Mental Health Consultant

• Develop and distribute materials in areas of specialization, which include community resources, mental health, child abuse prevention, and parenting education.
• Debrief with staff regarding issues related to child abuse, domestic violence, and mental health concerns.
• Provide information, referral and coordinating efforts to link staff and families with appropriate community resources.
• Collaborate with outside agencies to advocate for the needs of Head Start families.
• Provide and/or monitor for regular, on-going consultation to classrooms.
• Use the results of screening and assessments to guide work with families, set goals, and develop individualized plans.

• Collaborate with community organizations to collect and disseminate additional information, and to arrange ancillary training and services.
• Ensure implementation of training at Teacher meetings.

• Observe collaboration and coordination among component areas.
• Identify the mental health needs of children and families using integrated screening systems and observations while providing assistance.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of the annual self-assessment process.
• Monitor mental health section of child files, including referrals.

• Attend interagency, organizational and committee meetings as appropriate
• Collaborate with outside agencies to advocate for the needs of Head Start families.
• Attend multidisciplinary meetings to coordinate services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to interpret complex policies and convey information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Skilled in problem-solving, diagnostics, and clinical documentation, including assessments and support plans for young children.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries.
• Effective in organizing, prioritizing, and managing time and workload.
• Proficient in using technology and resources to support staff, families, and program goals.
• Experienced in training and facilitating presentations for various group sizes.
• Committed to inclusive practices that meet the needs of children with disabilities, challenging behaviors, and from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of and ability to coordinate with local disability and mental health service providers; able to make appropriate referrals.

• Master’s degree required, in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
• Clinical license (MSW or QMPH) required within 6 months of hire date.
• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience in a mental health setting providing prevention services and/or mental health therapy to children and families.
• Experience with teaching and training adults.
• Experience with evidence-based practices and curricula to promote early childhood mental health is desirable, e.g., Incredible Years, Parents as Teachers.
• Bilingual/bicultural English Spanish strongly preferred.
• Maintain Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification.
• Maintain current enrollment in Oregon Central Background Registry.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance or must have acceptable alternative transportation.

• Sustained concentration, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously, along with handling highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to manage physically active children ages 0 to 5, including guiding, pursuing, and withstanding sudden movements.
• Regular sitting, working at computer keyboard and desk. Occasional bending, stooping and lifting up to 25 lbs.

• Supervised by Head Start Program Director
• Exempt/management
• Hours and weeks per year to be determined
• Pay:

• $41.79

Head Start of Lane County