USC USA Careers – EHS/HS Mental Health Coordinator

USC School for Early Childhood Education is seeking an

Early Head Start and Head Start (EHS/HS) Mental Health Coordinator

to join its team.

The position of the EHS/HS Mental Health Coordinator is responsible for the overall monitoring coordination and planning of the mental health services program designed specifically for children with special needs consistent with Early Head Start and Head Start regulations and other pertinent Federal, State and Grantee guidelines. Monitors and ensures implementation of the established referral procedure for staff, parent, and outside agency referral of children suspected or diagnosed as having special needs. Participate in the development of the IEP/IFSP along with parents and appropriate team members; ensure that parents full comprehend the IEP/IFSP; and obtain informed parental consent for implementation of the special education and related services recommended in the IEP/IFSP. Monitor IEP/IFSP progress and effect changes in program plans as appropriate

• Early Head Start/ Head Start experience working with infants and toddlers preferred.
• Knowledge of Early Head Start and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Bilingual: English/Spanish.
• Physical Exam and TB Screening within last 12 Months.
• Live Scan Clearance from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
• Proof of Influenza, Measles and Pertussis vaccinations or medical note with exemption.
• Must have a car, be able to drive, have a valid CA driver’s license, and current auto insurance.
• Computer literate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in *child or human development or early childhood education OR *A bachelor’s or advanced degree in sociology, psychology, social work, or special education with coursework in early childhood education or experience working in an early childhood setting is acceptable.
• Three (3) years of recent experience working with high-need parents/caregivers with young children (birth to five), including children with disabilities. Experience includes helping parents/caregivers, who have experienced trauma, access mental health services and working with parents and staff to promote children’s social-emotional wellbeing and development.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of Windows environment and applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Effective oral and written communication skills in the English language. Knowledge of adult learning strategies, early childhood development and developmentally appropriate strategies to support social-emotional development and wellbeing for children birth to five. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with children, parents, staff, and other professionals. Sensitivity to the needs of low-income families and multicultural beliefs and practices. Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative. Ability to provide leadership and stability to field staff for program continuity. Ability to lead adult groups; provide training and technical assistance to teaching staff and parents. Ability to monitor, analyze and evaluate program systems and procedures, making and coordinating appropriate changes. Skill in collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and maintaining records. Ability to write clearly, concisely, and descriptively. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to work independently, work a flexible schedule, and travel throughout Ventura County using personal or agency vehicle. Ability to safely drive own or company vehicle.

Other Requirements

Must have access to a dependable auto with appropriate insurance coverage and possess a valid California driver’s license. Must submit to a job-pertinent, agency-paid, pre-employment physical examination, negative tuberculosis test, and criminal record background check, including Sex Offender Registry: Megan’s Law clearance. Required vaccines include: Tdap, MMR, Influenza, COVID-19, and TB clearance. Employment is conditional pending satisfactory results of all required tests and background checks.

Special Instructions:

Upload Resume, Cover Letter, Certificates, Degrees and Two Letters of Recommendation.

The hourly rate range for this position is $22.28 – $22.28. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional experience in program specialization, e.g., counseling or teaching.