Job Description
An Early Head Start program is seeking a Mental Health Specialist (Master's Level).
About the Opportunity:
- Schedule: M-F
- Hours: 8:30am - 2:30pm (can work until 4:30pm if extra hours needed)
- Setting: School / Early Head Start Program
Responsibilities:
Observations, Support & Coaching
- Provide information and support related to social-emotional and Mental Health development for infants, toddlers, pregnant women and families
- Provide guidance and model developmentally appropriate activities for infants and toddlers and effective ways to work with and support young children and families
- Provide written and oral observations and feedback.
- Meet with staff to review observations and develop and implement plans as needed
Individual, Dyadic Assessments & Referrals
- Conduct individual and dyadic assessments of children and parents/caregivers
- Provide referrals and follow-up to community services.
- Provide support in program environments via work with child and staff.
Support with Families
- Meet with families to discuss results of observations, assess and support family functioning, support parenting, discuss rationale and strategies regarding referrals for Early Intervention, Mental Health and community services
- Help coordinate and facilitate parent training
Support with Staff
- Support, coordinate, and provide staff training related to social-emotional, developmental, and Mental Health issues e Support staff well-being, professional development, and best practice
Individualized Child and Family-Centered Observations and Support
- Conduct individual and dyadic observations and assessments
- Meet with families to discuss child and family needs and create or follow-up on plans to support these needs
- Follow up on child and family incidents/child abuse cases and create plans to support the family
- Meet with family members to support their parenting, family and individual functioning and life-needs, develop plans and make referrals
- Meet with Family Workers and Home Visitors to support family functioning and provide guidance, support and training.
- Provide guidance and model developmentally appropriate activities for infants and toddlers and effective ways to work with and support young children and parents.
- Meet with Program Directors to discuss child, family, programmatic and staff-related issues. Provide guidance and support for best practices.
Programmatic Support
- Participate in the development and implementation of Mental Health program and policy.
- Consult with program administrators on programmatic issues related to Mental Health, social-emotional development and best practice.
Qualifications:
- Master's Degree or doctorate required in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field Open to new graduates
- Knowledge of early childhood development and health.
- Familiarity with Head Start Program Performance Standards and relevant regulatory agencies (e.g., ACS, ACF, UPK, DOHMH).
Desired Skills:
- 2 years of direct experience in the Mental Health field.
- Strong interpersonal and computer skills, with effective oral and written communication abilities.
- Ability to adapt to diverse cultural backgrounds within the service area.
- Bilingual Bengali/Urdu/Spanish - they have translators.