Hybrid School-Based Mental Health Program Clinician bei Erikson Institute

Erikson Institute, the nation’s leading graduate school in child development, is seeking to hire a Capacity Building Clinician for the grant-funded School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) Project. The SBMH Project prioritizes transforming the systems, practices, and community structures that contribute to inequities. This framework underpins the work at multiple levels:

1. Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations to address systemic causes of mental health challenges, such as poverty and historical trauma. Co-creation and facilitation of capacity-building sessions.
2. School-Based Interventions: Embedding restorative justice practices in schools to foster supportive, inclusive environments. Co-creation and facilitation of capacity-building sessions. 
3. Classroom-Based Assessments: Identifying areas for targeted support and tailoring interventions for children’s unique needs. Classroom observations and 1:1 consultation with teachers.  
4. Referrals and Wraparound Support: Ensuring children and families receive access to holistic services that promote long-term well-being.

Job Summary:

This grant-funded project aims to enhance the mental health and developmental support systems within communities by partnering directly with local institutions. Capacity-building session topics emphasize childhood development, mental health, and community well-being. Each session is customized in collaboration with the organization to address their unique interests and needs. The Capacity-building Clinician will co-create and facilitate group sessions to develop and strengthen the skills, abilities, processes, and mindfulness of parents, teachers, school staff, social service providers, and community leaders. 

Capacity-building is a broader, long-term process of developing the skills, resources, and systems needed for individuals, schools, organizations, and communities to thrive. 

The clinician will work collaboratively with the SBMH team, which includes a project manager and the lead of this project, Dr. Francisco J. Lozornio. This project's primary target area is the Little Village community, and its secondary target area is Chicago's southwest and south sides. 

THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON THE AVAILABILITY OF GRANT OR CONTRACT FUNDS. IF THE FUNDS FROM THE GRANT OR CONTRACT THAT PROVIDES FUNDING FOR THIS POSITION ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE, THIS POSITION MAY BE TERMINATED WITHOUT CAUSE UPON WRITTEN NOTICE.

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Chicago Public Schools staff participating in the Project, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Coordinate and facilitate teacher and parent trainings/workshops in collaboration with participating schools.  
• Engage in 1 hour of weekly reflective supervision with the lead, Dr. Francisco J. Lozornio.
• Engage in weekly team meetings. 
• Engage in classroom observations and provide 1:1 coaching to teachers. 
• Develop and deliver engaging and interactive training and activities.
• Facilitate group activities and discussions with participants. 
• Monitor and assess the progress of participants in the program.
• Assist with collecting data, assessing, and evaluating the program. 
• Maintain appropriate records of project activities, such as monthly reports, and prepare documentation and data for evaluation needs. 
• Assist with the project evaluation, i.e., focus groups and individual interviews.
• Attend Erikson meetings as needed or required by the supervisor.
• Help organize OneDrive files in Microsoft Teams so that they are logically arranged and accessible to those who need them.

Qualifications

• Licensed or license-eligible as a Clinical Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist with a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience.
• Experience in group facilitation. 
• Experience working with infants and young children and their parents/caregivers.
• Knowledge of attachment theory, infant and early childhood mental health, and developmental practice.
• Knowledge of child development, developmental neuroscience, and complex trauma. 
• Experience with trauma-informed and healing-centered practices. 
• Fluent in English and Spanish (oral and written) required. 
• Ability to handle a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks as needed.  

COMPETENCIES NEEDED

• Hardware: Proficient with a personal computer and copy machine 
• Software: Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and Zoom 

PREFERRED HUMAN RELATIONS SKILLS

This position requires outstanding interpersonal communication skills with stakeholders, community partners, clinical staff, and referral sources. This position will represent Erikson Institute and be the first contact for callers and community partners. Ability to communicate in English and Spanish required.

Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.

About Erikson Institute

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu