Head Start Mental Health Specialist

Jefferson County•Arvada, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist (MH) is responsible for providing a range of mental health consultation, wellness support, and therapeutic services that build the capacity of adults—teachers, staff, parents, caregivers —to foster the social and emotional development of children ages 0–6. This role emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and education to promote mental health that is grounded in current neuroscience and trauma-informed practices across the Head Start community. The candidate is a dynamic resource, providing training, education, and consultation to Head Start staff to enhance staff’s ability to support challenging behavior in the classroom. The Mental Health Specialist also works closely with parents offering training, education, and consultation to enhance parenting skills. This is a ten-month working position from August through May (stretch) that will be paid over twelve months. This position is predominantly performed in the office, with some flexibility for remote work when children are not present.

Requirements

One year of work-related experience.
Master’s degree in a social service, behavioral science, or related field.
Note an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Recent Master’s degree graduates welcome to apply!
Microsoft Office proficiency.
Must have or be able to obtain LCSW or LPC within 2.5 years.
Experience working with and within multi-disciplinary teams.
All Head Start Employees are expected to demonstrate the following competencies: Accountability, Communication, Continual Learning, Flexibility, Teamwork, Use of Technology.
Must have a valid driver's license, if you are from out of state, you must obtain a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire date and you must not have any major violations, nor more than one DUI, DWI, DWAI conviction in the past three years.
Willingness to occasionally travel to assigned Head Start Sites (Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Lakewood).

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a social service or behavioral science field.
1- 2 years’ work-related experience in mental health, early childhood education, Head Start, work with vulnerable populations, diverse cultures and groups, and/or low-income families.
Experience with trauma informed care.
Spanish speaking candidates highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to develop culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate strategies and interventions that promote the well-being of all children at Head Start.
Provide, at a minimum monthly, and more frequently as needed or requested, consultation to Head Start staff to ensure that all classroom environments are inclusive, nurturing learning environments and to enhance the skills and confidence of the staff in supporting children’s social-emotional development and addressing challenging behaviors.
Conduct observations and assessments to identify strengths and needs of individual children and teachers.
Implement sustainable strategies that promote a program-wide culture of mental wellness and psychological safety and will prevent mental health challenges from developing.
Support therapeutic services for children ages 0-6 through in-class supports, attachment-based play therapy and small group work.
Offer consultation and coaching to parents and caregivers to strengthen understanding of social-emotional development, promote positive parenting approaches, and address behavioral concerns.
Facilitate parent education classes and workshops designed to empower families with practical tools and strategies.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of observations, consultations, and services provided.
Support the integration of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices among Head Start staff.
Participate in the design and delivery of mental health trainings, facilitate group reflective supervision, and attend program meetings to provide consultation and feedback that enhances staff wellness and program implementation of Trauma-Informed practices.
Provide appropriate referrals for external services and coordinate care within Head Start and outside of Head Start, as needed, for families accessing additional supports.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.