Job Description

Position Summary/Objective

Must be dedicated to the Mission and Vision of UETHDA and Purpose of the Head Start Program. Must consistently make decisions aligned with the best interests of UETHDA and the Head Start Program.

Under the supervision of the Education and Behavior Manager, the Behavior and Special Ed Coordinator (BSEC) is responsible for providing professional expertise in planning and coordinating disability, special needs and behavioral services in accordance with the policies and procedures and in compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards and State and Federal regulations. The BSEC is responsible for ensuring that disabilities program services are provided to families with children with emotional and developmental needs. This includes the supervision of assigned behavioral health staff. Works closely with other managers to coordinate behavioral health policies; responsible for following Agency policies and procedures.

Capable of mentoring and growing staff. Must be able to identify areas where staff are deficient and build trainings to amend the identified deficiencies. Must be compassionate for assisting staff with struggles and provide positive solutions to identified problems.

Capable of incorporating technology into daily activities to be efficient at performing tasks, capturing, and measuring data, making decisions, and communicating effectively.

Capable of being an advocate for UETHDA and the Head Start Program and able to deliver oral presentations on behalf of UETHDA and the Head Start Program to Policy Council, Board of Directors, UETHDA Directors Team, and outside entities. Capable of incorporating technology into daily activities to be efficient at performing tasks, capturing and measuring data, making decisions, and communicating effectively.

Our Culture

Since 1964, UETHDA has been all about  Helping People. Changing Lives.  We're passionate about making a difference in our community through education, support, and collaboration. If you believe in empowering others and fostering growth, you’ll feel right at home here!

Essential Functions:

1. Develop and deliver behavioral, disability, and mental health training to staff and families; promote a positive and healthy work environment.
2. Monitor timely completion of required child screenings and ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).
3. Collaborate with Education, Family Engagement, Nutrition, Health, and Operations teams to integrate behavioral and mental health services and ensuring that special education laws are followed.
4. Coordinate with local education agencies (LEAs) to address developmental concerns, support referrals, and assist with IFSP/IEP implementation while maintaining the least restrictive environment.
5. Identify additional supports (e.g., Section 504 services) for children not qualifying for special education.
6. Maintain relationships with mental health consultants; ensure effective and timely service delivery.
7. Review and track behavioral, disability, and special education referrals to support best practices and compliance.
8. Lead multidisciplinary case conferences to guide classroom modifications and accommodations.
9. Recommend and manage purchase of materials to support staff working with children with special needs.
10. Build partnerships with community agencies, participate in Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee (HMHSAC) activities, and stay current on special education laws.
11. Support program compliance by participating in self-assessments, analyzing service data, updating policies, and collaborating closely with the Education and Behavior Manager.
12. Advocate for Head Start families through community partnerships and resource coordination.
13. Supervise Behavior Specialist staff; promote teamwork, resolve conflicts, mentor staff, and evaluate performance with a focus on professional growth and program success.

Competencies

• Teamwork Orientation
• Communication Proficiency
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Client Focus
• Decision Making
• Technical Capacity
• Leading/Developing Others

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, and kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

Benefits Package

Vacation :

• 1 day of Vacation accrued per month worked

Holidays :

• 14 Paid Holidays

Healthcare/Personal Benefits :

• 1 Day of Healthcare/Personal accrued per month worked

Additional Benefits:

• Healthcare through the State of Tennessee . UETHDA pays 100% of the monthly premium for the Employee Only (estimated cost paid by UETHDA for the employee is over $600 per month ($7,200 annually). Additional insurance coverage is available but cost difference will be paid by the employee.
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance options are offered  at 100% cost to the employee .
• Group Term Life Insurance for employee paid by UETHDA at 100% for coverage of 1.5 time the yearly wages
• Retirement Plan--Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS).  Eligible employees are required to contribute 5% of yearly wages (pre-tax basis to the defined TCRS plan). UETHDA contributes an amortized amount as determined by TCRS. Employees are vested upon 5 years of eligible service.
• Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Plan  also available without employer match.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position. UETHDA strives for our staff to be able to maintain a work - life balance. Typically, this position will be 37.5 hours per week working Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. However, due to the nature of this position, some work in the evenings or on weekends may be necessary from time to time or an adjusted schedule may be required.

Travel

Travel is primarily locally during the business day, although some out of the area travel and overnight is expected.

Qualifications:

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Child Psychology or Special Education.
• Two years of experience in a related position, which includes professional level management and supervision of staff.
• Knowledge and experience in business and human resource practices.
• Experience in working with culturally diverse clients.
• Advanced computer skills including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, email, etc.
• Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple activities to meet organization goals and deadlines with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility to work effectively with all levels of staff.
• Working knowledge of local community resources in job area.
• Experience using ChildPlus (not required at time of hire but highly preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication with experience in verbally sharing data with management, Advisory Boards, and outside groups.

EOE Statement

UETHDA hires high quality staff from a variety of fields and education levels who have a passion for changing the lives of others. UETHDA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Salary is based 100% on Education.

$1,948.41 semi-monthly for Bachelors in Child Psychology or Special Education; or 

$2,053.39 semi-monthly for Masters in Child Psychology or Special Education. 

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