Job Description

About the Role

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Infrastructure and Clinical Services, the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant seeks to promote positive outcomes for infants and young children by helping caregivers (i.e., family members and early care and education providers) develop the attitudes and skills necessary to effectively support the social and emotional development of the young children in their care. Duties include but are not limited to, classroom and child observations, short-term therapy, resources, referrals, facilitating reflective practice spaces with staff, and Parent Learning Circles. This is a part-time position, including occasional evening and weekend work.

This is a unique and exciting role that delivers light-touch therapeutic services. Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job; however, Family Connections is a place where everyone can learn and grow. So, whatever background and experience you bring with you, please apply if this role would excite you to come to work every day. We are eager to train a passionate candidate! 

For more information about Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, please visit ecmhc.org

Key Responsibilities

• Provide classroom observations to support infant/child development by building the skills and capacities of caregivers and program staff to create developmentally appropriate practices and expectations in early learning classes in San Mateo County.
• Provide child-specific observations for children to provide in-class support to both the Early Learning Teacher and/or the primary caregiver.
• Conduct assessments for children as needed using the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) or other appropriate clinical assessment to monitor needs.
• Provide short-term therapeutic services to caregivers and/or children for families needing brief intervention support.
• Facilitate Family Groups at each site to support increased knowledge of early childhood development, attachment, and other topics of interest. 
• Provide reflective one-on-one and group meetings with staff to collaborate on how to support families.
• Coordinate monthly meetings with the Mental Health Coordinator, site supervisors, and appropriate school staff to generate and discuss referrals, coordinate support for families, and collaborate to address barriers for families to access services. 
• Facilitate staff training on early childhood attachment and other relevant topics of interest, such as trauma, cultural humility, attachment, self-care, and emotional health and wellness.
• Participate in bi-weekly seminars and weekly clinical supervision.
• Maintain up-to-date case notes using an electronic health record system. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Skills & Experience

• Post-degree or active enrollment in a graduate-level master's program in counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or a related field.
• Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology license or license eligibility required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Excellent clinical assessment and therapeutic skills. 
• Knowledge of infant/child development and infant and early childhood mental health.
• Experience working with families and knowledge of Family Systems theories, models, and interventions.
• Knowledge of DC: 0-5 and DSM-V diagnosis and ability to accurately diagnose children and adults to inform treatment planning.
• Experience in early learning environments, including childcare and school-based settings.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills. 
• Experience working with culturally and ethnically diverse populations. 
• Strong ability to work independently and within a larger collaborative system of agencies,  individuals, and disciplines.  
• Ability to work as a team member and to accomplish tasks supporting the agency’s mission.
• This position requires in-person work, with occasional opportunities to work from home.
• This position requires driving to multiple locations within the county. Mileage is reimbursed at the CA mileage rate. 
• Must successfully clear a background check and obtain TB clearance.
• Must have up-to-date immunization records.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification, mandated reporter certificate, and harassment prevention certificate (to be completed within 60 days of employment).
• Possess a valid DMV license and current vehicle insurance.
• Have access to and ability to use the internet and email.
• Available to work occasional nights and weekends.
• Able to bend and lift 25 pounds when necessary.
• Valid permit to work in the US.
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends.