Mental Health Specialist

PACE•Los Angeles, CA

13h•$27 - $38

About The Position

Provides mental health services to support social emotional development of enrolled children and their families through mental health assessments, intervention plans, learning environment observations, and support to staff and families by conducting parent and staff education trainings. Under the supervision of the Licensed Mental Health Professional and support of the Mental Health Coordinator, the Mental Health Specialist is responsible for key Head Start/Early Head Start roles and responsibilities such as, but not limited to: mental health consultation with parents/caregivers and teaching staff, classroom and home-based observations, clinical assessments, intervention planning and progress monitoring, participation in multidisciplinary team meetings, and supporting classroom teachers/parent educators with maintaining learning environments that support social-emotional development. In addition, the Mental Health Specialist will assume responsibility for supporting Head Start/Early Head Start with any other related activities with regard to Head Start Program Performance Standards, LACOE GIMs, and PACE Education Mental Health Policies and Procedures.

Requirements

A masters degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or other related field.
Must be an independently licensed clinician with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and have the expertise in child and family mental health.
Acceptable licenses include, but are not limited to: Licensed Clinical Psychologist Licensed Clinical Social Worker Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed School Social Worker Licensed School Psychologist Nurse Practitioner Child Psychiatrist
Pre-licensed clinicians must be able to participate in clinical supervision provided by PACE Licensed Mental Health Professional.
Previous experience working with children ages 0-5 years.
Clinical documentation
Must have excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, be a team player and a passionate advocate for childrens well-being, be able to work with diverse populations, to network with other mental health and early childhood professionals to provide needed mental health services.
Valid California Drivers License and auto insurance coverage
Must pass the following background checks prior to start of employment: Sex Offender Registry Child Abuse and Neglect State Registry State or Tribal Criminal History Check, including fingerprints FBI Criminal History Check, including fingerprints
Must have verification of T.B. clearance at time of employment, to be renewed every four (4) years (every 4 years for chest x-rays).
Must pass health screening (LIC 503) at time of employment, health screening is accepted within one year prior to hire, to be renewed every four (4) years.
Provide proof of the following immunizations as required: Measles, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Influenza, and COVID-19
Must complete 15 clock hours of professional development annually that builds the knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities of staff to improve child, family, and staff outcomes. Of this, a minimum of 50% of the 15 hours (or 7.5 hours) must be focused on the specific content area or job assignment.
Must also complete an annual Professional Development Plan (PDP) to be reviewed 3 times during the year.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with Head Start highly desirable
Bilingual in English and Spanish

Responsibilities

Conduct mental health assessments, child observations, develop intervention plans, and provide regular consultation with parents/caregivers and teaching staff.
Complete all mental health activities and documentation with the quality and timeliness required in LACOE GIMS, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and PACE Education Mental Health Policies and Procedures.
Document mental health services on LACOE standardized forms and submit to Mental Health Coordinator monthly.
Utilize ChildPlus to document all mental health activities in accordance with LACOE GIMS.
Provide monthly on-site consultation and/or reflective supervision with families and staff as needed at assigned school sites.
Provide group, individual staff, and parent education trainings on mental health related topics
Conduct learning environment observations of each classroom.
Provide recommendations to support classroom management, child behavior, and social-emotional development of students.
Assist in providing special help for children with atypical behavior or development.
Assist children, families, and staff in accessing and utilizing community mental health services.
Identify other Service Area needs that may be impacting mental health.
Work in collaboration with other Head Start and Early Head Start service areas (Health, Nutrition, Disabilities, Family and Community Engagement) to help families access resources and services.
Participate in agency Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings as requested.
Advise and assist in developmental screening and assessment of children and pregnant mothers.
Participate in monthly meetings with PACE Licensed Mental Health Professional and Mental Health Coordinator
If pre-licensed, participate in clinical supervision with PACE Licensed Mental Health Professional in accordance with California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements.
Other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.
Use computers, especially MS Office, Internet, and Email to communicate and prepare program documentation