Mental Health Specialist

JOB SUMMARY :

Provide direct service to children and families. Assist classroom staff with the day-to-day management of children in need of additional social-emotional support.

CHILDREN SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITY : Responsible for child supervision and for keeping children safe.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Collaborate with staff to improve the classroom climate and instruction by utilizing child screening results, child outcome data, and program quality assessment results.
• Develop relationships with staff and families to model and coach positive trauma-responsive interactions and effective guidance behavior.
• Ensure and monitor compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Monitor and support classrooms with strategies and interventions, and provide resources and training.
• Provide hands-on assistance to classroom staff working with children in need of additional social-emotional support in assigned centers.
• Provide support and advocacy services for parents of children assigned.
• Willingness to enhance job knowledge through training and education as required or necessary.
• Responsible for record-keeping and reporting requirements related to child social-emotional screenings to ensure completion within the required time frame.
• Assist with the development of training and educational materials related to mental health and social-emotional requirements for staff and parents.

Topics may include positive behavior management strategies, trends in mental wellness, trauma-informed care, child social-emotional development, and addressing challenging behaviors.

Monitors and confirms completion of child social-emotional screenings. Provides T / TA as needed to ensure Family Advocates have the proper training to identify resources and referrals as needed to support families.

Available as a resource to provide mental health consultation for areas beyond the scope of the Family Advocate's role.

• Adhere to Alliance for Community Empowerment Inc. policies and procedures related to prevention and response to COVID-19, including participating in training, use of PPE, implementation of universal precautions, social distancing, and keeping the workspace clean.
• Assist with daily health screening and monitoring as related to COVID-19.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or related field plus three years of experience working with children and families in an early childhood setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with young children impacted by trauma and / or social-emotional needs.
• Experience and working knowledge of community-based mental health services.
• Knowledge and experience in data collection and information processes and systems along with knowledge of childcare regulations, and policy and procedure compliance.
• Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations professionally.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of appropriate early childhood practices in early childhood settings.
• Ability to interface with parents, program staff, community partners, and children.
• Must have excellent computer skills and knowledge of various processes including database management, spreadsheet, word processing, internet, and email.

Comprehensive Benefits Package offered!

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER THROUGH AFFIRMATIVE ACTION