Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist/Consultant

Performs activities related to early childhood mental health for Head Start and Early Head Start in accordance with contract with EOAC and HOTBHN. Work involves providing consultation with Head Start and Early Head Start teachers and staff regarding children’s’ mental and behavioral health, trainings for staff and parents on mental health for children and families and parenting, participating in case staffing's for students identified by Head Start and Early Head Start, communicate with Head Start and Early Head Start leadership and Klaras Cetner for Families leadership on work completed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Provide mental health consultation services at least once per month in accordance with Head Start Program Standard 1302.45(a)(4).
• Observe classrooms and teach, coach and support EOAC staff on strategies for dealing with challenging child behaviors.
• Help EOAC staff understand withdrawal, challenging behaviors, trauma, and stress.
• Provide guidance on trauma and social-emotional development.
• Provide support to the end of preventing suspension and expulsion.
• Provide support to help strengthen classroom environments.
• Collaborate with EOAC leadership and service area managers to provide input on program wide mental health practices.
• Assist staff in supporting families with child behavior and development, mental health concerns, and assist with referrals and follow-ups.
• Participate in case staffing and team meetings.
• Work with areas concerning education, disabilities, family services, and health and nutrition.
• Provide monthly consultation summaries to Head Start Director regarding consultation work completed and relevant recommendations.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Experience:
Experience with mental health in infants and children ages 0-5.
One year case management experience preferred.
Education:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major courses in child development, early childhood education, child psychology, social work, or counseling. Licensed as LMSW pursuing LCSW, or LPC-A, or LCSW, LMFT, or LPC.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of infant and early childhood mental health practices.
• Ability to use evaluation instruments and provide technical assistance relative to services for children; and to foster communication between teachers and students.
• Must be able to work equally well as a member of a team and independently.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written skills.
• Must possess excellent clinical documentation skills.
• Must have excellent time management and organizational/filing skills.
• Must have and maintain a level of general health that permits the performance of the job duties and ability to maintain regular attendance as set forth in Center policies and procedures.
• Must be free of communicable diseases in order to report to work.
• Must physically be able to lift up to 30 pounds.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Salary: Annually $52,965-$64,000 Hourly $25.4639-$30.7692 Depending on licensure & Experience**

Position: TBD

Heart of Texas Region Behavioral Health Network strives to offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Benefits:

Employer paid Health Insurance, no copays, no deductibles, 0 cost most prescriptions*
Employer paid Dental Insurance
Employer paid Life Insurance
Employer Paid Short Term Disability
Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program
Payroll Direct Deposit
12 paid Holidays per year
Excellent 401-K Retirement Plan (Center will contribute 12% of employee earnings)**
**Certain Requirements Apply**

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - begins after 3 months of full-time employment