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages and overtime. 
• Ability to collect, organize and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to speak before groups or 
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence 
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to produce and interpret graphs, charts, spreadsheets and other mathematical reports. 
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. 
• Ability to be available for weekend and evening meetings as well as social and community events. 
• Ability to manage numerous tasks, possess good organizational skills, communicate effectively with co-workers and the public, and work collaboratively in a team environment. 
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail are required and the candidate must be able to meet designated deadlines. 

Other :

• Professional in manner and attire. No record of a conviction which would contraindicate employment. Every 2 years: a TB test with a negative reading and a Head Start physical screening. Must comply with all Policies and maintain confidentiality and courtesy in all phases of agency operations. 
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs. 

Principal Accountabilities:  

• Team player with co-workers and Head Start staff.
• Cost effective program operations. 
• Adherence to agency policies and management practices.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need.  Mission Driven  staff members become part of the LSF community while  transforming the lives of those in need.  Our staff additionally find  growth opportunities  as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including :  

Medical, Dental and Vision
Teladoc (24/7 online access to doctors)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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