Mental Health Specialist (Early Childhood Education Program)

Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist is responsible for carrying out the goals of the Early Childhood Mental Health Program.

SUMMARY

• Under the direction of the Mental Health Project Manager, the Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist assists in the development
• and implementation of Early Childhood Mental Health Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)

• Behavior Standard 50% of Position
• \*Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with
• customers, clients, co-workers, and management

Attendance Standard

\* Maintains excellent punctuality and attendance

Fundamental: Day to Day

• \* Ensures the timely completion of screenings, referrals, evaluations and treatment of children related to the
• Early Childhood Mental Health Program.
• \* Implements a planning system that provides strategies to meet the social/ emotional needs of children in the

Easter Seals Early Education and Care Program

• \* Assists in the development of and implements a planning system as it relates to mental health and wellness
• for families in the Early Education and Care Program
• \* Provides training and technical assistance to preschool teachers on classroom management and effectively
• handling behavioral issues including development of behavior support plans
• \* Provides small groups for preschool-aged children who need support in the area of social/emotional
• development
• \* Helps parents to better understand mental health issues
• \* Provides and coordinates parenting groups for parents of children in need of enhanced social/emotional
• development
• \* Discusses how to strengthen nurturing, supportive environments and relationships in the home and at the
• program level.
• \* Enhances awareness and understanding of mental wellness and the contribution that mental health
• information and services can make to the wellness of all children and families.
• \* Provides on-site consultation to Center Managers, Family Support Advocates, parents, and teaching staff as
• it relates to the identification, treatment and inclusion of children with social/emotional needs.
• \* Participates in IEP, regular staffing, and other meetings as needed.
• \* Collaborates with LEAS, private psychologists, and other child and adolescent community mental health
• providers
• \* Maintains a record keeping/reporting system for the delivery and monitoring of services for children served
• by the Mental Health Program.
• \* Completes and submits monthly report to Mental Health Project Manager.
• \* Participates in monthly Mental Health team meetings to ensure progress toward content area goals
• \* Participates on organizational monitoring team as needed.
• \* Participates in all mandatory Easter Seals trainings to include pre-service, in-service and other educational
• programs and trainings.

OTHER DUTIES

• Performs other duties assigned by management.
• **\*Note: Candidates must have one of the following credentials to qualify: LPC, LAPC, LMFT, or LMSW.**
• \*Clinical license or in process of obtaining clinical licenses within one year of employment
• required.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist

**\*Note: LPC,LAPC, LMFT, or LMSW credential required**

Education & Training

• \* Master’s Degree required
• A Masters Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related area from an accredited university and related experience
• in the area of mental health.
• \*Clinical license or in process of obtaining clinical licenses within one year of employment
• required. LPC/LAPC/LCSW/
• \*Minimum of 2 years direct experience in a mental health setting providing prevention
• services and/or mental health therapy to children and families.
• \* Bilingual/bicultural ability to speak English­ & Spanish strongly preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• \*Ability to manage physically active children ages 3 to 5, including guiding, pursuing,
• restraining, and withstanding sudden movements.
• \*Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• \*Must have a valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance or must have acceptable
• alternative transportation.
• \* Maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
• \* Maintain compliance with the Criminal History Registry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• \*Demonstrated understanding of infant and early childhood mental health.
• \*Demonstrated understanding of differences in mental health services and concepts across cultures.
• \*Demonstrated knowledge of child mental health services system.
• \*Demonstrated experience with clinical documentation.
• \*Experience formulating and writing assessments and support plans, preferably for young children.
• \*Experience with evidence-­based practices and curricula to promote early childhood mental health.
• \*Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards as relates to ECMH.

SKILLS

• \*Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with service providers and families.
• \*Partner with providers as a member of a diverse team.
• \*Lead and facilitate provider training and/or parent education groups.
• \*Conduct standardized screens and assessments.
• \*Use results of screens and assessments to guide work with families, set goals, and develop individualized plans.
• \*Refer providers and families to appropriate community services.
• \*Communicate effectively with diverse groups both verbally and in writing.