ECE Mental Health Specialist

ILHeadStart; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

HSA contributions

Teladoc services

401K match

Job summary

Metropolitan Family Services is hiring an Early Learning Mental Health Specialist to join the Midway Early Learning Teams at the Learning and Wellness Center in Chicago. The role partners with staff, families, and leadership to promote child mental health and well-being and provide targeted coaching and training.

The position emphasizes collaboration, supports classroom practices, and helps implement Student Support Plans while ensuring safety and program quality across Head Start/Early Head

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Child Development with additional education in Mental Health.
• 2+ years of experience in infant and early childhood development and mental health.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Identify and deliver training to support mental health in early learning settings.
• Observe classrooms and provide feedback to teachers and site leadership.
• Support positive learning environments and strategies for challenging behaviors.
• Assist in creating Student Support Plans and implementing strategies.
• Safeguard health and safety across Head Start/Early Head Start sites.
• Advocate for children and families through IEP/IFSP processes where applicable.
• Facilitate coaching sessions and programwide professional development.

Skills

Bilingual

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Child Development with mental health focus

Job description

Job Category: Early Childhood Education/Head Start

Requisition Number: ECEME005487

• Posted : October 5, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Learning & Wellness Center
Chicago, IL 60609, USA

Description

We are now hiring for an Early Learning Mental Health Specialist to join our Midway Early Learning Teams at our Learning and Wellness Center.

If you are excited about the opportunity to make this kind of life changing impact, read on to hear the best part about being a Mental Health Specialist within the Early Learning Program at Metropolitan Family Services! We currently have an opening in our Midway Early Learning programs located on the southwest side of Chicago.

Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package. Find out more by clicking here !

Some highlights include:

• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, and Vision Coverage.
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

And so much more! Make sure you click here to see the full suite of benefits offered!

Some of the above benefits are available for part-time and temporary workers, but not all. Be sure to inquire upon your hire as to which benefits apply to you.

SALARY: The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $57,000 - $65,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

JOB SUMMARY: The Early Learning Mental Health Specialist works collaboratively with staff, program leadership and families to create a safe space to understand how to effectively support the child's mental health and well-being.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify and create training and professional development opportunities to better support individualized learning and improve teaching practices in the mental health domain.

Observe classroom environment and provides feedback regarding teacher practices to teaching staff, as well as the Education Coach, Family Support Worker, and Site Supervisor.

Provide supports for effective classroom management and positive learning environments; supportive teacher practices; and strategies for supporting children with challenging behaviors and other social, emotional, and mental health concerns.

Support the creation of the Student Support Plan and provide assistance in implementing strategies to support children with mental health and social emotional concerns.

Assist in the implementation of policies to limit suspension and prohibit expulsion.

Assist staff in identifying prevalent child mental health concerns, including internalizing, as well as externalizing problems.

Assist parents and staff in accessing mental health interventions and understanding the importance of mental health and social emotional wellbeing.

Assure all sites adhere to strictest standards of health and safety.

Provides active supervision to ensure the safety of Head Start/Early Head Start children while in the classroom, during transitions, at time of transportation, and while on the playground. Ensures that no child shall be left alone or unsupervised.

Serve as an advocate for children and families through participation in IEP and/or IFSP development, including transitioning from an IFSP to an IEP when applicable. Monitor and provide feedback on individual plans for children suspected of disabilities or with certified plans.

Assist in developing supportive relationships between teacher, child, and family within the context of culture and community.

Plans and facilitates training and technical assistance in the form of individual coaching sessions, site team meetings, and whole program professional development opportunities

Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, CREDENTIALS, and EXPERIENCE

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Child Development with additional education in Mental Health or related field.

2+ years of experience in the areas related to infant and early childhood development and mental health.

• Bilingual skills in English/Spanish.

TRAVEL/MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle

TRAVEL BETWEEN SITES

Yes

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

LSW or LPC licensure.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

Ability to complete Orientation to the Illinois Model of Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation within 1 year of employment.

A demonstrated ability to engage in reflective practices and maintain a consultative stance.

Advanced writing and communication skills, knowledge of data analysis, and reflective leadership

METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES VALUES AND EXPECTED BEHAVIORS

Client Centered/Mission Driven

Adaptable

Goal Oriented/Solution Focused

Self-Reflective and Receptive to Feedback

Positive Demeanor

Trustworthy/Accountable

MORE ABOUT US

Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to complete Orientation to the Illinois Model of Infant Early ChildhoodMental Health Consultation within 1 year of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.