What are the responsibilities and job description for the INFANT MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST / PSYCHOTHERAPIST position at SCO Family of Services?
To coordinate, oversee, enhance and implement all aspects pertaining to the mental health and development of the infants and toddlers in the program, and provide and supervise activities with teen mothers and their children to develop nurturing and healthy attachment in a 22-bed Maternity-Mother/Child program. To provide mental health services to the pregnant and parenting youth in the program.
Ensure that services are delivered in compliance with SCO, NYC, NYS, and federal standards, as well as standards for professional ethics.
Complete all contractually required documentation.
Participate in training and integrate evidence-based treatment in provision of clinical services
Participate in consultation with social service team members.
As an Infant Mental Health Specialist:
Initiate and coordinate enrichment program activities, such as mom and baby groups, multisensory stimulation programs, daytime infant and toddler groups, after school activity times, evening reading times.
Work with young mother/child dyads to promote bonding, healthy parenting practices and emotional regulation, using Child Parent Psychotherapy, play therapy or equivalent activities.
Experience with and sensitivity to using play and dyadic therapy as a vehicle to healing trauma.
Provide supervision and guidance to playroom staff.
Provide workshops to young mothers.
Conduct and/or supervise infant and child development and mental health assessments; make appropriate referrals for outside services such as Early Intervention, Power of 2 and Committee on Preschool Special Education as needed.
Serve as a resource for program staff regarding factors that affect infant and toddler functioning, including trauma, mental illness and substance use.
Work collaboratively with the Family Psychotherapist and social service teams.
Attend Treatment Team Meetings, provide progress reports to caseworkers regarding children’s progress and contribute to a positive, supportive, and cooperative team environment.
As a Psychotherapist:
Design and implement treatment plans for assigned cases
Provide direct trauma responsive treatment to clients in accord with clinical privileges and prepare all materials for the clinical records.
Encourage involvement of significant others in mental health services.
Qualifications - External
EDUCATION
MSW, MHC or MFT (or other Licensed Practitioners of the Healing Arts as defined by NYS Education Department) required, license strongly preferred, but permit eligibility is the minimum requirement.
Experience with infants and toddlers in clinical/preschool settings; at least two years of experience with children and/or adolescents, especially with a foster care population, preferable
Good computer skills (Word and Excel). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be organized and self-motivated; must be able to work independently and cooperatively; must be able to reach out to community resources. Must be enthusiastic and creative.
