Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

We are seeking to hire experienced mental health professionals who are looking for an expanded role as an early childhood mental health consultant to provide consultation services within early care and education settings. Smart Support is a nationally recognized program comprised of mental health professionals who work within early care and education settings including center-based and home-based childcare centers, school district preschools, and home visiting programs throughout our state. We partner with early childhood educators to enhance their understanding of and capacity to meet the mental health needs of young children living in urban, rural, and tribal communities. Watch this short video to learn more about the role.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

·      Engage in relationship-based work that supports healthy caregiver-child attachment relationships and encourages responsive, nurturing learning environments

·      Demonstrate sensitivity to linguistic, cultural, social, economic, individual, and role differences among persons and families served

·      Help providers understand the effects of stress and trauma on families and consider all levels of influence to support young children and their caregivers

·      Assist providers with the identification of behavioral or emotional needs of young children, through classroom observation and provide community resources as needed to the families they serve

·      Collaborate with childcare staff, directors, and families to generate suggestions and trauma-informed strategies to promote optimal mental health in all children

·      Provide training on overall social and emotional wellness with specific topics related to child development, emotional regulation, communication, self-care, and other related topics

·      Join us in a state-wide effort to reduce preschool expulsion

If you don't think you can meet every qualification below, we still encourage you to apply. We value both current experience and future potential!

Qualifications

·      Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related.

·      Degree must be eligible for licensure through the AZ Board of Behavioral Health

·      Must have a state-issued driver’s license and an insured, reliable vehicle.

·      Working with children ages birth to five and their families

Preferred Qualifications

·      At least one year post-master experience.

·      Clinical experience working with children aged birth to five and their families

·      Experience working in a classroom setting or consulting with teachers

·      Experience working in a home visiting program

·      Experience working with economically disadvantaged and culturally diverse populations

·      Knowledge of special education procedures and the special needs of young children with disabilities and their families

·      Bilingual, Spanish and English