Mental Health Specialist

RESPONSIBILITIES Observe and assess children with behavioral and social-emotional concerns. Assess children's achievement of developmental milestones. Conduct individual sessions and family meetings to help them support their child's emotional needs. Co-lead parent workshops and trainings. Support teaching staff and strategize with staff to ensure positive learning environment for all children. Provide assessment based on observation and referrals from Head Start staff. Administer the Ages and Stages Social-Emotional Questionnaire. Administer a Trauma History Screening for every child. Identify any child in need of an evaluation for special services through the Committee for Special Education (CPSE). Help families navigate the school district in order to request an evaluation for special services. Work closely with Disabilities Coordinator when working with a child in need or receiving special services in order to plan integrated services. Engage all staff and children in the Second-Step curriculum. Facilitate referrals for parents and children to community resources when needed. Participate in monthly Mental Health Meetings. Attend monthly Policy Council meetings. Co-lead evidenced based Positive Solutions for Families parenting trainings with Family Advocate. Conducts monthly Parent Workshops. Provides monthly staff wellness activities and trainings. Document all observations, assessments and meetings in COPA. QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION Must have MHC, MSW, LMSW, LMHC, Certified MHC (required) B.A. or B.S. in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling or related field (required) SKILLS Strong interpersonal skills including excellent active listening and clear oral communication skills. Excellent organization and interpersonal skills. Excellent computer skills. Ability to perform multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced and challenging environment. Highly organized, self-directed and able to multi-task. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Effective in problem solving. Able to engage effectively with children and families. Knowledge of mental health, human development and community health practices. Knowledge of local community resources helpful. Able to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Culturally competent/sensitive (racial, ethnic, linguistic, LGBTQ+, physical ability, etc. Proficient in Microsoft applications. Strong writing skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. EXPERIENCE 3 years + experience working in mental health and/or social services. Experience working with children. Experience with Head Start or Early Head Start desirable. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Manual dexterity and regular hours at computer keyboard. Approximately 55% walking/standing and 45% sitting. Local travel in the middle of the day to other sites may be required. Bending and lifting may be required. May be required to lift up to 25 lbs. Driver's License WORK ENVIRONMENT Requires adherence to OCFS/HS/EHS Standards. Some exposure to communicable diseases. Work is generally performed in a classroom setting or in an office requiring face-to-face interaction. Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required with attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.