Disabilities & Mental Health Manager-HS

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.

• 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…