Mental Health Specialist (Infant and Early Childhood)

Apply online at: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/lowercolumbia/jobs/4800055/mental-health-specialist-infant-and-early-childhood?visitor=fee43cf6-8ad1-4cf3-bc57-c579dca8d405&session=fb78ca9d-7450-4d46-9440-386d57db3fc8

At a Glance! This position oversees and provides Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) for the Head Start department. The Mental Health Specialist will work with the program leadership team and supervise the work of two team members to develop a culture of wellness by building caregivers’ capacity to strengthen and support the healthy social and emotional development of young children.

LCC Head Start/EHS/ECEAP celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world.

The Mental Health Specialist position is 11.75 months, 30 hours per week. Daily schedule is flexible with possible teleworking options. This position is exempt under FLSA and reports to the Director of Head Start/EHS/ECEAP.

The annual salary provided is prorated based on a 30-hour workweek. The hourly rate is between $28.09 and $36.78. A qualified candidate will be offered compensation at the higher end of the salary range.

Follow Head Start: For more on Lower Columbia College Head Start, see the Annual Report (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)and join our Social Media page.

Examples of Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide program guidance in the areas of social/emotional development, staff, family, and child well-being, and guide/establish mental health policy and procedures in accordance with performance standards. This includes actively participating in content area specialist and leadership team meetings and activities, program assessments, and program planning.
• Provide services defined in the Head Start/ECEAP Mental Health Specialist position description (HR2c7) and program mental health procedures.
• Supervise and oversee the work of the Head Start/ECEAP Mental Health Specialist.
• Direct and oversee the work of the Social/Emotional Support Specialist to ensure individual child and small group skill-building recommendations are implemented based on Mental Health Specialist recommendations.
• Provide individual child observation/assessment, general class, and Socialization observations, and parent consults following the request process outlined in the mental health policy/procedure.
• Create family/child support plans that include specific strategies for social/emotional support and coordinate with the area manager who will provide oversight of teacher implementation.
• Provide individual Reflective Supervision with the EHS staff twice monthly.
• Provide Reflective Supervision and/or debriefing support to any department staff as needed.
• Direct, train, and model social/emotional/behavioral interventions to staff as needed.
• Review and monitor child ASQ-3 screening results in partnership with the Disabilities Specialist.
• Attend and report mental health information to the Health Services & Mental Health Advisory Committee.
• Attend IFSP/IEP meetings as needed or requested by the Disabilities Specialist for the care coordination of children with social/emotional/behavioral concerns.
• Be an active participant and advocate in the community regarding mental health issues helping to develop community partnerships and collaborations.
• Track and monitor all children who are identified as needing social/emotional intervention. Document contacts and services provided in the mental health tab of Child Plus.
• Submit a monthly Mental Health Services Report to the director by the 15th of each month.
• Assist with the writing of social/emotional and mental health grants.
• Other duties as assigned.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Counseling or similar mental health professional degree
• Licensed or license eligible Provider in the state of Washington: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate with active supervision from a state approved supervisor
• Experience and/or willingness to serve diverse, low-income and/or underrepresented populations
• Knowledge of infant and early childhood development and mental health
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Model and foster reflection and self-awareness
• Ability to lead meetings and consultation sessions
• Capacity to tolerate ambiguity
• Commitment to on-going professional growth
• Computer skills for online databasing, Microsoft Office/ Excel, and Google Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in the field
• Certification, training, or endorsement in infant and early childhood mental health
• Utilizes a relationship-based model such as circle of security, conscious discipline, child parent psychotherapy, parent child interaction therapy, or promoting first relationships
• Can create a shared understanding about the impact of attachment, trauma/adversity, and healthy relationships on a child’s social/emotional and behavioral development
• Understands and actively practices diversity and equity informed approaches to work with children and families
• Experience in design and delivery of training
• Strong team leadership skills
• Training and experience in Reflective Practice/Supervision

Physical Requirements
Seldom = 1 – 10% of the time
Occasionally = 11 – 33% of the time
Frequently = 34 – 66% of the time

• Seldom - office furniture rearrangement
• Seldom - in emergency situations, pick up children, up to 80 lbs. (with assistance)
• Seldom - squat
• Occasionally – lifting/carrying office supplies and materials (up to 52 lbs.)
• Occasionally bend over to pick up items
• Occasionally - drive to and from family’s homes to complete home visits
• Occasionally - sit either on child-sized chairs or the floor
• Occasionally - bend over to pick up items and/or assist children
• Occasionally extended periods of standing
• Frequently - sit at desk
• Frequently - sit for long periods of time (up to 7 hours) and during mandatory trainings

Prior to First Day of Employment

• Washington State Patrol Background Check
• Sex Offender Registry Check
• TB test completed within the last year
• Food Worker Card
• Valid Driver’s License
• Cleared Portable Background Check through MERIT (to include fingerprinting)
• Policy Council Approval
• Provide Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) or Acceptable Version of CIS in accordance with the Washington Department of Health, to include:
• MMR Vaccine or proof of immunity to measles

The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.

Supplemental Information

How to apply:

An online application must be completed for consideration. Click “Apply” at the top of the page to get started. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself):

• Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position
• Resume
• References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor
• Unofficial transcripts

Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.

Lower Columbia College Human Resources

For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at (360) 442-2120, or email us directly at .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Kendra Sprague, Vice President of Foundation, HR & Legal Affairs, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, title9@lowercolumbia.edu, Phone number, (360) 442-2120, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388.

• Learn more on our
• The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit .
• The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

LCC celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. For more information, see .

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at .

Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our .

Conditions of Employment

• If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.

Anticipated Start Date

LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $43,992.00 - $57,600.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Longview, WA 98632 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Longview, WA 98632: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $43,992 - $57,600