Mental Health & Disabilities Specialist - Early Childhood

Salary Range: $24.00 - $24.55 / hour

Posting: Accepting applications as long as posting is up

To apply: Submit a resume and cover letter

The Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist will work in a fast-paced, early learning educational environment, to provide operational and administrative support in the area of mental health and disabilities for Mile High Early Learning in compliance with Federal, State requirements.

Work Environment:

Mile High Early Learning is a leading provider of early care and education for children 6 weeks to five years focused on growing great young minds and preparing them for kindergarten and the world using a Montessori inspired curriculum approach.

Consider joining a learning organization that is as focused on growing great teachers and family-oriented professionals as we are on providing a high-quality educational experience for our students and comprehensive services to our families. Mile High Early Learning invests in our staff with ongoing professional development including college courses, certifications, conferences, and workshops. Our professional development programs include semi-annual Child Development Associate certification trainings, annual Inclusive Practice in Early Childhood training, and a Bachelors Residency program.

Mile High Early Learning is seeking candidates who are committed to educational equity and anti-racism, and willing to engage in the hard work it takes to bring positive, impactful change. As an inclusive, learning-centered organization, we embrace innovation, reflection, and assessment to continuously improve.

We are always looking to add thoughtful, energetic, honest, positive, and creative people to our team. Must be an outstanding communicator and rapport builder.

Essential Job Functions of the Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist:

• Support Mental Health/Disabilities services received from outside providers
• Support MHEL’s referral process as it pertains to disabilities and/or mental health from birth to 5 which includes ongoing communication with center staff, parents, and referral agencies
• Provide ongoing coaching in areas of need for classroom staff to support implementation of target interventions for children with suspected disabilities and of Individualized Family Services Plans and Individual Educational Programs for children with identified disabilities
• Provide appropriate resources and modifications, such as special furniture, equipment, and materials for children, to assist classroom staff in developing classroom goals based on screening or assessment results
• Support collaboration and facilitate meetings across ECE interdisciplinary teams to better individualize strategies and goals for children with suspected and/or identified disabilities
• Provide ongoing case management and consultation to families of children with suspected and/or identified disabilities and their ECE providers to inform onsite supports
• Empower families to understand their rights and their children’s rights when engaging in IDEA Part C and/or Part B disability resources and services.
• Manage ongoing tracking, documenting, monitoring, and reporting of students on caseload
• Facilitation of training as it pertains to supporting children with suspected and/or identified disabilities, including Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood (IPEC) certificate program and MHEL Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
• Understand and support implementation of the Mental Health/Disabilities school year action plan
• Provide appropriate reports pertaining to job expectations

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Mile High Early Learning Offers:

• Signing bonus (see above)
• 5+ weeks of paid time off
• Employee discount for child care (employees' children attend for free)
• Health insurance (as low as $138/mth)
• Dental insurance (at no cost for employee only coverage)
• Short term, Long term, and Life Insurance (no cost)
• Retirement Plan with employer match
• Financial support for education related college coursework or degree attainment
• Employee assistance program with robust mental health support

Required Position Qualifications / Certificates / Licenses

• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Special Education, or related field
• Experience working with children with disabilities and their families
• Knowledge of 0-5 child development and Special Education
• Proficiency with computer-based software including Word, Excel, and Windows and the ability to learn in-house computer software
• Prior experience working with children and families from diverse background
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written communications
• Ability to work individually and as a team member
• Clearance of CBI/Central Registry check and post-employment physical
• Reliable vehicle for transportation, valid driver’s license and current State of Colorado automobile insurance

Desired Qualifications / Skills / Licenses / Certifications:

• Prior experience working in a Head Start or Early Head Start program
• Ability to read, write, and compile report data
• Bilingual Spanish, Arabic

MHEL uses an online system for references. Applicants must be prepared to provide a minimum of three references to qualify for employment.

Mile High Early Learning is a drug-free work place and we perform pre-employment drug screenings. #ID23