Child Mental Health Specialist

Description:*JOIN THE ECS TEAM*
At ECS, we help underserved children in Northeast and Central Florida build a solid foundation for educational success. Give a child a better start, and you dramatically increase the child’s odds of being a better person – of having a better life. Partner with us to we create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential.
ECS has career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. Thank you for your interest in a career with Episcopal Children’s Services.
ECS offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

* Medical, dental and vision insurance
* 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
* Long-term & short-term disability insurance
* Employer-paid life insurance
* Paid holidays
* Generous paid time off
* College tuition assistance
* Career development

\*\*Bilingual preferred\*\*
*GENERAL DESCRIPTION:*
Ensure that the Child Mental Health performance standards are met in Head Start and Early Head Start.
*MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:*

* Support timely and effective identification of and supportive intervention to family and staff concerns about a child’s mental health.
* Work with teachers, home visitors, parents/guardians, and program support staff to use observations, screening results, and other systematic ways to identify and address children’s mental health needs.
* Track and monitor social emotional screenings to ensure compliance with the 45-day requirement; ensure follow-up as needed.
* Observe and visit classrooms on assigned caseload according to a consistent schedule in order to understand program needs, to be recognized by center staff and families as an approachable team member, and to provide effective individualized supportive interventions to children with identified mental health concerns:
* Design and implement program practices responsive to the identified behavioral and mental health concerns of an individual child or group of children;
* Assist in providing supportive intervention strategies for children with atypical behavior or development;
* Provide individual on-site supportive interventions to identified children; and
* Utilize other community mental health resources, as needed
* Schedule regular on-site mental health consultation involving program staff and parents on how to:
* Promote children’s mental wellness by providing group and individual staff and parent education on mental health issues; and
* Utilize other community mental health resources, as needed
* Work with center staff, support staff, and parents to design a supportive intervention program based on observation, staff input, parent input, and screening results.
* Participate in case management meetings and file reviews for assigned center.
* Identify and work with available mental health resources in the community; refer families for further supportive and clinical services as needed.
* Support the implementation of the University Practicum Student program within the Head Start programs.
* Coordinate with local mental health service providers as needed.
* Work with Family Advocate and Center Manager to arrange for further, formal, evaluation of a child when appropriate.
* Complete postpartum depression screening (PPDS) with pregnant women within 2 weeks of delivery.
* Assist with and attend Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) meetings.
* Assist with providing mental health training to teachers throughout the year and during preservice training.
* Assist with summer screenings at assigned centers.
* Keep informed of current professional knowledge and strategies for social-emotional development through participation in workshops and by reading professional publications.
* Maintain documentation in Child Plus on a weekly basis.
* Assist with Program Information Report (PIR) data at the close of each school year.
* Keep supervisor informed of relevant information related to the safety and well-being of the child and family while maintaining compliance with ECS’s policies and procedures.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)
*ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:*

* This position reports to the Social Emotional Services Manager

Requirements:*EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:*

* Licensed or Certified Mental Health Professional with knowledge of and experience in serving young children and their families highly preferred \*consideration will be given to candidates who are eligible for licensing and hold a current intern license in the state of Florida and a development plan in place to obtain\*\*Internship pathway available for ECS employees who have completed, or are in the process of completing, their clinical internship placement with ECS.

*SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:*

* Knowledge of sociology, child growth & development, mental health theory &practice, human behavior/social environment, psychology, research methods
* Knowledge of effective methods to improve a child’s emotional stability
* Knowledge of social services available to link families with appropriate agencies
* Ability to build and maintain good human relations with staff and parents
* Ability to work with the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner
* Ability to perform tasks with little direct supervision
* Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity
* Commitment to strengthen families but with ultimate commitment to the well being of the child
* Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
* Knowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
* Ability to maintain confidential information
* Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records and prepare reports
* Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work in fast-paced environment

*CERTIFICATIONS:*

* Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
* Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)
* Completion of 15 hours in-service / professional development training hours annually (July-June)

*ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:*

* Works in early childhood classrooms and office settings
* Local travel to multiple sites is required
* Minimal night, weekend or out-of-town work possible

*ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:*

* Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
* Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
* Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
* Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $27.46 per hour