Disabilities and Mental Health Specialist

The Disabilities and Mental Health Specialist is an integral part of the Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) comprehensive services system. This position supports program goals by ensuring high-quality, inclusive services for children with disabilities and mental health needs, in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, IDEA, ADA, and recognized best practices in early childhood education and mental health.

The Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating disabilities and mental health services; supporting staff and families; and collaborating with community partners. Direct services may be provided only if the individual holds appropriate state licensure, certification, or registration. The position ensures that all services are individualized, family-centered, culturally responsive, and supported by qualified staff and/or licensed consultants.

• Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and annual revision of the Disabilities Work Plan; ensure staff understanding and compliance.
• Ensure HS/EHS services for children with disabilities comply with IDEA, ADA, and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Coordinate recruitment and enrollment of children with disabilities in collaboration with staff and community agencies.
• Ensure staff participation in IEP and IFSP meetings.
• Establish and implement policies and procedures related to disability services for staff and families.
• Coordinate referrals, screenings, evaluations, and follow-up for suspected developmental delays or disabilities, including a tracking system.
• Arrange for formal evaluations and access to contracted services as needed.
• Collaborate with managers, specialists, coordinators, and education staff to ensure individualized supports are embedded across all program content areas.
• Partner with LEAs, Part C Early Intervention, and community providers to coordinate services, Child Find activities, and joint trainings.
• Develop and implement transition plans for children with disabilities (EHS to HS, HS to kindergarten, or other community programs).
• Assist with planning and budgeting to ensure IEP/IFSP services are fully implemented, and fiscal requirements are met.
• Provide technical assistance, coaching, and support to teachers and staff, including modeling and implementation of intervention strategies.
• Support family services staff by sharing up-to-date disability-related resources.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety policies, including supervision requirements.

• Develop, implement, monitor, and annually revise the Mental Health Work Plan.
• Establish policies and procedures that support effective mental health services for children, families, and staff.
• Maintain systems for documentation, data collection, monitoring, and evaluation of mental health services.
• Coordinate mental health screenings, re-screenings, follow-up, and referrals using program-approved tools.
• Maintain complete and confidential mental health records integrated with the master child file.
• Collaborate with health and education staff to analyze and use mental health data for continuous quality improvement.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal child abuse and neglect reporting laws and confidentiality requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their Supervisor.

• Ensure compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards, including child safety, documentation, supervision, and classroom quality standards.
• Adhere to all State Licensing regulations (DPI and DCF), including mandated ratios, health and safety protocols, and staff training requirements.
• Support and uphold Young Star quality standards by implementing developmentally appropriate practices, continuous quality improvement, and family engagement.
• Maintain program quality in accordance with the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) criteria, including curriculum implementation, assessments, and teacher-child interactions.
• Follow the guidelines and expectations outlined in the Early Learning Staff Handbook, including attendance, communication, professional conduct, and daily responsibilities.
• Comply with all UCC Personnel Policies, including confidentiality, workplace expectations, and team collaboration.
• Participate in required professional development and training hours to meet federal, state, and accreditation requirements.
• Ensure active supervision of children at all times, as required by Head Start, licensing, United Community, and NAC guidelines.
• Accurately complete and submit required documentation (e.g., lesson plans, child observations, incident reports) in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and uphold program values of equity, inclusion, and respect in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
• Check and respond to emails to ensure timely communication…