Mental Health & Development Manager

Description

LEADERSHIP AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

1. Develop, implement, and monitor systems, procedures, and practices that support the delivery of mental health, developmental, behavioral, and disabilities services in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), applicable regulations, and agency policies and procedures.
2. Provide leadership and oversight of mental health, developmental, behavioral, and disabilities services to ensure high-quality service delivery and regulatory compliance.
3. Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Health, Mental Health and Development, and Nutrition and other program leaders to support integrated service delivery, school readiness goals, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
4. Assist with the development, procurement, implementation, and monitoring of contracts and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes related to mental health, developmental, and disabilities services.
5. Provide supervision, guidance, and oversight to Mental Health and Development Associates to ensure effective delivery of mental health, developmental, behavioral, and disabilities services, including coaching, consultation, training, referral, and follow-up activities.
6. Prepare reports, data summaries, correspondence, and documentation required for program operations, governance, audits, monitoring reviews, and regulatory reporting.

MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

1. Oversee systems for the identification, referral, evaluation, service coordination, and follow-up of children with suspected or identified developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns.
2. Coordinate and monitor the services of contracted mental health professionals, developmental specialists, evaluators, and community partners to ensure timely and effective support for children, families, and staff.
3. Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of individualized plans and strategies designed to address children's developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
4. Ensure staff and families receive information, resources, and support related to child development, social-emotional well-being, behavior guidance, and mental health services.

DISABILITIES SERVICES AND IDEA COMPLIANCE

1. Monitor compliance with Head Start requirements related to enrollment, participation, and inclusion of children with disabilities.
2. Provide education, guidance, and technical assistance to staff and families regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and applicable Head Start requirements.
3. Collaborate with Education leadership, Education Coaches, and other program leaders to ensure systems are in place to support the implementation of IFSPs, IEPs, accommodations, behavior support plans, and inclusive practices within program settings.
4. Monitor the effectiveness of training, coaching, consultation, and technical assistance provided by Mental Health and Development Associates to support staff implementation of individualized supports and services for children with suspected or identified disabilities.
5. Monitor referrals, evaluation, eligibility determination, service delivery, and transition processes to ensure continuity of services for children with suspected or identified disabilities.
6. Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programs, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and community organizations to support comprehensive services for children and families.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND STAFF SUPPORT

1. Promote family engagement by supporting staff and families in strengthening nurturing, responsive, and supportive relationships and environments within the home and program setting.
2. Provide training, coaching, technical assistance, and consultation to staff regarding child development, social-emotional development, behavior support strategies, inclusion practices, trauma-informed care, and mental health-related topics.
3. Assist families and staff in accessing community resources and services that support children's developmental, behavioral, and mental health needs.

MONITORING, DATA MANAGEMENT, AND CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

20. Review and analyze program data, monitoring reports, service outcomes, and child-level information to identify trends, ensure compliance, and support data-driven decision-making.

21. Implement and monitor continuous quality improvement activities related to mental health, developmental, behavioral, and disabilities services.

22. Ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and maintenance of records, reports, and documentation in accordance with applicable regulations and agency policies.

SUPERVISION AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

23. Recommend the hiring, supervision, coaching, and evaluation of Mental Health and Development Associates and other assigned staff.

24. Support staff professional growth through ongoing coaching, training, and performance management activities.

25. Attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and professional development activities as required or assigned.

26. Travel as necessary to perform assigned duties and responsibilities.

27. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION

REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Child Development, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, or a related field.

PREFERRED: Master’s degree in psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Child Development, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in delivery, coordination, or management of mental health, developmental, disabilities, social work, counseling, or educational services, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory, leadership, or program management capacity.

PREFERRED: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in mental health, developmental, disabilities, social work, counseling, or educational services, including two (2) to three (3) years of supervisory or management experience. Experience in Head Start, Early Head Start, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), special education, or other early childhood programs preferred.