INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT

CAIRO•Portland, OR

17d•$60,000 - $73,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation is an indirect, multilevel service in which consultants’ partner with the adults in young children’s lives to build their capacity to foster healthy social-emotional development.[1] In this program, consultants partner with and support early childhood care and education providers, in center- and home-based settings. IECMH Consultants receive specialized training to provide IECMH consultation through an evidence-based framework. This project’s broad goals include reducing rates of suspension/expulsion from ECE settings, and more specifically to reduce race disparities in the rates of suspension/expulsion. Therefore, this position will require a strong commitment to equity, anti-bias, and anti-racist practices. Culturally specific and culturally responsive services are important to the success of the program. Consultants whose race, ethnicity, culture, and/or language are representative of the community served are strongly encouraged to apply. The IECMH Consultant will work with their peers from CAIRO, and Black Parent Initiative, as well as Technical Assistance from Multnomah County CCR&R to serve licensed childcare centers, licensed group childcare homes, registered family childcare homes, childcare aides, and relative care providers in Multnomah County. The Consultant will develop collaborative relationships with parents, professionals, and organizations in the community who also serve infants, young children, and families. The IECMH Consultant will function as part of the CAIRO Workforce Development team, under the supervision of the Director of Workforce Development. Driving required.

Requirements

Master’s degree preferred (mental health, early childhood education, early childhood development, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech & language pathologist, or other related discipline)
OR
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development, social work, or psychology plus at least 2 years of experience in a related infant/early childhood field
Individuals with no degree or an associate’s degree and at least two years’ experience in Infant and early childhood education will be considered.
Endorsed (IMH-E® or ECMH-E®) as Family Associate or Family Specialist or willingness to earn Endorsement as a Family Specialist within 2 years of hire (fees and time to complete application are covered)
All applicants will be offered and must be willing to complete advanced training about IECMH Consultation (time and fees covered)
Applicants with a mental health background will receive additional training in early childhood development and early childhood education
Applicants with a background in early childhood development or early childhood education will receive additional training in mental health
Capacity for humility, empathy, curiosity, and flexibility
Ability to work at multiple levels (groups and individuals; providers and families)
Effective communication skills in English and at least one other language (verbal and written)
Comfort and skill in engaging in conversations about racism, bias, and equity
Capacity to foster strong professional relationships
Current drivers license

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and either Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic or Spanish is highly preferred.
Knowledge about inclusive practices in early childhood education for children with disabilities is highly preferred
Experience working children with IFSPs, developmental disabilities or medical needs is highly preferred

Responsibilities

Providing relationship-based, preventive interventions to promote the mental health of infants and young children and address behaviors that put them at risk of suspension/expulsion from early learning and childcare settings.
Supporting ongoing communication with teachers/providers about early relational health and/or developmental concerns related to infants and young children.
Developing written intervention strategies and using a collaborative approach to assist providers with implementing strategies that promote infants’ and young children’s optimal social-emotional development.
Using independent judgment and discretion in setting daily priorities to complete tasks.
Demonstrating humility and sensitivity to racial, linguistic, cultural, social, economic, individual, and role differences between consultant and provider and between provider and the infant/young child & family.
Bringing observations and questions to supervision.
Adhering to all data and program requirements.
Making referrals for children and their families to appropriate outside services, as necessary.
When appropriate, providing group and individual training on overall social and emotional wellness, infant and early childhood development, trauma-informed care, attachment, self-care, and other related topics.