Disability and Mental Health Manager

Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc.

San Francisco, CA

 

Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. (MNC) now in its 60th year has provided comprehensive Head Start/Early Head Start services in San Francisco for over 40 years.

Currently, MNC has ten child development sites providing early education and care to over 400 infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Our staff provide nurturing early learning environments that reflect the values, language, and cultural identity of the children served. Teachers intentionally promote and support dual language learning (Spanish and English) and actively engage children in age-appropriate, stimulating experiences to bring about optimal learning for all children to grow to their fullest potential!

MNC is seeking a qualified individual for a Disability and Mental Health Manager under its Children Services Division. Under the supervision of the Associate Director, the Disability and Mental Health Manager will primarily be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the Service Area of Disabilities and Mental Health in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards. The Manager coordinates and oversees the provision of services for children, and together with Education Managers, service area managers, and Behavior Interventionist staff, ensures appropriate inclusion and mental health activities are being carried out in the Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms.

 

Primary Duties

  • Assist in the recruitment, enrollment, and observation of children with special needs into Head Start/Early Head Start.
  • With the Health and Disabilities Coordinator, compile the 45-day developmental screenings from teaching staff, and record in ChildPlus.
  • Work with families to initiate referrals to SFUSD Special Education Intake Unit, or GGRC based on input from consultants/specialist, teaching staff, Family Services staff (if appropriate), and own professional opinion/observation of child.
  • Follow up on referrals made to the school district special education intake unit, or GGRC, to ensure that referrals are properly processed. Selects appropriate process to ensure that difficulties that occur throughout procedure are clarified. Facilitates understanding and communication between school district, GGRC, Head Start/Early Head Start, and parent. Attend IEP/IFSP meetings as needed and acts as advocate for child and family to ensure that the child received all services for which he/she is eligible
  • Maintain up-to-date special needs tracking system and ChildPlus database to ensure completion and timely submission of documentation for children referred for special needs or mental health services; and ensure that children receive services in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Conduct quarterly monitoring with Head Start/Early Head Start Program Performance Standards for the disabilities and mental health service areas at all sites. When needed write corrective action plans and follow up with technical assistance.
  • Coordinate visits, documentation and oversee activities of special needs consultants, including the Speech and Language consultant, and Mental Health Consultants; Assists them with orientation to the Head Start/Early Head Start programs, planning and scheduling of services.
  • Follow-up with consultants and specialists to ensure documentation reflects activities via written observations, assessment/evaluation reports, and/or plans of action. Also monitors consultant-tracking forms for accuracy and completeness before submission to accounting office for payment.
  • Coordinate and participate in monthly meetings with mental health consultant provider, and as appropriate, attend mental health consultation meetings at each Head Start/Early Head Start site. Attend Health Cluster and collaborative meetings quarterly.
  • Provide support to families of children in need of special education services beyond Head Start/Early Head Start to make the transition into Kindergarten by providing necessary information, attending any end-of-school-year IFSP/IEP meetings, helping the parent to meet with the child’s future teacher, and visiting the prospective classroom with the parent.
  • Attend transition IFSP/IEP’s for children with special needs who are transitioning from the Early Head Start option to Head Start
  • Meet with and advise Head Start/Early Head Start teaching staff, as needed, on methods of inclusion of children with special needs.
  • In some cases, meets with the teaching team of a particular child prior to the child’s attendance in Head Start/Early Head Start to train and prepare them for special health needs or disabilities with which they may be unfamiliar.
  • Arranges trainings for Head Start/Early Head Start staff and parents on topics related to children’s special needs, atypical development, disability awareness, the Americans with Disabilities Act, IDEA, and topics related to children’s mental health. Will conduct in­ service trainings at the sites and on-site training and technical assistance.
  • Develops and Coordinates the California Teaching Pyramid (CSEFL) Leadership Team and regular meetings
  • Corrdinate mental health initiatives and promote mental health strategies that support staff wellness
  • Supervises Behavior Interventionists

 

Qualifications

Education:

  • Master’s degree preferred, (Bachelor’s Required) in Education, Mental Health, or Social Work with commensurate experience in early childhood education and with special education knowledge and experience.

Experience:

  • 5+ years of program management or teaching experience
  • 2+ years of supervisory experience mentoring, coaching and training of staff
  • 3+ years community-based experience in a setting working with families and community organizations who have experienced poverty, crisis, trauma, and other adverse events.
  • Experience working with individuals with disabilities with an emphasis of working with children 0 to 5 years of age

Requirements:

  • Fluent in English/Spanish; required
  • Current CA Driver’s License, current auto insurance and a clean driving record.
  • Fingerprinting Clearance (DOJ)
  • Immunizations and health screening

Skills and Abilities:

  • Personality – Independent thinker, possess excellent customer service skills, professional attitude, a high level of personal integrity, maturity, and business judgment required.
  • Performance – Able to multi-task, prioritize task, meet deadlines, able to do presentations and to maintain confident information. Strong analytical skills and demonstrated attention to detail. Develop plans by which work can be accomplished.
  • Communication – Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must be a well-organized professional who thrives in a team-oriented environment.
  • Stress Management – Ability to remain tactful under pressure and present a professional demeanor and communication style with co-workers in a multicultural setting.

Software and Equipment:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Google Documents, Knowledge of or ability to learn ChildPlus
  • General office equipment, fax, copier, printer, phone, and computer.

Confidential and Sensitive Information:

  • Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality when dealing with client information.

 

Benefits

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program provides staff with access to professional consultations around financial, health, and legal matters
  • Professional development opportunities, paid staff training days, and support for continuing education
  • Opportunities to participate in 403(b) retirement program with a matching plan and Flexible Savings Account (FSA) for medical reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits

Plus a great work culture and an amazing SF location – the Mission and Excelsior Districts’ melting pot of cultures, cuisines and colorful Latino markets; close to BART, upscale restaurants and the best taquerias and street foods.

 

How to Apply

Please apply by sending resume and cover letter to barbara.walden@mncsf.org with Disability and Mental Health Manager in the subject line. Please visit our web site for additional information on our company at: www.mncsf.org

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome diversity in the workplace.  Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.