ECMH Mental Health Consultant (Bilingual - Spanish)

COLLABORATIVE FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INC; Northampton (MA); Hybrid; USD 60,173,568 - 77,724,192; Full time

Job summary

COLLABORATIVE FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INC in Hampden County seeks a bilingual Early Childhood Specialist to support early education providers and families, focusing on social-emotional development and reducing suspensions in preschool environments.

The position requires a Master’s in a related field, Spanish fluency, experience with young children and families, and the ability to work independently within a hybrid schedule, with occasional evening meetings.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Early Childhood Mental Health, Development, or Education.
• Fluency in Spanish (oral and written).
• Experience with young children and families.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative manner.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Outreach and onsite consultation to early education and care providers and public preschool programs to support social-emotional development.
• Provide confidential family visits or consultations with English- and Spanish-speaking families to promote positive behavior.
• Deliver professional development to early educators.
• Coordinate with other service providers for referrals and community resources.
• Participate in data collection and program evaluation as required.

Skills

Spanish fluency

Strong communication skills

Problem solving

Multitasking

Independent worker

Valid driver’s license

Education

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Mental Health/Development/Education

LICSW certification

Job description

PurposeTo provide expanded support for early education and child care providers, public preschool teachers and collateral work with parents in Hampden County to help meet the social and emotional needs of young children, to promote positive behaviors in young children and to decrease the number of children being suspended and/or expelled from preschool. This position requires a high degree of fluency in Spanish (both written and oral).Essential FunctionsOutreach and onsite consultation to early education and care, family child care providers, and public preschool programs to assist them in meeting the social and emotional needs of children and families, using research-based practices. Includes child observation and assessment, consultation with program staff and parents, and co-creating behavioral success plansMay also include facilitating referrals for public school evaluation, early intervention, behavioral or mental health services, and/or other community resources; writing observation and consultation summaries; coordinating with other service providers as appropriate, and providing professional development to early educatorsProvide confidential individual family visits (home, virtual or community location) or consultation with English- and Spanish-speaking families to provide positive behavior support for their child/ren and to promote family stability. Assist parents in accessing other services as appropriate.Provide crisis intervention support as needed in licensed early education and care settingsWork collaboratively with other service providers to improve the accessibility and coordination of community services for young children and familiesCollect data for program evaluation, complete and report on required tools in a timely fashionProvide professional development for early educators to support their knowledge and integration of new skills and knowledge into their practice with childrenServe as a parenting resource specialist by providing information and guidance to parents and professionals who work with families with young children on an as needed basisKeep current with information and provide referrals for services needed by families with young children and eligibility criteria; refer parents in person and by telephone to needed servicesProvide outreach to isolated and hard-to-reach/at-risk families and early education and care settingsParticipate and assist in data collection as required by funding sources, EEC, CES and/or otherOther Duties and ResponsibilitiesRepresent Collaborative Educational Services Early Childhood Department to the publicHelp advocate for accessible high quality services for families and children servedAttend and participate in local, regional, and statewide meetings as requiredPerform other duties as assigned by direct supervisor and/or the Early Childhood Department DirectorMinimum QualificationsMasters level degree in a field of study related to Early Childhood Mental Health, Early Childhood Development and/or EducationFluency (oral and written) in Spanish languageExperience working with young children and familiesAble to work independently as well as in a collaborative mannerMust be dependableStrong problem solving and communication skillsAbility to multi-task and prioritize work effectivelyAbility to maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanorUse of a strengths-based approachPreferred QualificationsCurrent license or certification LICSW with experience working with young childrenKnowledge of adult learners and experience working with/providing workshops for adultsPhysical DemandsValid driver’s license and reliable vehicleMust be able to drive long distancesAbility to lift 30lbsRequires physical condition and mental stamina to endure job stress in the performance of dutiesWorking ConditionsAll CES staff are expected to adopt and practice the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice described in the agency’s strategic planThis is a hybrid position as several tasks, especially administrative tasks, may be performed remotelyRequires working a flexible schedule to include scheduled evening meetings and other professional development eventsMust be flexible and able to plan, coordinate, and schedule work in collaboration with parents and early education and care providersAbility to work with diverse populationsTerms of EmploymentSchedule: 30 - 35 hrs/week as determined grant fundingCompensation: $28-$31 per hour. Benefits available as outlined in the CES HandbookCES is an equal opportunity employer and is particularly interested in candidates from a diverse range of cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. We are especially interested in candidates whose backgrounds are well-suited to understanding and addressing the needs of the diverse student population we serve.