GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under supervision implements the disabilities and mental health program areas as they relate to the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Collaborate with community agencies and local education agencies providing Mental Health and Disabilities services to children.
• Consult and provide teacher with support.
• Participates in programmatic recruitment that takes place throughout the community as specified and designated during the week and some weekends.
• Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct classroom observations based on referrals initiated by classroom teachers and the education services team on children who are exhibiting social and emotional concerns.
• Provide teachers and site supervisor with feedback and strategies to address specific challenges observed of children during classroom observations and complete site visit reports as required.
• Conduct meetings with parents to provide them with information regarding observations conducted of their child and to provide them with strategies to implement in their home environment to address their child’s social and emotional development.
• Participate in Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting with families as an advocate and support to parents and their children.
• Provide the teachers/parent child educators with strategies and support on implementing activities from the IEP/IFSP goals.
• In collaboration with the classroom teacher, make adjustments to the indoor and outdoor classroom space to reflect the individual needs and goals of children.
• Make referral for additional evaluation and screenings conducted by the Local Education Agency (LEA).
• Conduct home visits with education staff as needed to meet with parents and/or observe children in their home environment.
• Conduct site visits to review files of children with IEP/IFSP.
• Meet regularly with the Manager of Mental Health and Disabilities Services to discuss classroom observations, sites visits, and children that are experiencing social and emotional concerns.
• Serve as a member of the early childhood services team and Administrative Team demonstrating an understanding of values, philosophy, and mission of the Agency and the Head Start program with an ability to articulate this understanding to outside individuals, agencies and families.
• Participate at minimum three (3) times a year in weekend activities that include community outreach, training, and parent activities.
• Participate in training that takes place at the local program, State, Regional, and National level.
• Must be able to travel periodically as needed.

GREAT EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES INCLUDE:

• Time Off: 13 Holidays - 15 Vacation Days- 3 PTO Days and 9 Sick Days
• Medical/Dental/Vision Health Insurances
• Flexible Spending Account
• Short-term Disability Insurance (employee paid optional)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• 403B Retirement Plan with employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• A Master’s degree in early childhood, social work, or special education is required for this position. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.
• A minimum of three (3) years of working experience in Early Childhood setting areas is required.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Demonstrate the skill and competence to meet personnel qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers.
• Have understanding of how to read an Individual Education Plans (IEP) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and constructively with persons from all racial, diverse cultures, family systems, and social backgrounds.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Passage of complete background clearance, physical and Tuberculosis (TB) Test.
• Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, has adopted and follows the Codes of Ethics established by Catholic Charities USA, the National Association of Social Workers and the American Psychological Association. As an employee of the Agency you are expected to support these codes to the extent doing so is consistent with and allowed by applicable law.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.