Mental Health Specialist

TITLE: Youth Mental Health Specialist

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

POSITION: Exempt Full Time (will consider part-time for the right candidate); Starting salary: $75,000

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

This is a full-time position.

The Mental Health Specialist consists of two primary responsibilities: providing support for our members and their families to promote success at MY Place, school, home and the community, and to provide mentorship for our college age staff in trauma-informed care.

Using a social and emotional approach to their work, this individual will provide individual and group consultation, crisis intervention, grief support, and referral work. The Mental Health Specialist will work collaboratively with the MY Place team, local schools, mental health organizations, other non-profits and counties who support the child and their family.

MY Place is a fast-paced out of school, social and recreational environment for school age youth in grades k-12. We offer a plethora of programs with the goal of improving our members' outcomes. To be successful, the Mental Health Specialist must be flexible, enjoy working in a fast-paced, solution-oriented environment, able to work with youth of all ages, and be energized by mentoring college age staff. Because MY Place serves youth who at times are experiencing trauma, it is critical that the Mental Health Specialist be able to react quickly to stressful situations and be able to work collaboratively during those times.

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

Leadership

Plan and oversee programs, activities and services that support mental health, social, and emotional regulation that prepare youth for success and create an environment that facilitates achievement of our members.

Ensure an environment that supports mental health, social, and emotional regulation.

Provide exemplary leadership for staff through mentorship, open communication, participation in regular staff meetings, and daily actions.

Strategic Planning

Track and evaluate mental health programs, services, and activities to ensure they meet objectives and member needs and interests.

Work closely with program staff to goals that support our members' mental health, social, and emotional needs.

Outcome Management

Maintain accurate records for reporting member and program data.

Compile regular reports reflecting outcomes to be shared with our board, donors and the community.

Partnership Development

Develop partnerships with parents and partner organizations.

Marketing and Public Relations

Maintain public relations to increase the visibility of programs, services, and activities within the organization and the community.

Ensure appropriate materials are developed and distributed to highlight programs.

Supervision

Train and mentor direct service staff in the day-to-day practices of trauma informed care.

Work as a team member, contributing to team meetings.

Manage your own time and resources; continuously develop your own knowledge and skills.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with staff on special events to carry out programs in all departments.

Exercise authority in problems relating to members; utilize guidance and discipline plan.

Oversee Organization operations; ensure completion of required organization and interagency reports (monthly reports, payroll, grant summaries, etc.) in a timely manner.

Assume other duties as assigned.

Ensure proper record keeping and reporting, including activities and events conducted, breakdowns of daily participation figures, notable achievements and any problems/issues.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal: Maintains close, daily contact with direct service staff. Has regular contact with members and families as needed.

External: Maintains contact with external community groups, schools, mental health partners, members' parents and others.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology or related field.

Minimum three to five years of experience working with school-age youth, particularly those affected by trauma or poverty.

Experience engaging parents or caregivers facing addiction or mental health challenges.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to mentor young adult staff and work collaboratively in a team environment.

Must be at least 21 years of age to meet insurance requirements and step in as a driver when needed.

Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record (per company insurance policy).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

CPR and First Aid Certifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and stand for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 25 pounds. The employee is required to drive a vehicle for extended periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. The employee is required to sit for periods of time to perform functions on the computer.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

It is the policy of Mankato Youth Place Inc to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference, age or disability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Work Location: In person