Disabilities & Mental Health Manager-HS

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation; Wapato (WA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation is seeking a Disabilities & Mental Health Manager for the Head Start program in Wapato, WA. The role oversees disability identification, support and transition for children, with emphasis on compliance and coordination with agencies.

You will interpret laws related to disabilities and mental health, oversee grants, train staff, and ensure services for families. This position emphasizes program integrity and holistic child welfare.

Qualifications

• Must obtain a medical examination with TB test.
• Must have supervisory experience in program settings.
• Experience with Head Start and early intervention preferred.
• Knowledge of IDEA Part B/C and Head Start standards.
• Must demonstrate ability to coordinate services for families.

Responsibilities

• Oversee identification and support for children with disabilities or mental health concerns.
• Manage grant oversight for BIE Part B and C funding.
• Coordinate services with schools, agencies and families.
• Ensure compliance with program records and reporting.
• Provide staff training on disabilities and mental health topics.

Skills

Computer literacy

Written & verbal communication

Supervisory experience

Staff collaboration

Education

Master’s in ECE / Child Dev / Social Work / Special Ed

Tools

Database management

Spreadsheet

Word processing

Internet & email

Job description

Disabilities & Mental Health Manager

Head Start

Department of Human Services

Hourly Wage: $32.75-$36.85/Regular/Full-Time

Location: Wapato

The Disabilities and Mental Health Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing and managing the identification, support, monitoring, and transition processes for children who may have disabilities or mental health concerns. With a focus on comprehensive programs, this position ensures the provision of appropriate interventions and services for families and children with disabilities enrolled in the Yakama Nation Early Childhood Education Programs. The incumbent is tasked with interpreting complex laws and regulations related to disabilities, mental health, and early childhood education, and collaborates with external organizations that provide services to children with disabilities. The position also exercises grant oversight, management, and supervision of the Bureau of Indian Education Part B and C funding, ensuring proper allocation and utilization of resources. Additionally, the Disabilities and Mental Health Manager provides coordination and guidance for disabilities and mental health services, ensuring that children's needs are met effectively and holistically. The Disabilities and Mental Health Manager plays a vital role in ensuring that children with disabilities and mental health concerns receive the necessary support and resources to thrive within the program and beyond.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Articulates Yakama Nation Head Start's mission, values, and policies to staff and clients, demonstrates commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties.
• Follows applicable policies, procedures, and regulations of the Yakama Nation, Department of Human Services, and Yakama Nation Head Start.
• Participates in program professional development, as needed.
• Ensures that all developmental screenings are completed within required timeframe.
• Plans and delivers, or secures, individualized and/or group training for staff and parents, during Parent Fair, Pre-Service week, Parent Committee meetings, etc.
• In close communication with the Director, negotiates and secures Interagency Agreements with all local education agencies (LEA) and state education agencies (SEA) as needed.
• Assures the process of children's referral to LEAs and SEA when the need arises.
• If the child meets the eligibility criteria, ensure program participation in the development and writing of the IEP/IFSP.
• Assures that all necessary accommodations and adaptations are made, including but not limited to transportation, translation, and facility's remodeling.
• Ensures the maintenance of required program records.
• Submits required program reports in an accurate and timely fashion.
• Participates in case management meetings.
• Assists in setting, clarifying, and communicating disabilities services standards and laws to staff and parents, when required or requested.
• Works closely with staff to plan integrated services for all children, such as, plans awareness activities for children with Education Coordinator; coordinates with Family Engagement Coordinator the recruitment of children with disabilities; participates, with Health Coordinator, in the development of special environmental and safety procedures; and ensures the participation of disabilities service providers in the Health Advisory Committee.
• Reads and reviews legislation and other resources to keep abreast of current issues and trends related to the responsibilities of the job.
• Secures appropriate resources for staff, parents, and children to include supplies, equipment, and training materials.
• Ensures strict child and family confidentiality throughout program.
• Participates in the annual program self-assessment and grantee monitoring visits.
• Transitions children with disabilities and those in the diagnostic process to their next destination, ensuring a smooth and efficient process, with parental participation.
• Visit center to observe classrooms and sites. Discuss observations and recommendations with staff.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the mental health program by providing input and recommendations as a member of the Health Advisory Committee.
• Promote the emotional development of children, staff, and parents by providing training and information on mental health.
• Assist in the development and implementation of specific plans for children.
• Be available to consult with staff and parents, at a minimum of once a month for at least an hour.
• Conduct and/or review mental health screenings, developmental screenings, behavior checklists, observations,
• and make recommendations as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of historical/cultural background of the Yakama People.
• Knowledge of Yakama Nation Culture and Language.
• Knowledge of Yakama Nation's population.
• Knowledge of Early Childhood Development theories/practices.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Knowledge of the Yakama Nation Personnel Policy Manual and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal and State early intervention program and eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), in particular Part B (age 3-5) and Part C (Birth to 3).
• Knowledge of Federal and State reporting policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Uniform Administrative Guidance (2 CFR Part 200 and 45 CFR Parts 75).
• Knowledge of public and private agencies providing early intervention services to children and their families.
• Knowledge of supervision practices.
• Knowledge of treatment in the areas of child behavior management and family crisis intervention.
• Skill in recognizing program areas in the education program and demonstrate ability to work as a team member in solving these problems.
• Skills in advanced computer literacy including database management, spreadsheet, word processing, internet, and email.
• Skills in communication both written and verbal.
• Skills in diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with families and staff.
• Ability to provide emergency counseling, treatment, and referrals.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to coordinate and develop service plans.
• Ability to make appropriate referrals.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and disseminate complex oral instructions and/or written directions.
• Ability to plan and schedule workload to maximize capacity and efficiency.

Minimum Requirements:

• Preference will be given to past/present Head Start parent(s) who meet the qualifications.
• Must obtain a medical/physical examination, including a TB test.
• Must follow Yakama Nation and YN Head Start Code of Conduct.
• Must have experience working with children.
• Must have supervisory experience.
• Must have current First Aid/CPR care or able to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Must have current food handler's card or able to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Requirements:

• Preferred Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, Special Education, or related field. In addition, appropriate Washington State licensing for counseling Or state certification in Special Education.
• OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, Special Education. In addition, appropriate Washington State licensing for counseling Or state certification in Special Education.