Early Childhood Mental Health Intern presso Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County

Description

Early Childhood Mental Health Intern

Job Description

EXEMPT: No  SALARY LEVEL: $ 21-25/hr Paid Internship

DEPARTMENT: LifeWorks Behavioral Health LOCATION: On site, in person

REPORTS TO: Clinical Director HOURS:  PT 20-25 hours per week- Flexible Schedule

Date: 08/27/2025 APPROVED BY: Human Resources Director

AGENCY BACKGROUND:  The objective of Sonoma Community Action Network (Sonoma CAN) is to partner with low-income families and individuals to help them achieve economic and social empowerment, build community, and advocate for social and economic justice.  Sonoma CAN operates a wide variety of programs benefiting low-income Sonoma County residents.

Our Mission: Sonoma CAN is a catalyst of equitable transformation, aligning partners and resources to implement values-based, data-driven, community-led solutions that help families reach their full potential.

Our Vision: We see our Sonoma County transformed into an empowered community of thriving families where every child is raised with joy, justice, and connection.

Our Values: Joy, Amor, Esperanza, Equity, Fuerza, Dignity, Inclusión

Our Promise: Sonoma CAN changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

WORKING AT SONOMA CAN

At Sonoma Community Action Network (SonomaCAN), we believe that a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthens our team and helps us better serve our community. We are committed to fair hiring practices and a workplace where employees are treated with respect and have the opportunity to grow professionally.

We make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. Our hiring process complies with all federal, state, and local laws related to equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who meet the qualifications to apply.

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

The Early Childhood Mental Health Intern (MHS Intern) will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in early childhood mental health consultation while supporting Sonoma CAN’s Early Childhood Education Department, including Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms and programs.

This paid internship is designed to provide meaningful professional growth and career preparation. Interns will:

• Build experience hours by observing and consulting in classrooms alongside experienced staff.
• Receive training and mentoring in early childhood mental health practices.
• Support screenings, assessments, and referrals under supervision.
• Assist with planning and facilitating parent workshops and group services.
• Learn about Head Start Performance Standards and state regulations by helping with data collection, recordkeeping, and compliance tracking.
• Strengthen skills in consultation, coaching, and collaboration with teachers, families, and program leaders.

This internship is ideal for graduate students or advanced undergraduates in psychology, counseling, social work, or early childhood education who are seeking internship hours, direct practice opportunities, and real-world learning in a supportive, mission-driven nonprofit environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Internship Responsibilities

1. Classroom Learning and Observations (40%)

• Shadow and assist with classroom visits (at least once per month), observing teaching practices, child interactions, and classroom environments.
• Learn how to provide child development information related to social-emotional development and mental health.
• Support staff by observing how screenings and assessments are selected and interpreted, and practice providing input under supervision.
• Participate in developing feedback for classrooms, practicing both written and oral communication of observations.
• Join classroom team meetings with supervisors to learn how observations inform action plans.

2. Staff Training Exposure (10%)

• Assist in preparing training materials for quarterly staff sessions.
• Observe and support trainings led by experienced staff on social-emotional and mental health topics.
• Practice co-facilitating small segments or discussions under supervision.

3. Programmatic Learning (5%)

• Participate in weekly team meetings to understand program operations and consultation practices.
• Learn how policies and procedures are developed and implemented in early childhood mental health.

4. Parent Engagement (5%)

• Support outreach for at least one parent training during the year.
• Assist in preparing and co-facilitating a parent session under supervision.

5. Child- and Family-Centered Observations (20%)

• Conduct supervised observations of individual children referred for consultation.
• Learn how to document developmental needs and participate in creating support plans.
• Observe and practice family consultation conversations under supervision.
• Join scheduled home visits (as appropriate) to learn family-centered approaches.

6. Screening and Referral Practice (5%)

• Assist with developmental and behavioral screenings as assigned, under direct supervision.
• Learn how referrals are made and tracked within agency and community systems.

7. Reflective Supervision (10%)

• Participate in reflective supervision groups with licensed clinical supervisors.
• Reflect on professional growth, challenges, and practice skills in a supportive learning space.

8. Additional Learning Opportunities (5%)

• Join regular supervision meetings with the Clinical Director and ECE leadership.
• Learn about Head Start reporting and compliance by assisting with data collection and documentation.
• Participate in group and departmental meetings to gain a broader understanding of program operations.

SUPERVISION 

The MHS will report to the Clinical Director who will assign and oversee the work of the MHS. Supervision meetings will occur on a weekly basis between the Director and the MHS. Additional meetings with ECE leadership will be expected on an at least monthly basis. The MHS will also participate in biweekly clinical supervision with a licensed professional. 

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

KNOWLEDGE 

• Demonstrated understanding of infant and early childhood mental health. 

• Demonstrated understanding of differences in mental health services and concepts across cultures. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of child mental health services system.

• Demonstrated experience with clinical documentation. 

• Experience formulating and writing assessments and support plans, preferably for young children. 

• Experience with evidence-based practices and curricula to promote early childhood mental health is desirable, e.g., Incredible Years, Parents as Teachers. • Knowledge of Head Start is desirable. 

SKILLS 

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with service providers and families. 

• Partner with providers as a member of a diverse team. 

• Lead and facilitate provider training and/or parent education groups. 

• Conduct standardized screens and assessments, preferably for young children. 

• Use results of screens and assessments to guide work with families, set goals, and develop individualized plans. 

• Refer providers and families to appropriate community services. 

• Communicate effectively with diverse groups both verbally and in writing. 

• Organize tasks and manage time effectively. 

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND HEALTH CLEARANCES: 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to manage physically active children ages 3 to 5, including guiding, pursuing, restraining, and withstanding sudden movements. 

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. 

• Must have valid driver’s license and proof of insurance or must have acceptable alternative transportation.

• Maintain first aid and CPR certification. 

• Maintain compliance with Criminal History Registry

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education and Training 

• Enrollment in a Master’s degree program that allows for clinical licensure required, preferably in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field. 

• Clinical license or working under the supervision of licensed provider

• Minimum of two years direct experience in a mental health setting providing prevention services and/or mental health therapy to children and families. 

• Bilingual/bicultural English-Spanish strongly preferred. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use the computer keyboard and mouse, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, stoop, crouch, and lift/move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of

activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties,

responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.