Early Childhood Clinician- Head Start

JOB SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Consultant (ECC) will serve as a mental health consultant to early childcare providers, educators and families. The ECC is an expert in the promotion of positive early childhood mental health. The ECC will possess skills that include a thorough knowledge of early childhood development/mental health coupled with an understanding of family dynamics and relationship building on an individual/family, provider, and community level. This position will represent The Village, Advanced Behavioral Health and its services in a positive and professional manner and adhere to both agencies’ best practices, guidelines, policies and procedures as established.

Starting annual salary Unlicensed $54,000 Bilingual Unlicensed $56,000 a Licensed Clinician $67,200

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Team with childcare staff to identify and provide interventions for young children, birth to five, who may be at risk of suspension and/or expulsion from a childcare or early education program.
• Act as a resource regarding early childhood development with emphasis on emotional and behavioral health and the importance of relationship between the child and parent/guardian.
• Ability to provide environmental assessments to support those identified children at risk.
• Provide coaching to early childcare providers in a manner that is culturally responsive to the child, family, and provider;
• Complete assessments and individualized plans to involve the early childcare provider, child, and family.
• Assist early childcare staff with appropriate referral information for identified children and families who may need more specialized services.
• Participate in training modules, regularly scheduled statewide meetings, and supervisory observations.
• Act as a liaison between family, early childcare provider, and other support agencies in the community.
• Integrate prevention and intervention on a systems level by participating in Systems of Care/Community Collaboratives.
• Work collaboratively with community agencies.
• Provide public education regarding early childhood topics, through community presentations.
• Provide required data and reports.
• Significant travel to offsite locations within the region.
• Flexible hours to meet the needs of early childhood educators and childcare agencies.
• Maintain confidentiality of all client protected health information and adhere to all HIPAA related to policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and cultural sensitivity in all activities involving individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Perform other tasks/responsibilities as required to support the program operations.

EDUCATION

• Master’s Degree in a Human Services related field (psychology, social work, marriage and family counseling).

EXPERIENCE

• Extensive knowledge and a demonstrated level of expertise in the field, in early childhood development, emotional and behavioral health, family systems, assessment skills, childhood development, attachment/separation issues, behaviors of new mothers, young mothers and fathers, substance abuse, domestic violence, verbal/physical/sexual abuse/neglect issues, mental illness, failure to thrive, low birth weight infants, and children with physical and developmental disabilities.
• Familiarity with early childhood care and educational systems and programs.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Strong attention to detail; ability to work on multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent PC skills with demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office Package (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Outlook); internet.
• Training and public speaking skills.
• Strong written and verbal skills required.