01.04.11 - Mental Health Services Worker Job Description

Mental Health Services Worker Job Description Policy Number and Last Update (01.04.11/01-2019)

Title: Mental Health Services Worker

Reports to: Director/Site Supervisor

Supervises: None

FLSA: Non-Exempt

General Summary

To work collaboratively with parents, staff, Mental Health professionals and the larger community in the delivery of mental health services to the children, parents and staff.

Recommended Employment Qualifications

Education: 

Bachelor or Associates in Psychology or other related field, preferred. Preferred bilingual, with oral and written skills in Spanish and English.

Experience:

Demonstrated understanding of Head Start philosophy and Mental Health Services to children, their families, and staff. Knowledge of the challenges and strengths of low-income and migrant families. Ability to work with a minimum of supervision and as an effective member of a team.

Additional Requirements: 

Ability to pass a physical exam every two years and a TB test yearly. Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community. Must have effective communication skills, both oral and written, and strong organizational, problem solving and time management skills. Must be able to comply with a background check as required by the Agency and/or the Illinois Licensing Agency (DCFS). Ability to observe and record information including non-verbal information. Must be able to physically move through migrant camps, classrooms and playgrounds.

Working Conditions:

Tasks that involve infrequent exposure to blood, bodily fluids or tissues. Risk involved with travel. Tasks that involve handling implements or utensils, use of public or shared bathrooms or telephones and personal contacts. Possible exposure to communicable diseases. This job involves sitting and standing for long periods of time as well as stooping, squatting and running. Must be able to lift 55 pounds. Must be able to travel, enter and exit a vehicle without assistance and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions. Able to work a flexible schedule that may involve some evenings, weekends and some overnight travel to attend training sessions. Expected to obtain within two months of hiring a CPR and First Aid Certification.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties.

Essential Functions:

  1. Makes a regular schedule for the Consultant's (MHC) or Associate's (MHA) visits.
  2. Ensures the Mental Health Consultant provides at least 8 hours of service per month.
  3. Schedules time for classroom observations, giving teachers time to meet and discuss observations and recommendations outside of classroom.
  4. Invites MHC or MHA to participate in the development and implementation of the specific plan for children with special needs, including participation in child's IEPs or IFSPs, if indicated.
  5. Schedules for MHC or MHA to be available for individual consultations for parents and staff and to make referrals, and post dates in advance.
  6. Allows the MHC or MHA to review the developmental screening and Behavior Checklist to identify concerns or delays, and give recommendations for follow up.
  7. Ensures that the Mental Health Activity Report & MHC or MHA Recommendations Report is submitted after each visit.
  8. With the Delegate Director and other team members, provides training for parents on parenting, emotional development, family relations, and local services available.
  9. Schedules for MHC or MHA to assist children with special needs and their families, including, but not limited to, referrals.
  10. Participates in the HSAC and invites the MHC or MHA to become a member.
  11. Ensures staff is trained in the Mental Health Services at Pre-Service and In-Service, according to the training requirements.
  12. Follows the Bi-Weekly Staffing Procedures.
  13. Ensures the maintenance of required program records and follows the IMSHS Filing Procedure.
  14. Follows and implement IMSHS policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and federal and state laws.
  15. Ensures strict child and family confidentiality, following the IMSHS Confidentiality Procedure.
  16. Participates in local associations and groups serving community children (Mental Health Services) and their families representing the delegate and its migrant children and families.
  17. Participates in the annual program self-assessment and Grantee monitoring visits.
  18. Ensures all Mental Health resources are updated and included in the Resource Directory.
  19. Assists the transition of children receiving Mental Health Services to their next destination, ensuring a smooth and efficient process, with full parental participation.
  20. Schedule time weekly to update all mental health information in the IMSHSP online Child Outcome, Planning & Administration (COPA) program.
  21. Performs other duties, as requested.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.