The YMCA's Head Start/Early Head Start programs are now hiring a Mental Health Coordinator!

The Mental Health Coordinator will ensure Head Start/Early Head Start programs implement and adhere to the Head Start Performance Standards, state, and local requirements for Mental Health services. This role will implement systems to provide mental health services according to Head Start/Early Head Start network policies and procedures.

This is a grant funded position with a starting salary of $75,000 per year.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:  We offer salaries that reflect your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our team.  Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible employees, along with access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.  Generous paid time off (PTO), including paid holidays. We also offer flexible work hours to help you balance your personal and professional life.  403(b) plan with company contributions after 2 years of service to help you plan for your future.  Opportunities for continuous learning through workshops and training programs.  A supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.  Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events. 

Scope of Responsibilities: 

Coordinates with program Mental Health Consultant to ensure mental health services are being provided according to the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Start Early Policies and Procedures. Responsible for leading the Conscious Discipline Action Team, including coordination, training schedule, tracking, and monitoring of the implementation of the Conscious Discipline social emotional curriculum in both Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Responsible for coordinating a multidisciplinary team that supports children going through the mental health referral process. This process includes formulating and monitoring Interim Support Plans and Positive Behavior Support Plans. Supports implementation of Interim and Positive Behavior Support Plans with teaching teams in classrooms by observation with feedback, monitoring lesson plans, and supporting teaching teams in the classroom with modeling intervention strategies. Supervises the Inclusion Aide position, including biweekly reflective supervision, creating a weekly classroom schedule, and supporting the classroom implementation of individualizations and interventions identified from support plans. In collaboration with program and site leadership, this position is responsible for planning and coordinating staff wellness initiatives throughout the program year. Creates and maintains collaborative community partnership agreements with local community-based mental health services programs to ensure families have access to mental health services in their local community for both parents and children.

Minimum and Preferred Requirements: 

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Marriage and Family Therapy is required. Clinical licensure is strongly preferred. Must be license eligible at time of hire Minimum of two years of experience in an Early Childhood Education setting Strong understanding of the Head Start Program Performance Standards Training or Competency. Demonstrated understanding of infant and early childhood mental health consultation practices within the scope of the Head Start Program Performance Standards Knowledgeable of theories and principles of child growth, development, and early childhood education. Familiarity with various Early Childhood Education curriculums, assessment systems, and lesson planning. Experience with Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold strongly preferred. Communicate effectively and function well with parents, staff, and various professional community groups. Experience in working with culturally diverse populations and demonstrating a commitment to upholding the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Strong analytical, communication (both written and verbal), interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and collaborate as a member of a team. Must understand Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and local licensing requirements.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required