Social Emotional Specialist

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Welcome to MiSide, a Community Impact Network dedicated to providing expert support and guidance with every side of life. One trusted full-service partner people of all ages and backgrounds can go to for help with everything from early childhood development to mental health and wellness to employment and wealth management even finding a place to call home.  There’s always an upside to working together, especially when you’re working with the best to make the world a better place for everyone. Get ready to see it first hand with MiSide.

Position Overview:

The social emotional specialist will provide relationship-based consultation and supportive services to licensed childcare providers in the Brightmoor Quality Initiative.  The social emotional specialist will also provide relationship-based support, and if necessary, social emotional intervention strategies to children and families who are enrolled in early care and education programs within the Brightmoor community.  The focus of this position is to strengthen the capacity of these early childhood professionals and caregivers so that they may promote the optimal social emotional well-being and development of children. 

The Specialist works with a high degree of professional independence under the supervision and guidance of the Brightmoor Quality Initiative Social Emotional Clinical Manager. 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

Consultation and Direct Services 

• Provide collaborative, relationship-based consultation services to childcare directors, teachers, families, and children to foster healthy development and a positive early learning environment. 
• Conduct classroom observations, parent consultations, and teacher coaching sessions that support early care and education programs. 
• Complete child observations when children present with developmental or behavioral concerns.  Provide recommendations and social emotional intervention strategies to be used within the classroom settings. 
• Facilitate feedback sessions with childcare staff (including directors and teachers) and children’s parents to share observations and provide recommendations.
• Assist with referral coordination when needed. 

Training and Programmatic Support 

• Provide training on social emotional development for early childhood staff (directors and teachers) to strengthen skills in supporting children with developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. 
• Provide consultation to childcare owners and directors in order to support and solve concerns that may impact children, staff, and families. 
• Participate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) reflective supervision with an experienced consultant. 
• Timely completion of all assessments, reports, and evaluation requirements to align with the Brightmoor Quality Initiative funding source. 

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies: 

• A deep understanding of relationship-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices in early care and education.
• Comprehensive knowledge of child development and early childhood mental health.
• Familiarity with childcaring systems, including licensing and quality rating standards. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively, flexibly, and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. 
• Capacity to receive feedback, adapt to change, and manage any crises that arise.
• Professionalism in attendance, demeanor, conflict resolution, and ethical conduct.

Education:

• Master’s degree (MSW, MA in Psychology, or related field) preferred.
• State of Michigan licensure for discipline preferred.
• Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health (MI-AIMH) Endorsement preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with child care providers and/or young children and families.
• Experience in community-based settings strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and collaborative problem-solving skills required. 

Salary : $30 - $35