Bilingual Early Learning Mental Health Specialist

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do. 

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Are you looking to have an impact on more than just a company’s bottom line? Then we’d love to hear from you!

If you are excited about the opportunity to make a life changing impact, read on to hear the best part about being a Mental Health Specialist within the Early Childhood Education Program at Metropolitan Family Services!

SALARY: The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $50,000 to $60,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Identify and create training and professional development opportunities to better support individualized learning and improve teaching practices in the mental health domain.
• Observe classroom environment and provides feedback regarding teacher practices to teaching staff, as well as the Education Coach, Family Support Worker, and Site Supervisor.
• Provide supports for effective classroom management and positive learning environments; supportive teacher practices; and strategies for supporting children with challenging behaviors and other social, emotional, and mental health concerns.
• Support the creation of the Student Support Plan and provide assistance in implementing strategies to support children with mental health and social emotional concerns.
• Assist in the implementation of policies to limit suspension and prohibit expulsion.
• Assist staff in identifying prevalent child mental health concerns, including internalizing, as well as externalizing problems.
• Assist parents and staff in accessing mental health interventions and understanding the importance of mental health and social emotional wellbeing.
• Assure all sites adhere to strictest standards of health and safety.
• Provides active supervision to ensure the safety of Head Start/Early Head Start children while in the classroom, during transitions, at time of transportation, and while on the playground.
• Ensures that no child shall be left alone or unsupervised.
• Serve as an advocate for children and families through participation in IEP and/or IFSP development, including transitioning from an IFSP to an IEP when applicable.
• Monitor and provide feedback on individual plans for children suspected of disabilities or with certified plans.
• Assist in developing supportive relationships between teacher, child, and family within the context of culture and community.
• Plans and facilitates training and technical assistance in the form of individual coaching sessions, site team meetings, and whole program professional development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

• Ability to complete Orientation to the Illinois Model of Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation within 1 year of employment.
• A demonstrated ability to engage in reflective practices and maintain a consultative stance. 
• Advanced writing and communication skills, knowledge of data analysis, and reflective leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• LSW or LPC licensure preferred.
• Bilingual skills in English/Spanish preferred.
• Master's degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, Child Development with additional education in Mental Health or related field required. 
• 2 years of experience in the areas related to infant and early childhood development and mental health required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactorily pass all screenings and criminal background checks.

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle. Travel between sites required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal.

Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package. Find out more by clicking here! 

Some highlights include: 

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage, Guardian Dental Coverage, and VSP Vision Coverage.
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

And so much more! Make sure you click here to see the full suite of benefits offered!

MORE ABOUT US:

Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.  

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000