Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist

Easterseals Southern California; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Easterseals Southern California in Escondido is seeking a Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist to support young children ages 0-5 within Early Head Start/Head Start and DOE programs. The role emphasizes collaboration with families and a commitment to inclusive services.

Starting pay range: $34 - $38/hr. The position requires expertise in early childhood mental health and experience identifying and addressing developmental needs in a supportive setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field and infant/toddler class completed with B grade or better.
• Pediatric CPR and first aid certification required.
• Knowledge of California Department of Education policies and licensing regulations (Title 5/22).

Responsibilities

• Provide and ensure compliance within the Early Head Start Home Base services.
• Develop, maintain and track IFSPs and IEPs, progress reports, and documentation per Head Start standards.
• Collaborate with staff and families on behavioral/development needs of children.
• Conduct on-site behavioral screenings within 45 days of enrollment.
• Identify community resources and establish MOUs with agencies.
• Assist in staff trainings on early intervention topics.
• Attend IFSP/IEP meetings as directed.
• Perform other assignments based on program needs.

Skills

Communication skills

CPR/First Aid

Team collaboration

Child development knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Psychology/Child Development/Special Education

Infant/toddler class certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young children and their families? As our Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist, you’ll collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure every child - especially those with identified disabilities - receives the support they need to thrive in our Early Head Start, Head Start, and Department of Education programs.

If you have hands-on experience working with children ages 0-5 and a drive to champion inclusion and well-being, we invite you to join us in creating a brighter future for all.

Candidates with a specialization in Early Childhood Mental Health will definitely stand out!

Starting Pay Range: $34 - $38/hr

OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under general administrative direction, work collaboratively with staff and families to ensure delivery of services to all children including those with identified disabilities participating in the Early Head Start/Head Start and Dept. of Education programs.

Essential Function

• Provide and ensure compliance within the Early Head Start Home Base services.
• Develop, maintain and track all Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and Individual Education Plans (IEP), children’s progress reports and all record-keeping documentation in cooperation with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Work collaboratively with staff and parents about issues related to atypical behavior or development and the individual needs of children.
• Conduct on site behavioral screenings on children within 45 days of enrollment.
• Identify resources in the community and secure Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with each agency.
• Assist in the development and presentation of staff in-service trainings regarding early intervention, and other related topics as directed.
• Attend IFSP/IEP meetings as directed.
• Perform other assignments as needed based on associate’s expertise, knowledge, ability or needs of the program.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field of Psychology, Child Development, or Special Education.|Must have successfully completed an Infant toddler class from an accredited college with a “B” grade or better.

Experience

• Possession of pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and first aid certificate.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the California Department of Education, Child Development Division and the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing program regulations, funding terms and conditions (Title 5 and Title 22).
• Ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups. Must relate well to children and their families.
• Exercise sound judgment, establish and meet timelines, plan. Coordinate and implement school site programs.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and other related computer software.
• Ability to stand for extended periods. Ability to reach, bend, stoop squat. Also possess fine manual dexterity, can push, pull, talk/hear, with near and far visual acuity/depth perception/color vision/field of vision.
• Pass FBI, DOJ and Criminal Background Check
• Ability to travel locally, maintain clean driving record, proper auto insurance and vehicle registration.

Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / 0-30 lbs.

Standing: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day

Sitting: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day

Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day

Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing

Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint

Travel: Locally