Behavioral Health Support Specialist

Agency Name: Tri-County Opportunities Council

Program Name: Early Head Start/Head Start Program

Job Title: Mental Health Specialist

Reports to: Program Director

Status: Full-Time. Full-Year. Wage based on experience and licensure.

Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, sociology, psychology, or human services is required. Applicant must also have a Certified Mental Health Provider certification or State of Illinois Licensure. Preferably specialized training or experience in Mental Health, Trauma Informed Care, Child Development, and working with vulnerable populations.

Other Requirements:

• Employment is contingent on a cleared criminal background check (national database), a cleared background check as per the Department of Children and Family Services Licensing Standards, and the successful completion of the 90-day probationary period.
• Must pass a general physical examination and TB screening at the time of hire and every two years after that. Provide proof of completed MMR and Tdap vaccinations.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds. While not essential, it may be required to have sufficient strength and flexibility (ability to stop, bend, twist, etc.)
• Must be able to enter and exit internal and external spaces safely and with ease
• Ability to be punctual and maintain regular attendance
• Ability to adjust to new situations (adaptable)
• Ability to manage time and multitask (work as a team and be self-directed)
• Ability to anticipate happenings, problem-solve, and offer viable solutions
• Ability to apply practical and responsive interpersonal skills
• Must be technology proficient
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR Certification
• Must retain Professional Malpractice Liability Insurance
• All other duties as assigned

Confidentiality: The person filling this position must abide by the program’s confidentiality policy and established Code of Ethics regarding children, family, staff, and agency matters.

Accountabilities: The Mental Health Specialist must ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and guidance, including Illinois professional licensing and certification requirements, Head Start Performance Standards, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Licensing Standards, and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Is responsible for coordinating/overseeing the delivery of behavioral and mental health services consistent with contractual agreements, laws, regulations and standards requirements.

Support the mission, goals, and objectives of the Tri-County Opportunities Council Community Action Agency and, more specifically, the Early Head Start/Head Start program.

Essential Duties: Oversee the mental health services within the T.C.O.C. EHS/HS program. Lead program-wide initiatives that promote culturally responsive and equity-based social-emotional practices. Model age-appropriate social-emotional interactions and facilitate staff training and individualized professional development supports. Provide trauma-informed care training and ongoing support to staff and enrolled families. Guide positive caregiving practices to enrolled families through mental health consultation, parenting classes, and other topics identified. Arrange program and site-level service coordination to meet the needs of children, families, and staff.

• Create physical and cultural environments that promote positive mental health and social-emotional functioning
• Assist staff in effectively managing classrooms and creating positive learning environments
• Coordinate and oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of positive guidance approaches for children presenting social-emotional challenges
• Ensure family engagement and partnership in the initial and ongoing support of their child’s social-emotional growth.
• Maintain open communication and collaborate with education, health/nutrition, and family service staff to ensure a full child assessment is completed on a child needing additional social-emotional supports
• Ensure collaboration with program families on the development, implementation, and review of an individual plan to meet their child’s needs (SESP)
• Use classroom/home visit observations and consultations to address teacher, classroom, or individual child needs
• Solicit ongoing feedback from staff, legal guardians, parents, and community partners, participating in quality assurance planning, data collection, analysis, and follow-up.
• Build community partnerships to facilitate access to additional mental health resources, interventions, and services as needed. (HSAC)
• Serve as liaison with other agencies and participate in local, regional, and state initiatives

Tri-County Opportunities Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provider. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Rock Falls, IL (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rock Falls, IL: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person