Job Description

CASEWV is seeking applicants for Behavior Health & Disability Assistant, for the Head Start Program to avidly aid the Head Start program's staff and students with development and mental health needs. Behavior Health & Disability Assistants assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of mental health and disabilities services and all related data within Head Start and Early Head Start program, as well as the monitoring and coordination of referrals and service provision for children with suspected and identified disabilities. High School Diploma and one-year teaching experience in an infant/toddler or early childhood classroom. Additional certifications in CDA credentials, state-awarded certificate (ACDS) that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, or associate degree in Early Childhood Development is preferred. This is a full-time position located at New Hope Head Start Center in Princeton, WV.

Responsibilities:

Be cognizant of all Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child-Care licensing regulations, Department of Education policy 2525, other applicable federal and state regulations and the implications of these laws for Head Start/Early Head Start programs. Stay abreast of all special education laws (IDEA Part C and Part B, ADA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act), Ensure the ability to work independently and make day-to-day decisions to meet program needs, execute tasks with detail and accuracy, prioritize and organize multiple tasks to meet deadlines. Supports the development of the agency's mental health & disabilities system (prenatal to age 5) to prevent, identify, intervene, and reduce the impact of mental health challenges for children, families, and staff. Supporting and collaborating with coaches, mentors, education staff, along with program services staff, for the general well-being of children, families, classrooms, and homes. Attend teacher and parent meetings that pertain to mental health/disability issues as needed. Strengthen family and staff capacity to support social, emotional, and relational health of children and families in a range of settings. Conduct observations as requested and provide mentoring, and support on effective teacher-child observations, curriculum fidelity, individualization, and responsive learning environments to help instruct staff promote healthy social-emotional development in children and meet the needs of children with disabilities. Assist with monitoring MTSS and BIP strategies. Assist CAS: Education and CAS: Health with developmental screenings and assessments for all enrolled children. Assist in conducting bi-annual TPOT/TPITOS observations in collaboration with CAS: Education. Participate in the implementation of the tracking system for all children with mental health needs which includes, but is not limited to: priority timelines, assigned responsibilities, distribution of information, required reports, and monitoring of records to include a follow-up plan to meet any treatment needs associated with social and emotional needs. Establish necessary collaborative relationships and partnerships with community organizations that support children and families with identified needs. Works with Family and Community Partnership/ERSEA to ensure optimal involvement of parents with social and emotional well-being needs of children are being met.

DUTIES:

Participate in the development and implementation of the mental health program by providing input and recommendations as a member of Health & Mental Health Services Advisory Committee. Participate in the agency annual self-assessment regarding mental health and disability requirements and family community partnership compliance. Assist with the development and implementation of positive behavior plans to support individual children who require additional support to be successful in the classroom and to teach them new social and self-regulations skills. Provide one-to-one reflective strategies for improving teacher-child interactions, decrease unintentional biases, and how to work with culturally, linguistically, and developmentally diverse groups of children, including children with and at risk for developmentally delays and disabilities. Participate as requested in MDBT, MTSS and IEP/IFSP meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and other issues as they arise. Support staff as needed with positive behavior plans to support children requiring further interventions. Maintain knowledge of community resources necessary to address children and family needs for mental health services. Assists in coordinating referrals, scheduling, and arrangement for transportation of family to clinics, if needed. Regularly travel to individual sites within Mercer and Summers Co. and occasionally travel to out-of-area locations for training and other events. Attends workshops, staff meetings, Policy Council meetings and Board of Directors meetings as requested by supervisor or Program Director. Provide support for effective classroom management and positive learning environments; supportive teacher practices; and strategies for supporting children with challenging behaviors and other social, emotional, and mental health concerns. All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum of a High School Diploma and one-year teaching experience in an infant/toddler or early childhood classroom; or a CDA credential, or state-awarded certificate (ACDS) that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential; or associate degree in Early Childhood Development.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of one year of teaching experience in an infant/toddler or early childhood classroom. Experience in tracking and reporting inventory. Ability to operate basic computer programs such as Microsoft word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience in working with children and families with mental health and disability challenges. Strong team leadership skills. Balancing attention to details with a "bigger picture" perspective. Significant problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities to assure program and system congruence. Ability to balance regulatory requirement with budget constraints and program/community needs. Be present on and on time per work schedule. Possess and use oral and written communication skills to effectively interact with individuals from various social, economic, and academic environments. Must be able to write reports and submit per time schedule. Must be able to anticipate potential safety and/or health issues which may impact the well-being of children and others in the assigned space. Must be able to respond quickly and efficiently to prevent accidents and/or implement emergency procedures if indicated by the situation. Must be able to pass a criminal background check. Must be able to interact with the children at their eye level and move with them through active involvement with them as they experience various activities during their Head Start day. Must be able to lift up to forty-five (45) pounds (the expected weight of a three- to four-year-old child) in the event that a child is injured and has to be physically removed from the site. Must be able to obtain TPOT/TPITOS certification.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace, our agency conducts pre-employment background checks on all final

Community Action of South Eastern West Virginia, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer that complies with EEOC rules and regulations; further providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications, work experience, and skill set.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $12.00 - $14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance
Work Location: In person