Early Childhood Therapist & Mental Health Consultant
Palomar Family Counseling Service (PFCS) is one of the most recognized and respected providers of mental health services in North San Diego County. Established in 1956, PFCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services that are professional, personal, and affordable. In addition to office-based clinical services such as individual, couples, or family therapy, PFCS offers services in schools, child development centers, and homes. PFCS also offers psychoeducation groups to treat domestic violence and anger management, as well as school-based prevention and early intervention services.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant (Therapist) provides mental health consultation services to staff and families of MAAC’s Early Head Start, Head Start, and State Preschool Programs on a consistent frequency to support a program-wide culture that promotes children’s mental health, social and emotional well-being, and overall health. The Therapist reports to the Early Childhood Program Manager.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide mental health consultation services on a schedule of sufficient and consistent frequency to ensure the consultant is available to partner with MAAC staff and families promptly and effectively.
- Assist MAAC staff in addressing prevalent child mental health concerns, including internalizing problems such as appearing withdrawn and externalizing problems such as challenging behavior.
- Provide, create, and/or demonstrate capacity of the teaching staff in collaboration with Educational Specialists and Developmental Support Services staff to identify and address challenging behavior.
- Provide MAAC staff with strategies to identify and support children with mental health and social and emotional concerns.
- Provide referrals for parents or other family members requesting therapy to PFCS, or to other community agencies.
- Review the results of developmental/behavioral screeners that have been identified as atypical and assist the staff and families in developing a plan to address the concerns.
- Provide staff and parent workshops/trainings such as social-emotional development in children, trauma and resilience, toxic stress, behavior management techniques, children’s mental health, etc.
- Participate in weekly Mental Health and Disabilities Team Meetings to address professional growth activities, software training, children’s issues, etc.
- Keep accurate records of consultation and enter scope of work into Childplus software database within a week of providing services.
- Attend an onboarding meeting with MAAC and complete required trainings.
COMPENSATIONS & BENEFITS
- Salary Range: $42 – $45 / hour
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and LTD options available
- 13 paid holidays
- 6 days of vacation (starting); 12 days of annual sick leave
- Professional development and CEUs offered.
BACKGROUND PROFILE
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field, along with current registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or Associate Social Worker.
- Minimum of two years of experience in delivering direct child, youth, and family mental health services.
- Understanding of early childhood behavioral and developmental health issues.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including children and youth from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices in child and youth mental health.
- Familiarity with the California mental health system and community resources available to children and families.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proficiency in using electronic health record systems and other technology tools.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Experience collaborating with schools and community partners to provide coordinated care.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and adequate auto insurance.
- Trustline Clearance and negative TB results are required.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (preferred).
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY, PLEASE CONTACT:
Edralyn Botz, Human Resources & Administrative Coordinator
1002 E. Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
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