Early Intervention Specialist - Baltimore City Head Start

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!


POSITION SUMMARY:
This position serves as Early Intervention Specialist for the Head Start program. This position is chiefly responsible for the following core functions and performs other tasks as needed:

• Overall management of all Disability & Mental Health services to all children with disabilities and children with demonstrated behavioral needs, as well as, their families. Overall management and coordination of all Part B & C and LEA services for children with pending and diagnosed disabilities.
• Parent Engagement: Development of family goals related to child’s IEP and/or behavioral needs.
• Community Partnerships: Ongoing management and coordination of mental health services with consultants and educational services with local education agencies.
• Recordkeeping & Reporting: myHeadStart/ COPA
• Supervision: Supervise/monitor services provided by Mental Health Clinicians, Mental Health Interns and Special Education Consultant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Planning
• Collaborate with the Director of Family Services and Senior Director, ERSEA to coordinate the recruitment and enrollment of ten percent (10%) children with disabilities into the program with Part C community agencies and LEA.
• Work closely with the Early Intervention Program and other community programs to recruit and enroll eligible children into Head Start/Early Head Start.
• Establish and utilize a referral process for any suspected disability/mental health concerns, including a tracking system for follow-up.
• Ensure individualized services are effectively provided to children with diagnosed or suspected disabilities and/or mental health concerns.
• Establish policies and procedures for implementation of the Head Start Disabilities/Mental Health services into the program with parents and associates.
• Collaborate with Associate Executive Director, Education, Administrative Assistant and teachers to modify activities, remove barriers, and provide support as needed for inclusion of children with disabilities/mental health concerns in the full range of program activities.
• Provide associates with information, guidance, and resources needed to help children and families meet the individualized goals and objectives in IDEA and ADA.
• Upon parental approval; ensure attendance of designated Head Start associates at the SST/IEP/IFSP process.
• Work closely with designated associates during the assessment process and follow up to ensure the special needs of children are met, including health, nutrition, mental health, and education.
• Work with the Senior Executive Director to ensure the program maintains a level of fiscal support to children with special needs consistent with IDEA.
• Assist Director of Family Services in compiling current resources and information related to disabilities/mental health services.
• Complete annual service plan for area of responsibility.
• Implement a system of continuous monitoring and evaluation of activities.

Ongoing Monitoring and Recordkeeping
• Coordinates with leadership team and other center staff to promote parent involvement in the program as a classroom visitor, volunteer, employee, and/or participate in family events.
• Tracks disabilities, transition efforts and outcomes on individual and center-wide basis, analyzes data and makes program development recommendations to the leadership team.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start program standards for children with disabilities/mental health, health, and transition.
• Monitors budget for Disabilities/Mental Hea