Job Type
Full-time
Description
JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM
At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children's Services), we honor young children's immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children's well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida.
ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes :
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Long-term & short-term disability insurance
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Paid holidays
- Generous paid time off
- Career development
- Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
GENERAL DESCRIPTION :
Ensure that the Child Mental Health performance standards are met in Head Start and Early Head Start.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES :
Support timely and effective identification of and supportive intervention to family and staff concerns about a child's mental health.Work with teachers, home visitors, parents / guardians, and program support staff to use observations, screening results, and other systematic ways to identify and address children's mental health needs.Track and monitor social emotional screenings to ensure compliance with the 45- day requirement; ensure follow-up as needed.Observe and provide infant and early childhood mental health consultation to assigned caseload according to a consistent schedule to understand program needs, to be recognized by center staff and families as an approachable team member, and to provide effective consultation support to staff and families for children with identified mental health concerns :Design and implement program practices responsive to the identified behavioral and mental health concerns of an individual child or group of children;Complete observations to provide recommendations and strategies to caregivers for children with atypical behavior or development.Provide individual on-site support through modeling and consultation to identified children; and;Utilize other community mental health resources, as needed5. Schedule regular on-site mental health consultation involving program staff and parents on how to :
Promote children's mental wellness by providing group and individual staff and parent education on mental health issues; andUtilize other community mental health resources, as needed6. Work with center staff, support staff, and parents to design a supportive intervention program based on observation, staff input, parent input, and screening results.
7. Participate in case management meetings and file reviews for assigned center.
8. Identify and work with available mental health resources in the community; refer families for further supportive and clinical services as needed.
9. Support the implementation of the University Practicum Student program within the Head Start programs.
10. Coordinate with local mental health service providers as needed.
11. Work with Family Advocate and Center Manager to arrange for further, formal, evaluation of a child when appropriate.
12. Complete postpartum depression screening with pregnant women within 2 weeks of delivery.
13. Assist with and attend Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee (HMHSAC) meetings. Assist with providing mental health training to teachers throughout the year and during preservice training.
14. Assist with summer screenings at assigned centers.
15. Keep informed of current professional knowledge and strategies for social- emotional development through participation in workshops and by reading professional publications.
16. Maintain accurate documentation in Child Plus on a weekly basis.
17. Assist with Program Information Report (PIR) data at the close of each school year.
18. Keep supervisor informed of relevant information related to the safety and well- being of the child and family while maintaining compliance with ECS's policies and procedures.
(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP :
This position reports to the Child Mental Health Specialist Manager
Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
Master's degree required with a major in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy or related field required.Licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist or meet licensing eligibility as a registered intern.Internship pathway available for ECS employees who have completed or are in the process of completing their clinical internship placement with ECS.3 or more years of experience serving young children and their families, highly preferred.SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES :
Knowledge in childhood development, the effects of stress and trauma on families, and the impacts of adult mental illness on developing childrenKnowledge of sociology, child growth & development, mental health theory & practice, human behavior / social environment, psychology, research methodsKnowledge of effective methods to improve a child's emotional stabilityKnowledge of social services available to link families with appropriate agenciesAbility to utilize trauma-informed practices when working with children and families, ensuring a safe, supportive, and empathetic environmentAbility to build and maintain positive relationships with staff and parents, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.Ability to work with the public in a tactful and diplomatic mannerAbility to perform tasks with little direct supervisionAbility to exercise good judgment and emotional maturityCommitment to strengthen families but with ultimate commitment to the well-being of the childKnowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting proceduresKnowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced levelAbility to communicate effectively both orally and in writingAbility to maintain confidential informationAbility to plan and organize work as well as maintain records and prepare reportsAbility to multi-task, prioritize and work in fast-paced environmentAbility to be reflective, compassionate, and understand cultural differences while working in partnership with staff, families, and childrenSpanish, bilingual skills preferred, but not required.CERTIFICATIONS :
Valid driver's license and proof of automobile coverageSatisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)Licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist or meet licensing eligibility as a registered intern.Internship pathway available for ECS employees who have completed or are in the process of completing their clinical internship placement with ECS.Completion of 15 hours in-service / professional development training hours annually (July-June)ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :
Works in early childhood classrooms and office settingsLocal travel to multiple sites is requiredMinimal night, weekend or out-of-town work possibleESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS :
Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)Ability to communicate both orally and in writingAbility to lift up to 50 lbs.(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)
Salary Description
$26.61-27.46
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