Position Compensation 2718hr 3840hr Part Time 20 hours JOB PURPOSE Provides mental health services to support social emotional development of enrolled children and their families through mental health assessments intervention plans learning environment observations and support to staff and families by conducting parent and staff education trainings POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Under the supervision of the Licensed Mental Health Professional and support of the Mental Health Coordinator the Mental Health Specialist is responsible for key Head StartEarly Head Start roles and responsibilities such as but not limited to mental health consultation with parentscaregivers and teaching staff classroom and home based observations clinical assessments intervention planning and progress monitoring participation in multidisciplinary team meetings and supporting classroom teachersparent educators with maintaining learning environments that support social emotional development In addition the Mental Health Specialist will assume responsibility for supporting Head StartEarly Head Start with any other related activities with regard to Head Start Program Performance Standards LACOE GIMs and PACE Education Mental Health Policies and Procedures ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION INCLUDE Conduct mental health assessments child observations develop intervention plans and provide regular consultation with parentscaregivers and teaching staffComplete all mental health activities and documentation with the quality and timeliness required in LACOE GIMS Head Start Program Performance Standards and PACE Education Mental Health Policies and ProceduresDocument mental health services on LACOE standardized forms and submit to Mental Health Coordinator monthlyUtilize ChildPlus to document all mental health activities in accordance with LACOE GIMSProvide monthly on site consultation andor reflective supervision with families and staff as needed at assigned school sitesProvide group individual staff and parent education trainings on mental health related topicsConduct learning environment observations of each classroom Provide recommendations to support classroom management child behavior and social emotional development of studentsAssist in providing special help for children with atypical behavior or developmentAssist children families and staff in accessing and utilizing community mental health servicesIdentify other Service Area needs that may be impacting mental health Work in collaboration with other Head Start and Early Head Start service areas Health Nutrition Disabilities Family and Community Engagement to help families access resources and servicesParticipate in agency Multidisciplinary Team MDT meetings as requestedAdvise and assist in developmental screening and assessment of children and pregnant mothersParticipate in monthly meetings with PACE Licensed Mental Health Professional and Mental Health CoordinatorIf pre licensed participate in clinical supervision with PACE Licensed Mental Health Professional in accordance with California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirementsOther duties as assigned within the scope of the positionUse computers especially MS Office Internet and Email to communicate and prepare program documentation QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Education and Work ExperienceA masters degree in psychology social work marriage and family therapy or other related field Must be an independently licensed clinician with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and have the expertise in child and family mental health Acceptable licenses include but are not limited toLicensed Clinical PsychologistLicensed Clinical Social WorkerLicensed Marriage and Family TherapistLicensed Professional CounselorLicensed School Social WorkerLicensed School PsychologistNurse PractitionerChild PsychiatristPre licensed clinicians must be able to participate in clinical supervision provided by PACE Licensed Mental Health Professional Previous experience working with children ages 0 5 yearsPrevious experience working with Head Start highly desirableBilingual in English and SpanishKnowledge and SkillsClinical documentationMust have excellent communication interpersonal and organizational skills be a team player and a passionate advocate for childrens well being be able to work with diverse populations to network with other mental health and early childhood professionals to provide needed mental health services SPECIAL CONDITIONS Valid California Drivers License and auto insurance coverageMust pass the following background checks prior to start of employmentSex Offender RegistryChild Abuse and Neglect State RegistryState or Tribal Criminal History Check including fingerprintsFBI Criminal History Check including fingerprints Must have verification of TB clearance at time of employment to be renewed every four 4 years every 4 years for chest x raysMust pass health screening LIC 503 at time of employment health screening is accepted within one year prior to hire to be renewed every four 4 yearsProvide proof of the following immunizations as required Measles Pertussis Whooping Cough Influenza and COVID 19Must complete 15 clock hours of professional development annually that builds the knowledge experience skills and abilities of staff to improve child family and staff outcomes Of this a minimum of 50 of the 15 hours or 75 hours must be focused on the specific content area or job assignment Must also complete an annual Professional Development Plan PDP to be reviewed 3 times during the year PHYSICAL DEMANDS Working conditions and physical demands of this position will be those that must be met to successfully perform the essential duties of the position Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties The physical environment the incumbent will work in is typically an office environment with moderate noise levels that would be expected in that type of work environment TB Test within the past year prior to employment and every four 4 years thereafter every 4 years for a chest X rayMust pass health screening LIC 503 at time of employment health screening is accepted within one year prior to hire to be renewed every four 4 yearsProvide proof of the following immunizations as required Measles Pertussis Whooping Cough and InfluenzaCOVID vaccination required; must have two dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separatelyRepresentative physical demands of the job include normal vision and hearing standing for extended periods sitting for extended periods kneeling and stooping manipulating objects with hands reaching overhead and occasionally lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds