Early Care & Education Mental Health Therapist

Under the general direction of the Eearly Care Education (ECE) Education and School Readiness Manger, the ECE Mental Health Therapist works as part of a multi tiered system of support to strengthen social emotional learning and skill building with adults and children. The ECE Mental Health Therapist is a social worker or mental health clinician well-versed in early childhood development. Ideal candidates are highly proficient in infant and early childhood mental health, familiar with best practices in preschool education, and are committed to improving the outcomes for young children and their families who have experienced or are currently experiencing trauma. In particular, the clinician will support the caregiving that preschoolers need at home and at school to develop secure attachments and resiliency.

Salary:

The full range for this position is $73,189.85 - $89,048.93. Offers are made at the entry level of the range. Salary placement will be determined based on experience, education and licenses held.

*Effective September 1, 2023, the new salary range will be $75,013.84 - $91,276.12.

Assignment:

This position will be full-time and work 240 days per year and will serve the Early Care and Education Behavioral Health Center, a new program in Vancouver, WA that is being created to serve children ages 3-5 with intensive social, emotional, mental and behavioral supports and services. Anticipated start is the 2025-26 school year.

The position requires a criminal history and fingerprint check through the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) as well as a health exam and TB test prior to starting.

A complete application will include:

1. Work history going back 10 years
2. At least three professional reference's contact information
3. A Cover Letter expressing interest in the position
4. A Resume that reflects work experience listed on application
5. Evidence of Licensure (see minimum requirements)

Essential Functions:

1. Provide home visiting or telehealth-based mental health supports to families focusing on attunement, sensitive caregiving, and emotion regulation of the child-caregiver dyad. Use strengths-based and proven practices to promote resilience in individuals and families.
2. Administer psychosocial assessments, and use standardized tools to screen for developmental delays, perinatal/parental mood disorders, or family stress.
3. Maintain a caseload of up to 18 children and families.
4. Work with children and their families in the development of an individual support plan which is strength based, measurable, and assists children and families in meeting their goals.
5. Provide individual and family counseling, provide care coordination services as indicated for children in accordance with the individual support plan and evaluation recommendations.
6. Work in an environment with children with mental health challenges including but not limited to self-injurious behaviors.
7. Actively participate as a member of multidisciplinary team including but not limited to guardians and other natural supports, IFSP/IEP teams, school and district staff, community treatment team members, and other team members as indicated.
8. Provide consultation to ECEAP educators which may include: recommending adaptations to class routines, suggesting coping strategies for transitions, attending Case Conference Meetings, and recommending school district services
9. Administer and assess evidence-based measurement tools to track child and family improvement, success and readiness for service conclusion.
10. Maintain complete and timely documentation as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations.
11. Support and implement ESD 112 agency policies and procedures.
12. Provide consultation, education and training for staff as directed by the program director or supervisor.

Other Functions:

1. Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for children and families.
2. Participate in staff and team meetings, in-service programs, workshops and seminars.
3. Maintain knowledge of best practices in the mental health field.
4. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Health as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience and understanding of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), including multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
2. Experience working in a school setting.
3. Experience working with Special Education students and/or programs.
4. Familiar with Washington mental health agencies and resources.
5. Bilingual.