Early Learning-Mental Health Specialist

Capital Region ESD 113•Tumwater, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The job of ELP- Mental Health Specialist is done for the purpose/s of assisting education staff in developing skills and knowledge for working with young children and their families; observing individual children in the classroom; consulting with staff and parents; assisting parents and/or staff in identifying issues of concern to them; and maintaining documentation on individual and classroom observations. This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: Per the essential functions and educational requirements listed below.

Requirements

Skills required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
Knowledge required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: individual and group counseling; community resources; and early childhood environment.
Two years' experience working with families with young children.
Individual and group counseling skills and demonstrated experience in providing training to adults required.
Ability to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment.
Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods.
Ability to work with others; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment.
Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate.
Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with a variety of groups; establishing effective relationships; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; work related travel in personal vehicle; and meeting deadlines and schedules.
Masters degree in job-related area.
Physical exam within 6 weeks of hire and periodic exams every 4 years.
Valid driver's license and insurance coverage as required by law.
WA State Counseling License.
Licensed by WA State Department of Health as mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse. Or, credentialed by the WA State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as a school counselor, social worker, or psychologist.
Criminal Justice and DEL Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
MMR Clearance.
WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release.

Nice To Haves

Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling
10% sitting, 10% walking, and 80% standing

Responsibilities

Consults with education staff (e.g. one on one, groups, training on mental health issues, social/emotional assessment, conflict resolution, communication skills, etc.) for the purpose of developing skills and knowledge for working with young children and their families.
Maintains a variety of records (e.g. classroom observations, individual observations, staff/parent consultations form, referrals, follow up on child's health files, monthly reports, etc.) for the purpose of providing documentation for compliance with state and/or federal requirements.
Meets with staff individually or in groups for the purpose of facilitating problem solving, teaching stress reduction skills, and assisting them in identifying issues of concern to them briefly, then referring them to program and/or community resources.
Meets with parents or guardians (e.g. parent education, mental health topics, crisis intervention support, referrals to community resources, etc.) for the purpose of assisting them in identifying issues of concern to them.
Monitors each of the Head Start/ECEAP classrooms during the school year for the purpose of providing education staff with feedback on classroom functioning as it relates to social/emotional development, and consulting with teachers on the functioning of their team and classroom environment.
Observes individual children in the classroom for the purpose of assisting staff and families in planning for children with atypical behaviors.
Participates in and facilitates a variety of on site and off site work related meetings (e.g. workshops, MHS meetings, program retreats, family staffing, SST meetings, Administrative team meetings, clinical supervision, Health Advisory Committee meetings, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining professional development, conveying/gathering information, and/or assisting in planning and program development.
Researches community resources for the purpose of providing necessary assistance to staff and families.
Trains education staff on a variety of subjects related to mental health (e.g. social, emotional, crisis intervention, special needs, etc.) for the purpose of sharing information one on one or in small groups and maintaining program quality.
Travels off site for the purpose of performing tasks necessary to support center and/or program operations.
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.