Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Job description

Position: Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Department: Professional Development

The Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc., in partnership with the Child Care Council of Nassau, manages the Long Island Infant Early Childhood Resource Center as part of the statewide Infant and Toddler Network. With new funding from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, the network is launching the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program. This model is based on several evidence-based programs and will bring a mental health lens to the work to strengthen the quality of early childhood education for Long Island’s infants and toddlers.

Job Summary:

The Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMHC) Consultant will be a member of the Child Care Council of Suffolk’s Department of Professional Development and work as part of the team to promote healthy growth in young children by supporting quality early childhood opportunities. The IECMHC will promote positive mental health and social and emotional development of infants and toddlers in early childhood settings. The IECMHC will not be providing direct therapeutic services to children in this role; rather, the Consultant will focus on building the capabilities, skills and mental health competencies of the early care and education staff and caregivers.

Overall, the goal of the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health consultation service is to focus on promoting positive interactions between adults and the children by using a mental health knowledge base to inform decisions and strategies. The Consultant will provide an intensive and targeted approach that will bolster existing work to improve overall quality of early childhood education settings. By utilizing a problem-solving approach to increase the capacity of the infant and toddler caregivers, it is expected that the Consultant will help child care staff and caregivers adapt to a model of care that reduces challenging behaviors, increases pro-social behaviors, and reduces expulsions and suspensions in early care and education settings.

Program Specific Requirements:

• Provide on-site consultation to early childhood programs that reflects and respects thephilosophy of early childhood mental health consultation practices, the assigned program,and that is culturally responsive to the child, the caregiver, and the early care andeducation setting.

• Promote positive mental health and social-emotional well-being by providing educationon mental health issues; develop an understanding and respect for early childhoodmental health within the early childhood setting and with caregivers.

• Model the best uses for developmental, social and emotional screening tools; supportimplementation within the program.

• In conjunction with the early childhood program, design and support implementation ofprogram practices responsive to identified behavioral and mental health concerns of anindividual child or group of children; support strategies to promote overall positive social-emotional development of infants and toddlers.

• Share resources for social-emotional learning in early care and education environments.

• Assist infant and toddler programs in building appropriate referral networks andprocesses for connecting with outside community-based services.

• Collaborate with early care and education program administration to develop inclusivepolicies and practices for working with all children, and to implement effective policiesand practices that promote effective self-care strategies for staff.

• Participate in ongoing continuing education, which may include, but is not limited to the following topics: IECMHC best/evidence-based practices, Adverse Childhood Experiences,Cultural Diversity & Humility, DC 0-5 Assessment, Early Childhood Mental HealthAssessment and Strategies.

• Complete all required documentation timely and accurately.

• Attend all required supervision including but not limited to: model, data, clinical.

• Other duties as assigned and required by local CCR&R.

Technology & Data System:

• Participate in weekly data and evaluation support calls with outside partner to assure the consistent & accurate use of data collection systems.

• Data analysis for interpretation & planning for quality improvement.

• Maintain documentation specific to position.

• Maintain certification for all assessment tools.

• Maintain confidentiality of all client protected health information and adheres to all HIPAA related policies and procedures.

Community Engagement:

• Participate in external committees, task forces, community meetings, and visibility even as requested to promote the program, and to build a professional practice network on local, regional, and/or national levels.

• Participate in monthly IECMHC Consultation calls to build an effective statewide practice.

Professional Conduct:

• Maintain confidentiality at all times regarding personnel matters, health and employment information, business practices, and client information.

• Engage in respectful and professional interactions with community members, clients, peers, and colleagues. Work in a manner that complements that of others according to

policies and rules of workplace practice. Contribute to the development of work place and professional relationships based on acceptance of cultural diversity.

• Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in all communication and interactions with co- workers, colleagues, and clients.

• Travel throughout the County (region) will be required.

• Willingly conduct other duties as assigned.

Supervision: The IECMHC will report to the Director of the Department of Professional Development who will assign and oversee the work of the Consultant. In addition, supervision on this project will be across three levels: model adherence, data input, and reflective/clinical/group supervision with a licensed professional. This will be supported by the Early Care & Learning Council, and project consultants. Performance evaluations will be conducted by the Director of Education at the Child Care Council of Suffolk quarterly for 12 months post hire and annually with quarterly check-ins thereafter.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, BehavioralTherapy or other related counseling/mental health degree. Licensed- or Licensed-eligible clinicians preferred.

• Three to Five years of experience working with children and/or families, and/or earlychildhood settings.

• Experience with adult learning, teaching, coaching and/or training.

• Working knowledge of infant and early childhood typical and atypical development,early childhood mental health, adverse childhood experiences, family systems.

• Awareness of issues leading to high rates of suspension and expulsion in early care andeducation settings.

• Demonstrated experience with, or attention to equity, inclusion, and cultural humility.

• Written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present and engage with diverseaudiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities.

• Ability to work independently within a flexible schedule, and demonstrate effective timemanagement.

• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is needed. This position requires travel throughout the County (region) to provide consultation services on-site at various early childhood programs.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• 7 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Commack, NY 11725: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $62,000 - $68,000