Early Childhood Mental Health Professional (Ages 3-5)
About The Position
Early Childhood Mental Health Professional (Ages 3-5) – Heritage Behavioral Health Center (Decatur, Illinois) Hiring Agency: Heritage Behavioral Health Center Location: Empowerment Opportunity Center – Decatur, Illinois Are you passionate about the power of early intervention? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is seeking dedicated professionals to provide specialized school-based counseling for children ages 3-5 at the Empowerment Opportunity Center. This is a unique opportunity to shape the developmental trajectory of our community’s youngest learners during their most critical years. About Heritage Behavioral Health Center We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold. Your Role: Early Childhood Mental Health Professional As an Early Childhood Mental Health Professional at the Empowerment Opportunity Center, you will focus on the social-emotional foundations of children ages 3-5. This role is rooted in play-based therapy, attachment theory, and family systems. You will work on-site to help toddlers and preschoolers develop self-regulation, resilience, and healthy relational skills before they enter the K-12 system.
Requirements
- High School or GED + 5 years of supervised clinical experience
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, education, or other human service fields
- Graduate degree in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or other human service field
- Minimum of 21 years of age
- A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.
- Early Childhood Expertise: Deep understanding of early childhood mental health (IECMH) and stages of development (3-5).
- Clinical Skills: Ability to use play-based techniques and observational assessments to identify emotional or behavioral needs in non-verbal or emerging-verbal children.
- Trauma-Informed Lens: Knowledge of how early childhood adversity impacts brain development and long-term wellness.
- Collaboration: A "team-player" mentality to work alongside staff and families.
Nice To Haves
- Preference given to candidates with experience in early childhood settings or certifications in toddler mental health.
Responsibilities
- Developmental Counseling: Deliver age-appropriate individual and group therapeutic interventions (play therapy, sensory-based regulation) for children ages 3-5.
- Early Intervention: Conduct assessments focused on early childhood milestones and social-emotional development.
- Teacher Collaboration: Partner with EOC educators to implement trauma-informed classroom strategies and manage challenging behaviors in a preschool setting.
- Family Engagement: Work closely with parents and guardians to provide psychoeducation on child development and strengthen the caregiver-child bond.
- Crisis Support: Provide gentle de-escalation and emotional support for young children experiencing acute distress.
- Integrated Care: Coordinate with pediatricians, early intervention specialists, and EOC staff to ensure a holistic support network for every child.
Benefits
- Every other Friday off – paid wellness days to recharge
- Flexibility: Choice of 10 month or 12-month schedule
- Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
- Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC
- Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
- Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off paid, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
- Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
- Retirement: 401k and Roth
- Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
- Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corp
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
