Mental Health Specialist

Clackamas County Children's Commission•Portland, OR

1d•$29 - $31

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist provides direct service and support to children and families through staff consultation and capacity building in mental health. The role supports compliance with Federal Head Start Performance Standards and Oregon pre-kindergarten regulations within the Mental Health component. It reports to the Health Services Manager and has no direct reports. The specialist conducts observations and assessments, responds to mental health referrals, and consults with staff and families to develop and follow up on individualized support plans. The role coordinates care with local mental health providers and other professionals, provides staff coaching and training, and maintains accurate records in Child Plus. Additional duties include supporting parent and staff training, Circle of Security approaches, and classroom observations using specified assessment tools. The position involves frequent work with young children, computer use, and travel between centers for site visits and consultations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Clinical license or professional mental health certification (such as LCSW, LPC, MHNP, LMFT, QHMP, QMHA, or Infant/Toddler Mental Health certificate), or enrollment in a program to complete such a license or certification.
Ability to articulate the program’s goals and philosophy and the role of the Mental Health component.
Ability to provide constructive, strength-based consultation to staff and parents.
Ability to present workshops and presentations on social-emotional development and mental health issues to clients and staff.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and take a logical approach to work.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
Ability to interact positively with families from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Intermediate computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid driver’s license and an insured vehicle available for work use, or alternative transportation.
Ability to possess and maintain compliance with the State of Oregon Criminal Background Registry.
Ability to possess and maintain current Pediatric and Adult First Aid/CPR certification.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with the Clackamas County Children’s Commission Code of Conduct.

Nice To Haves

Master’s-level degree.
At least three years of experience and/or coursework in Early Childhood and/or Infant/Toddler Mental Health.
At least three years of experience working with adults, children, and families.
Experience and/or aptitude in formulating and writing assessments and support plans, particularly for children.
Bilingual English/Spanish.
Knowledge of Early Head Start and/or Head Start.
Knowledge of early childhood development.

Responsibilities

Support compliance with Federal Head Start Performance Standards within the Mental Health component.
Provide scheduled child observations, consultation, and follow-up to direct service staff.
Share parenting skills and child development information with staff and parents; guide staff in selecting developmentally appropriate activities and model constructive ways to work with young children.
Provide regular written observations and strength-based feedback to staff for the assigned caseload, emphasizing the Pyramid Model and PBIS when recommending strategies.
Meet with staff teams to review child and classroom observations and create and implement support plans for specific children.
Conduct individual observations and assessments of referred children.
Collect and respond to program mental health referrals according to agency protocol.
Consult with direct service staff on child and family needs and collaborate on individualized support plans and follow-up.
Ensure mental health services and resources are provided to families and staff who request them.
Support and conduct staff training and coaching on social-emotional development and mental health issues, as assigned.
Coordinate services for children with social-emotional and mental health needs and collaborate with Clackamas County mental health providers to support access to care.
Provide reflective consultation for direct service staff, as assigned.
Collaborate with other mental health professionals working with program children and families to address needs and help staff provide appropriate support.
Participate in client review and other case management meetings as needed for the assigned caseload.
Maintain complete and accurate records in Child Plus.
Provide training or support groups for staff and parents as requested or assigned.
Support the Circle of Security Parenting Curriculum and Circle of Security in the Classroom coaching model with the Professional Development coaching team.
Maintain CLASS®, TPOT®, and TPITOS® reliability certification and conduct classroom observations using these tools, as assigned.
Complete special projects and other assigned duties.
Attend and actively participate in required meetings and trainings; act as a respectful, cooperative, and reliable team member.
Perform work in compliance with the Clackamas County Children’s Commission Code of Conduct and maintain confidentiality of information about children, families, personnel, and program operations.
Develop professional work goals and a training plan in consultation with the supervisor, and participate in training as requested.