Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Southwest Human Development•Phoenix, AZ

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time. We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children. We are seeking to hire experienced mental health professionals who are looking for an expanded role as an early childhood mental health consultant to provide consultation services within early care and education settings. Smart Support is a nationally recognized program comprised of mental health professionals who work within early care and education settings, including center-based and home-based childcare centers, school district preschools and home visiting programs throughout our state. We partner with early childhood educators to enhance their understanding of and capacity to meet the mental health needs of young children living in urban, rural, and tribal communities.

Requirements

Completed Masters degree in either: Social work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy
Degree must be eligible for licensure through the AZ Board of Behavioral Health.
Possess an insured & registered vehicle and a valid AZ driver’s license.
In addition to traveling to the office at least once per week, must be able to travel to multiple sites within the community for consultation, collaboration, and trainings.
Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card - OR - must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
DES Criminal Affadavit Required

Nice To Haves

At least one year post-masters experience.
Clinical experience working with children aged birth to five and their families
Experience working in a classroom setting or consulting with teachers
Experience working in a home visiting program

Responsibilities

Engage in relationship-based work that supports healthy caregiver-child attachment relationships and encourages responsive, nurturing learning environments
Demonstrate sensitivity to linguistic, cultural, social, economic, individual, and role differences among persons and families served
Help providers understand the effects of stress and trauma on families and consider all levels of influence to support young children and their caregivers
Assist providers with the identification of behavioral or emotional needs of young children, through classroom observation and provide community resources as needed to the families they serve
Collaborate with childcare staff, directors, and families to generate suggestions and strategies to promote optimal mental health in all children
Provide training on overall social and emotional wellness with specific topics related to child development, emotional regulation, communication, self-care, and other related topics
Join us in a state-wide effort to reduce preschool expulsion