Mental Health/Disability Manager (Full-time)

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

Job Title: Full-time Mental Health/Disability Manager

Position: 12 months per year | Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Location: Stepping Stone Academy of South Hudson – (Former Bayonne Head Start)

Reports To: Director of Head Start

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 in our community.

The Mental Health & Disability Manager supports the social-emotional development, inclusion, and overall well-being of children enrolled in the Head Start Program. This position works collaboratively with the education department, families, and program leadership to identify and support children with developmental, behavioral, and mental health needs while ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Key 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.

Transportation:

• Valid New Jersey driver's license and daily access to a vehicle

Requirements:

• Successful completion of comprehensive background checks, including fingerprinting and sex offender registry clearance
• Passing all required physical health screenings
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive health information
• Current First Aid certification

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mental health, psychology, social work, special education, or a related field. (Master’s degree preferred)
• 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

$60,000.00 annually, based on experience and qualifications

After completion of a 60-day probationary period, full-time employees are eligible for:

• Paid Time Off:
  • One sick day per month (12 annually)
  • Paid program break vacations (one week in November, Winter Break, and Spring Break)
  • One personal day per every three months
  • Four (4) bereavement days annually
  • Twenty (20) vacation days
• Health insurance with employee contributions
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

The Mental Health & Disability Manager plays a critical role in ensuring children receive the support needed to thrive socially, emotionally, and developmentally within the Head Start environment.