Child Mental Health Specialist

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Ensure that the Child Mental Health performance standards are met in Head Start and Early Head Start.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support timely and effective identification of and supportive intervention to family and staff concerns about a child’s mental health.

2. Work with teachers, home visitors, parents/guardians, and program support staff to use observations, screening results, and other systematic ways to identify and address children’s mental health needs.

3. Track and monitor social emotional screenings to ensure compliance with the 45- day requirement; ensure follow-up as needed.

4. Observe and provide infant and early childhood mental health consultation to assigned caseload according to a consistent schedule to understand program needs, to be recognized by center staff and families as an approachable team member, and to provide effective consultation support to staff and families for children with identified mental health concerns: 

• Design and implement program practices responsive to the identified behavioral and mental health concerns of an individual child or group of children; 
• Complete observations to provide recommendations and strategies to caregivers for children with atypical behavior or development. 
• Provide individual on-site support through modeling and consultation for identified children.

5. Schedule regular on-site mental health consultation involving program staff and parents on how to: 

• Promote children’s mental wellness by providing group and individual staff and parent education on mental health issues; and 
• Collaborate with staff and families to promote equitable, warm, and trusting relationships, consistent routines, and interactions that positively impact program and home environments.

6. Work with center staff, support staff, and parents to design a supportive intervention plan based on observation, staff input, parent input, and screening results.

7. Participate in case management meetings and file reviews for assigned center.

8. Identify and work with available mental health resources in the community; refer families for further supportive and clinical services as needed.

9. Support the implementation of the University Practicum Student program within the Head Start programs.

10. Work with Family Advocate and Center Manager to arrange for further, formal, evaluation of a child when appropriate.

11. Complete postpartum depression screening with pregnant women within 2 weeks of delivery.

12. Assist with and attend Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee(HMHSAC) meetings. Assist with providing mental health training to teachers throughout the year and during preservice training.

13. Assist with summer screenings at assigned centers.

14. Keep informed of current professional knowledge and strategies for social- emotional development through participation in workshops and by reading professional publications.

15. Maintain accurate documentation in Child Plus on a weekly basis.

16. Assist with Program Information Report (PIR) data at the close of each school year.

17. Keep supervisor informed of relevant information related to the safety and well-being of children and families while maintaining compliance with ECS’s policies and procedures.

18. As defined by IECMHC Competencies, can articulate the elements of the “consultative stance” and demonstrate the demeanor and skills embodied by this stance while recognizing and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries as defined by discipline and scope of practice.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:

This position reports to the Child Wellness Manager

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree required with a major in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy or related field required.
• Licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, Master Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist or meet licensing eligibility.
• 3 or more years of experience serving young children and their families, highly preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge in childhood development, the effects of stress and trauma on families, and the impacts of adult mental illness on developing children
• Knowledge of sociology, child growth & development, mental health theory &practice, human behavior/social environment, psychology, research methods
• Knowledge of effective methods to improve a child’s emotional stability
• Knowledge of social services available to link families with appropriate agencies
• Ability to utilize trauma-informed practices when working with children and families, ensuring a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with staff and parents, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Ability to work with the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to perform tasks with little direct supervision
• Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity
• Commitment to strengthen families but with ultimate commitment to the well-being of the child
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records and prepare reports
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work in fast-paced environment
• Ability to be reflective, compassionate, and understand cultural differences while working in partnership with staff, families, and children
• Spanish, bilingual skills preferred, but not required.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)
• Licensed as a Professional Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist or meet licensing eligibility.
• Completion of 15 hours in-service / professional development training hours annually(July-June)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works in early childhood classrooms and office settings
• Local travel to multiple sites is required
• Minimal night, weekend or out-of-town work possible

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)