Director of Early Childhood Mental Health Services

About Walker

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.

Make a Difference Every Day—and Gain Skills You Can Use for Life

The Director of Early Childhood Mental Health Services will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the development, implementation, delivery, and evaluation of mental health programs and services for young children and their families.  This role includes managing both clinical and administrative operations of the Walker Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and expanding early childhood services. The Director of Early Childhood Mental Health Services will recruit, train, and supervise a multidisciplinary team, build community partnerships, manage referrals, and ensure compliance with the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) regulations. Additionally, the Director of Early Childhood Mental Health Services may provide direct consultation, training, and support to various stakeholders.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement the strategic vision for early childhood mental health services.
• Lead and support the mental health services team, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
• Oversee the creation, evaluation, and expansion of early childhood mental health programs.
• Ensure evidence-based practices and align programs with community needs.
• Develop policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.
• Recruit, train, and manage mental health professionals and support staff, promoting a positive work environment.
• Build relationships with community organizations and represent the organization at meetings and events.
• Advocate for early childhood mental health and contribute to community-wide initiatives.
• Manage the budget, allocate resources efficiently, and pursue funding opportunities including grants and donations.
• Implement quality assurance processes, analyze data, and lead initiatives for program enhancement.
• Regularly attend weekly supervision, staff meetings, and trainings.
• Follow and implement all Walker policies and procedures.
• Function as an ambassador for Walker.
• Participate in operational meetings, agency committees, and initiatives to help the organization with continuous development and an organizational culture of positivity and excellence. 
• Work collaboratively with Walker programs and departments to meet program and agency needs.
• All other duties as assigned. 

Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, prioritize among competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing environments and organizational needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including timely and respectful correspondence, reports, and reflective supervision. 
• Proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Office, and other computer functions.
• Ability to sit at workstation for prolonged periods of time, consistent with OSHA suggestions and requirements. 
• Ability to access different building locations, equipment, mailboxes, etc.
• Ability to drive to offsite meetings and events throughout the communities served in a reliable personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement available).
• Ability to lift packages up to 10 pounds.
• Flexibility in hours may be required, including evenings or weekends, to meet program needs and attend events.

Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm with flexibility as needed for program and operational needs

Remote capabilities

Qualifications

Education and Certifications

Required:

• MA Degree
• Independently licensed

Experience

Required:

• 7-10 years of experience working in a similar setting required, preferred supervisory experience

Other Requirements:

• Obtain Elementary Education and Care (EEC) background check suitability
• Must have reliable transportation
• Valid MA driver’s license preferred
• Preferred bilingual capability

Equal Opportunity Statement

Walker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.

Salary : $95,000 - $100,000