Mental Health Specialist

Alliance for Community Empowerment Inc•Bridgeport, CT

13d•$22 - $27

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist provides direct mental health and social-emotional support services to children and families enrolled in the Early Learning Division. The role assists classroom staff with day-to-day support for children who need additional social-emotional assistance and promotes positive, trauma-responsive environments that foster healthy social and emotional development. The position is responsible for child supervision and safety. The specialist works with classroom staff, families, Family Advocates, and interdisciplinary teams to support children’s social-emotional well-being. Responsibilities include monitoring compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, supporting screenings and referrals, maintaining service records, and delivering training and technical assistance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
At least three years of experience working with children and families in an early childhood setting.
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with young children impacted by trauma and/or social-emotional challenges.
Experience and working knowledge of community-based mental health services and referral systems.
Knowledge and experience with data collection systems, information management processes, childcare regulations, policies, and compliance requirements.
Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations professionally.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood settings.
Ability to interact effectively with parents, children, staff, and community partners.
Strong computer skills, including database management, spreadsheets, word processing, internet applications, and email.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with classroom staff to improve classroom climate, instructional practices, and child outcomes using screening results, assessment data, and program quality measures.
Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff and model and coach trauma-responsive interactions and effective behavior guidance strategies.
Ensure and monitor compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards related to mental health and social-emotional development.
Monitor classrooms and provide strategies, interventions, resources, and training that support children’s social-emotional well-being.
Provide hands-on assistance to classroom staff supporting children with additional social-emotional and behavioral needs.
Provide support, consultation, advocacy, and referral services to parents and guardians of assigned children.
Participate in training, continuing education, and professional development activities.
Maintain accurate records and complete reporting related to social-emotional screenings, interventions, referrals, and services within required timelines.
Assist with developing training materials and educational resources for staff and families on mental health and social-emotional development.
Facilitate trainings and workshops on positive behavior management, trauma-informed care, mental wellness trends, child social-emotional development, and strategies for addressing challenging behaviors.
Monitor, administer, and verify completion of child social-emotional screenings.
Provide training and technical assistance to Family Advocates on mental health resources, referrals, and family support strategies.
Assist with daily health screenings and monitoring activities as required.
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case conferences, and team planning activities.
Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
Supervise children and keep them safe.