Mental Health Consultant - Early Head Start (Statewide, MT)

Aware Inc.•Meriden, CT

5h•$75,000 - $82,000•Remote

About The Position

If you are passionate about providing high-quality care to individuals in your community, we invite you to join our team at AWARE. AWARE is looking for the right person to join the team as an early head start mental health consultant. The support we provide helps the adults, children, and families we serve become active and vital members of their community while focusing on personal growth. We are a compassionate and fully engaged team that is dedicated to providing the best possible care to our clients. Our strength lies in our culture of care, and we are looking for individuals who share our commitment to providing unconditional care to those in need. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members feel valued and respected. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development. If you are looking for a rewarding career, we encourage you to apply to join our team at AWARE.

Requirements

Demonstrated understanding of infant, toddler and preschool mental health.
Demonstrated understanding of differences in mental health services and concepts across cultures.
Demonstrated knowledge of current child mental health services systems.
Knowledge of trauma informed care practices.
Knowledge about community resources.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Head Start staff and families.
Review of standardized screenings and assessments, preferably for young children.
Use results of screenings and assessments to guide work with staff in setting goals for families and individual children.
Provide resources and supports for referrals to appropriate community services.
Communicate effectively with diverse groups both verbally and in writing.
Organize tasks and manage time effectively.
Plan, organize, direct, evaluate, and refine comprehensive services to children and their families.
Establish long range vision of program goals and accomplishments.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, children and parents, and outside agencies.
Collect and analyze data specific to the responsibilities of this position.
Master’s degree in social work, Psychology or Related Field with knowledge of infant, toddler and preschool child development and mental health.
Licensed or certified mental health professional with 2 years’ professional experience working with young children and their families.
Must have, or be willing to obtain, a valid Montana Driver’s License.
Must have an acceptable driving record; as well as an acceptable criminal and protective services background check.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Head Start is desirable.
Experience as an infant and toddler mental health consultant preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensures all compliance with rules, regulations and guidelines from childcare licensing, Head Start Performance Standards and other state or federal agencies.
Performs the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start child development outcomes, and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
Conduct mental health observations and assessments of children and classrooms to identify needs and provide guidance, as indicated.
Offer coaching and training to Head Start staff on child development, behavioral strategies, and mental health practices.
Assist families with referrals to community mental health services and resources.
Design and deliver training sessions for staff and parents on mental health, child abuse prevention, parenting education, and social-emotional development.
Promote staff wellness and a culture of mental health awareness within the program.
Engage families in mental health initiatives and provide guidance on early identification of concerns.
Participation in meetings with staff and/or families to plan strategies to address the mental health needs of individual children or families.
Conduct regular site visits to monitor classroom practices, staff collaboration, and program effectiveness.
Participate in individual and group reflective supervision that is marked by atmosphere of trust, respect reflection and collaboration.
Participation in the Health and Mental Health Advisory Committee.
Participation in program planning for overall mental health service delivery, program monitoring and the program self-assessment.
Reviews and analyzes reports, records and directives related to child outcomes and the operation and delivery of high-quality services.
Maintains an accurate and up-to-date record keeping system as deemed necessary for meeting program objectives.
Ensure complete and accurate annual Program Information Report (PIR).
Maintains confidentiality of records and information on Early Head Start staff, children, and families.
Participates in mandatory AWARE training, in-services, staff meetings, and program committees as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned and reasonably within the scope of the duties listed above.