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.