Mental Health Consultant

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY : S upports the mental health and social-emotional well-being of children, families, and staff in Head Start programs. This role involves direct consultation, training, and collaboration with program staff and families to foster a culture of wellness, early identification of concerns, and access to appropriate services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

1. Program-Wide Mental Health Support

A. Promote a culture of mental health and wellness across the program

B. Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement mental health policies and procedures

C. Participate in strategic planning and quality improvement initiatives related to mental health

2. Consultation Services

A. Provide monthly on-site consultation services or coordinate with licensed professionals if unavailable

B. Support staff in creating nurturing, responsive relationships and positive learning environments

C. Assist in identifying and responding to staff and children’s mental health concerns, including trauma and behavioral issues

3. Family Engagement

A. Partner with families to support their mental health and well-being

4B. Facilitate access to community mental health resources and referrals

C. Participate in family events and meetings to introduce mental health services and reduce stigma

4. Staff Wellness

A. Promote staff mental health through wellness initiatives and responsive support

B. Provide training and resources to help staff manage stress and build resilience

C. Screening and Referrals

D. Ensure timely mental health screenings for children and appropriate follow-up

E. Collaborate with education, health, and disability services to coordinate care

5. Compliance and Documentation

A. Maintain documentation in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Alaska licensing regulations (7 AAC 10, 7 AAC 57, AMC 16.55)

B. Participate in audits, inspections, and evaluations as required by state and municipal authorities

NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE :

1. Cultural Knowledge : Must be familiar with Alaska Native / American Indian heritage and culture and be able to serve and effectively communicate with the children and families enrolled in the CINHS program.

2. Strong interpersonal and communication skills

3. Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams

4. Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse family backgrounds

5. Capacity to train and coach staff effectively

6. Commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice

QUALIFICATIONS :

1.       Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field

2.       Licensed mental health professional, preferred or under the supervision of a licensed provider

3.       Minimum of 2 years working with young children and families in early childhood settings

4.       Familiarity with early childhood mental health (ECMH), trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices

Company Description

We are required to have a job application. Please email me at jwilson@cinhs.net to obtain one.

• \tMission : Building Strong Foundations with Alaska Native Families through Alaska Native Cultures and Education
• \tVision : Strong Native Children and Their Families Reaching Their Full Potential
• \tProgram goals :

o\tEstablish a supportive learning environment for children, parents, and staff. Value & promote the building of awareness, skills, & understanding.

o\tRecognize that the members of the Head Start community - children, families, & staff - have roots in many cultures. Work as a team and effectively promote respectful and proactive approaches to diversity.

o\tFamilies are empowered when families, governing bodies, & staff share the responsibility of program governance. Hear and respect the ideas and opinions of families.

o\tEmbrace a comprehensive vision of health for children, families, & staff. Assure that basic health needs are met, encourage preventive health practices, and promote behaviors that enhance life-long wellbeing.

o\tRespect the importance of all aspects of individual development, including social, emotional, cognitive, & physical growth.

o\tBuild a community in which each child & adult is respected as an individual while still belonging to the group.

o\tFoster relationships with the larger community to build a network of partners that respect families and staff.

o\tDevelop a continuum of care, education and services that allows stable, uninterrupted support to children & families before, during & after their Head Start experience.

Company Description

We are required to have a job application. Please email me at jwilson@cinhs.net to obtain one.\r\n\r\n