The Mental Health Specialist is responsible for providing classroom consultation and staff/parent support for children, families, staff and Center Directors with respect, excellence, and an ongoing commitment to cultural humility. The Mental Health Specialist will utilize a social /emotional developmental lens and relationship-based foundation to build rapport with teachers, students, families and Center Directors. Mental Health Specialist will work primarily out of an assigned region as part of a multidisciplinary consultation team that includes the Inclusion Specialist, Education/Classroom Coach and Family Advocates.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university with demonstrated ability to meet job competencies (license preferred).
• Two years' experience in early childhood mental health or early childhood education with low income, diverse populations, preferably in federal and/or state subsidized program
• A high degree of cultural awareness and competency in cross-cultural practices with children and families
• Knowledge of CLASS and CSEFEL (Teaching Pyramid).
• Committed to culturally informed practice and a multicultural learning environment.
• Ability to work independently and part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to negotiate and mediate to attain win-win situations
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Livescan clearance by the DOJ and CCL agencies
• Criminal record clearance and health requirements that include TB screen and other required health clearances
• Valid CDL and use of a personal automobile including evidence of auto liability insurance coverage
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, databases and other computer programs

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Design and deliver high-quality programming that achieves the educational, administrative and service delivery goals.

2. Observe behavioral and developmental presentations within the classroom, including student and teacher interactions.

3. Plan and implement strategies for working with teachers, children and families. Strategies may include: observation in the classroom, modeling interventions/interactions with children, preparing teachers to attend individualized planning (behavior support, IEP/IFSP) meetings, etc.

4. Communicate and engage with parents through case consultation meetings and parent workshops.

5. Provide strategies associated with social and emotional development for individual students.

6. Train and/or arrange for training staff based on classroom and program needs.

7. Provide monthly individual classroom, teacher and center director consultation meetings. Provide parents with mental health referrals and resources to local agencies and service providers.

8. Manage and track referrals to local mental health agencies. Complete all necessary paperwork and documentation in the ChildPlus management system.

9. Maintain detailed records and reports as needed. 10.Attend supervision, team meetings, and case consultations.

11.Review child screening/assessment results and provide follow-up as needed.

12. Work collaboratively and coordinate services with other staff and service providers.

13. Meet with families, staff and other service providers, as needed.

14.Actively participate in YMCA of the East Bay trainings and activities and adhere to the YMCA of the East Bay Core Values and Code of Conduct

15. Special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor

MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS

This position has a primary impact on the operations of the YMCA program promotion, registration and dissemination of information. Therefore, the effectiveness of the fulfillment of this position should be measured by:

1. Actual compliance of the program with all Head Start program procedures and the ability to document and support compliance with appropriate systems and records.

2. Maximization of actual funds received.

3. A positive point of contact for staff, parents and families with accurate, timely responses.

4. Program is in a dynamic state of evolution and improvement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations
• Must be able to work on a computer for an extended period of time
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Must be able to travel locally for meetings, training and special events
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions