Overview
Mental Health Coordinator
Join an exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965 through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to employee’s individualized professional growth and development.
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Comprehensive Services Manager, the Mental Health (MH) Coordinator is part of the Comprehensive Services team and supports the coordination of mental health services to children, families and staff. The MH Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of services that support the administration and ongoing assessment of services and partnerships in the areas of mental health and wellness. The MH Coordinator provides staff training and development including on-site consultation, coaching and mentoring to staff.
Position is regular full-time, Non-Exempt. Salary range is $24-$28 an hour (dependent on qualifications/experience) plus pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification.
PRIMARY RESPONSBILITIES
- Responsible for monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Link children and families to an ongoing source of continuous, accessible mental health care, as appropriate.
- Facilitate referrals for mental health resources and services for children and families.
- Coordinate and schedule MH Consultants to conduct mental health classroom observations and staff trainings/workshops/support groups.
- Coordinate a regular schedule of on-site consultation by a mental health professional that supports parent and staff efforts to address children’s needs in a timely manner.
- Track provision of all child and family mental health services and ensure that follow-up services are received in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with other CFDP managers and the broader agency, to identify innovative opportunities to promote a culture of mental wellbeing in all areas.
- Collaborate with education staff to integrate positive social-emotional development into service delivery.
- Implement the Social-Emotional Curriculum and Trauma Informed Care practices in partnership with other staff.
- Collaborate with Family Services Manager to plan and implement ongoing trainings on mental wellness, social-emotional development and other relevant topics based on identified needs and interests of parents.
- Consult with Teachers, Home Visitors and Family Service Advocates as needed to provide staff with strategies in supporting children and their families participating in the program.
- Provide developmentally appropriate strategies to support staff in supporting children’s social-emotional development and wellbeing for behavioral challenges.
- Assist, collect, monitor and analyze programmatic/client data.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BA degree in a field closely related to Mental Health or Early Childhood Education with coursework and/or experience related to mental health.
- Three plus years’ experience working with families and children ages 0-5 (Head Start/Early Head Start experience is a plus).
- Knowledge of early development and work experience in-group settings for children.
- Experience with assessment of young children’s social and emotional functioning.
- Experience in mentoring/coaching, and training early childhood staff
- Experience working with diverse populations.
- Computer competence; knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
- Experience with electronic record keeping systems and reporting.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated; ability to work both independently and within a team successfully.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, be detailed oriented, exercise good judgement and multi-task.
- Flexibility; must be able to work evenings/weekends as needed.
- Must have a valid Driver’s License, your own vehicle, valid vehicle insurance and good driving record,
and willingness to travel to offsite locations
- Must be able to pass and maintain background check
- Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States.
- Health Screen, MMR (Measles), Tdap (Pertussis), Negative TB results and COVID-19 (vaccine) before hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in data analysis, presenting findings and creating action plans (highly desirable).
- Experience with Trauma Informed Care practices.
- Bilingual English/Spanish (strongly preferred).
About us
Encompass Community Services has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1973, providing a broad spectrum of social services to over 8,000 children, individuals, and families annually. As the largest community-based, nonprofit human services provider in Santa Cruz County, we deliver quality, culturally competent, cost-effective services through a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more.
Position works in the Child & Family Development Programs (CFDP) service area. This service area provides early childhood education, social services, and parent education to 1,000 families with young children each year via Head Start/Early Head Start and State Preschool. Offering this support as early as possible promotes healthy families and encourages parents to nurture their child’s physical, social and cognitive development.
Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan, 403(b) retirement plan, vacation (regular position only), paid holidays and sick time.
Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
If we find that your qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, we will contact you with further instructions. Thank you for your interest in Encompass!