Program Specialist (Non-Profit) jobs in Syracuse, NY

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Mental Health Specialist

Position: Mental Health Specialist

Program: Head Start/Early Head Start

Reports to: Education & Special Needs Coordinator

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm, 44 weeks per year
Starting Wage: $28.38 per hour (additional $4.00/hr for coaching)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• 
  Provide approximately 35-40 hours of direct and/or indirect services per week to the CAPCO Head Start/Early Head Start program. . The type and time of such services will be determined by the mutual consent of the CAPCO Head Start/Early Head Start program administration, staff and families.
• Observe all Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms on a regular basis.
• Work with the Education and Special Needs functional areas (Pyramid Team) to implement and monitor age appropriate social emotional curriculums and strategies in the classroom setting.
• Support Head Start and Early Head Start staff in the creation and implementation of positive behavior support plans.
• Advise and assist in developmental and Social/Emotional screenings and assessments; Complete weekly attendance progress notes for counseling children.
• Aid in determining the need for evaluations and provide referrals, as necessary, to CPSE and/or other appropriate agencies. Document referrals in conjunction with the Education/Special Needs Coordinator and Special Needs Assistant.
• Assure the active involvement of parents in planning and implementing the individual mental health/behavioral needs of their children.
• Attend CPSE/CES meetings when appropriate or requested.; Complete quarterly IEP progress reporting for counseling children.
• Respond to training requests by CAPCO Head Start/Early Head Start staff and/or parents.
• Conduct home visits as requested by families, Home Based Visitors, and/or Family Advocates.
• Meet with enrolled expectant mothers once before and once after
• Offer social/emotional support to expectant mothers in the Early Head Start program. This includes screening for postpartum depression.
• Advise in the utilization of community Mental Health resources and referrals for staff and families.
• Participate in regular meetings with the Education/Special Needs Coordinator, Special Needs Assistant, and pyramid team.
• Complete monthly mental health reports for policy council; Complete monthly BIR Data.
• As per CAPCO Head Start/Early Head Start requirements, the Mental Health Specialist needs to follow the Confidentiality Policy, CPS reporting procedures, and be aware of the Community Complaint Procedures.
• Familiarize him/herself with community resources.

Requirements: Acceptable NYS Driver's License. Clearance through the NYS Maltreatment Registry. Must complete Daycare regulation trainings as required. Physical Examination, TB Testing upon hire. Fingerprinting for criminal background per the standards set forth by daycare licensing. Must be able to travel to all Head Start sites, training, visits, etc. as necessary and requested.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

CAPCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, and physical or mental disability. CAPCO will make reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates in adherence of the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York Human Rights Act.