Mental Health Specialist

Alliance for Community Empowerment Inc•Bridgeport, CT

23d

About The Position

Provide direct service to children and families. Assist classroom staff with day-to-day management of children in need of additional social-emotional support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or related field plus three years’ 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 needs.
Experience and working knowledge of community-based mental health services.
Knowledge and experience in data collection and information processes and systems, along with knowledge of childcare regulations, policy, and procedure compliance.
Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong knowledge of appropriate early childhood practices in early childhood settings.
Ability to interface with parents, program staff, community partners, and children.
Must have excellent computer skills and knowledge of various processes, including database management, spreadsheet, word processing, internet, and email.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with staff to improve the classroom climate and instruction by utilizing child screening results, child outcome data, and program quality assessment results.
Develop relationships with staff and families in order to model and coach positive trauma-responsive interactions and effective guidance behavior.
Ensure and monitor compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
Monitor and support classrooms with strategies and interventions, provide resources and training.
Provide hands-on assistance to classroom staff working with children in need of additional social-emotional support in assigned centers.
Provide support and advocacy services for parents of children assigned.
Willingness to enhance job knowledge through training and education as required or necessary.
Responsible for record-keeping and reporting requirements related to child social-emotional screenings to ensure completion within the required time frame.
Assist with the development of training and educational materials related to mental health and social-emotional requirements for staff and parents. Topics may include positive behavior management strategies, trends in mental wellness, trauma-informed care, child social-emotional development, and addressing challenging behaviors.
Monitors, administers, and confirms the completion of child social-emotional screenings.
Provides T/TA as needed to ensure Family Advocates have the proper training to identify resources and referrals as needed to support families. Available as a resource to provide mental health consultation for areas beyond the scope of the Family Advocate’s role.
Assist with daily health screening.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned.