Early Learning Mental Health Specialist

Job Description We are currently looking to fill a Bilingual Early Learning Mental Health Specialist at our DuPage Center.$3,000 Sign-on Bonus for first time employees with MFS! ($1,500 on the first paycheck and $1,500 after 6 months of employment).SALARY: The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $56,000 to $70,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.Of note, is that candidates possessing an LCSW of LCPC may be considered for a possible salary up to $77,000.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Identify and create training and professional development opportunities to bettersupport individualized learning and improve teaching practices in the mentalhealth domain.Observe classroom environment and provides feedback regarding teacherpractices to teaching staff, as well as the Education Coach, Family SupportWorker, and Site Supervisor.Provide supports for effective classroom management and positive learningenvironments; supportive teacher practices; and strategies for supportingchildren with challenging behaviors and other social, emotional, and mentalhealth concerns.Support the creation of the Student Support Plan and provide assistance inimplementing strategies to support children with mental health and socialemotional concerns.Assist in the implementation of policies to limit suspension and prohibit expulsion.Assist staff in identifying prevalent child mental health concerns, includinginternalizing, as well as externalizing problems.Assist parents and staff in accessing mental health interventions andunderstanding 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 Startchildren while in the classroom, during transitions, at time of transportation, andwhile on the playground. Ensures that no child shall be left alone orunsupervised.Serve as an advocate for children and families through participation in IEP and/orIFSP development, including transitioning from an IFSP to an IEP whenapplicable. Monitor and provide feedback on individual plans for childrensuspected of disabilities or with certified plans.Assist in developing supportive relationships between teacher, child, and familywithin the context of culture and community.Plans and facilitates training and technical assistance in the form of individualcoaching sessions, site team meetings, and whole program professionaldevelopment opportunitiesOther duties as assigned.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 leadershipQUALIFICATIONS:LSW or LPC licensure preferred.Must be Bilingual in Spanish preferred.Master's degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, Child Development with additional education in Mental Health or related field.A minimum of 2+ years of experience in areas related to infant and early childhood development and mental health.Must be able to complete Orientation to the Illinois model of Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation within 1 year of employment.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and criminal background checks.TRANSPORTAION/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle. Travel between sites required.PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal.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.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.