HSELP Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant $5,000 Bonus, 28 hrs/wk at Community Action Pioneer Valley, Inc.

Description

Department: Head Start & Early Learning Programs

Position: Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultant

Hours: 28 hours

Location: As Assigned 

Status: Non-Exempt

Supervisor: Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Supervisor

Position Summary:

The Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultant works closely with staff, families and community agencies to:

1. Build the capacity of families, educators and staff to address infants’ and young children’s early relational needs through consultation, training, and parent education.
2. Build bridges between systems and services on behalf of children and families, by facilitating referrals to providers, supporting service delivery and coordinating care; and
3. Provide supports outlined in HSELP’s Comprehensive Support Guide in partnership with staff, children and families, using the Brazelton Touchpoints Approach and reflective practice.

The IECMH Consultant provides indirect support to children and families by collaborating with the caregiving adults and providers in the system of care surrounding the child/family. While the consultant utilizes clinical skills, knowledge, and perspectives, they do not provide diagnosis or treatment to any individuals or groups.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Provide consultation to families, educators, and program staff at multiple center-based early education sites in Franklin, Hampshire and Western Hampden Counties, as assigned. 
2. Work collaboratively and effectively with staff, parents, families, community providers, and multidisciplinary teams. 
3. Support the implementation of HSELP’s case management system by scaffolding and participating in processes and procedures outlined in the Guide. 
4. Engage in activities including: consultation meetings, classroom and child observations, strategizing and planning supports, parent education, staff training, screening review and follow-up, referrals, service coordination, participation in case management, and writing Individualized Support Plans. 
5. Complete timely and accurate documentation of service delivery—including consultation, observation, referrals, and follow up— utilizing HSELP electronic record keeping systems. 
6. Must be or become knowledgeable and remain current regarding Head Start Performance Standards, Department of Early Education and Care Regulations, and all other relevant program administrative requirements. 
7. Must adhere to agency confidentiality policies and standard of conduct policies. 
8. Must be able to travel to multiple sites in Franklin, Hampshire and Western Hampden Counties as assigned. 
9. Comply with agency and funders’ paperwork requirements and procedures 
10. Attend regularly scheduled supervision meetings, team meetings, mandatory agency trainings, and participate in professional development activities. 
11. Performs related work as required. 

 This does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the agency. 

Requirements

Essential Qualifications/Skills:

We invite individuals with lived experience who are part of communities that have been historically denied a full opportunity in aspects of economic, social, and civic life to apply. These communities include, but are not limited to, BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S, persons with disabilities, and persons adversely impacted by multigenerational poverty or other inequality.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies

• Judgment related to consultation practices and interpersonal relationships 
• Excellent oral and written communication skillsAble to work both collaboratively and independently 
• Flexible and able to effectively adapt to diverse learning styles

Key knowledge and experiences

• Early child development and relational health
• Family/parent support, child-caregiver relationships
• Case management
• Familiarity with social-emotional teaching practices such as Pyramid Model (NCPMI) 
• Classroom experience preferred
• Computer skills (Microsoft Suite, including SharePoint, Outlook/Calendar), databases, and electronic record keeping systems
• Be or become trained in the Brazelton Touchpoints approach
• Be or become knowledgeable of evidence-based approaches to infant/early childhood mental health consultation

To Qualify:

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree and licensure in social work, mental health counseling, or related field
• 1 year experience in infant/early childhood mental health

We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying. Please be clear and specific in application materials how your background, experience and transferable skills are relevant to this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demand and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, use a keyboard and climb stairs. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. 
• Must be able to engage in activities that include bending, floor activities, and lifting young children 6 weeks to 5+ years of age. 
• The employee must have the ability to drive a personal vehicle and program vehicles, as needed. 
• The noise level in the classroom is lively. The noise level of the office is generally quiet. The work environment is primarily an indoor office and classroom environment, with daily exposure to outdoor weather. 

AA/EOE/ADA 

REQUIREMENT FOR VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDING STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS

The Office of Head Start uses the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) as part of its monitoring processes, via recording or through on-site visits. ?In preparation, self-assessments of HS & ELP classrooms involve live, virtual or recorded observations of teachers working with children. 

Employment is contingent upon the following: a satisfactory Background Record Check (BRC) which includes Criminal Offender Record (CORI), Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check, a Sex Offender Registry (SORI), and -based national and state criminal history check. BRC and fingerprinting-based national and state criminal history check is to be completed every three years. In addition, employment is contingent on evidence of physical exam within the past year, plus verifications of MMRs and TB. Documentation of subsequent physical exams must be submitted every 2 years. Must have evidence of a good driving record and ability to be covered under Community Action’s non-owned and hired vehicle policy.