Early Childhood Mental Health Behavior Support Specialist -$1500 Bonus

Work as part of the classroom, modeling the strategies in real time for teachers!

• Walker is looking for someone who has experience with implementing positive support plans and direct experience in working with young children in the classroom.

Position Summary:

The primary focus of the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program is to create nurturing environments that advance social-emotional and behavioral health outcomes among children, families, and early childhood professionals. This position works across a broad range of early care and education (ECE) settings to promote wellness in young children by increasing the capacity of adult caregivers to support children's developmental needs. The ECMHC program broadly seeks to increase child and caregiver resilience, while reducing challenging behaviors (including those that lead to suspensions and expulsions) by utilizing evidence-based best practices; providing early identification of behavioral concerns; and making referrals to appropriate community services. In addition, this position may also provide critical ancillary activities including push in support, parent education, consultation to other early childhood serving systems (home visiting, child welfare teams), and community training on topics related to social-emotional development and well‐being of young children.

Essential Job Functions:

● Work closely with program clinicians/consultants to coordinate and deliver regular onsite services to EEC programs, providing guidance to professionals and caregivers to effectively understand and support children’s positive behavior and development.

● Promote high quality interactions and relationships between children and their peers and teaching teams as well as administration and teachers.

● Create a shared understanding of the effects of trauma and adversity, including oppression, prejudice, discrimination, racism, and gender inequity on the developing brain and the impacts of these on behaviors observed in childcare settings.

● Support the mental health and well-being of adults who care for children.

● Connect and refer children, families, and providers to programs, resources, and supports that will foster their development while addressing barriers to access.

● Build relationships with other early childhood serving systems within a community.

● Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in the ECMH field.

● Participate as an active member of a fast-paced team and evolving organization

● Adhere to the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation grant requirements, as outlined by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) FY2024 ECMHC RFR.

● Attend ECMHC trainings, meetings, and staff meetings.

● Participate in reflective supervision.

● Complete Infant and/or Preschool Mental Health Endorsement through MassAIMH.

Education and Work Experience Qualifications:

Required:

● Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as social work, psychology or related field with a focus or experience in early childhood development.

● Demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and expertise of child development, early childhood mental health, early childhood social/emotional screening and assessment tools, prevention and intervention techniques, and local resources.

● Experience working with children and families.

● Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with diverse and culturally unique populations.

● Proficient in use of Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and other computer functions.

● Proven ability to work independently and in a team, manage time, complete assignments, and meet deadlines

● Ability to adapt and be flexible in a constantly changing environment that adjusts to meet organizational and community needs.

● Demonstrated experience working as a member of a team.

● Ability to drive throughout the region when needed in a reliable personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement available).

● Valid MA Driver’s License and Vehicle Insurance.

*Full-time (40 hours/week). May require occasional evening or weekend hours.

Desired:

● Experience working with young children with emotional/behavioral challenges and their families.

● Have received the following trainings/certifications:

○ Infant Mental Health Endorsement through MassAIMH