Head Start Mental Health & Disability Manager

Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation; Port Johnson (NJ); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health insurance

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation (BEOF) operates the Bayonne Head Start program, providing comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to promote school readiness for children from low-income families. The Mental Health & Disability Manager supports social-emotional development, inclusion, and overall well-being of children enrolled in Head Start.

This role collaborates with the education department, families, and leadership to identify and support children with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mental health, psychology, social work, special education, or a related field.
• Mental Health license required.
• Minimum two years’ experience working with young children and families in an early childhood or Head Start setting preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, positive behavior supports, and strategies for supporting children with diverse needs.
• Strong Communication, collaboration, and problem-solving Skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and disability services, support and consultation to children, families, and classroom staff.
• Conduct classroom observations to identify children who may be exhibiting challenging behaviors, developmental concerns, or social-emotional needs.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop individualized strategies, interventions, and classroom support to promote positive behaviors and successful learning experiences.
• Parter with the Education Department to address children with challenging behaviors by developing action plans, monitoring progress and adjusting strategies as needed.
• Assist in the identification, referral and follow-up process for children requiring additional developmental, behavioral, or mental health services.
• Support the inclusion of children with disabilities by collaborating with families, specialists, and community partners.
• Maintain required documentation and records related to observations, interventions, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Promote a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach that supports the unique needs of each child and family.

Skills

Strong Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in mental health, psychology, social work, special education, or a related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation (BEOF) operates the Bayonne Head Start program, providing comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to promote school readiness for children from low-income families. The Mental Health & Disability Manager supports social-emotional development, inclusion, and overall well-being of children enrolled in Head Start.

This role collaborates with the education department, families, and leadership to identify and support children with