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 Childhood Education Program at Metropolitan Family Services!ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- The Early Learning Mental Health Specialist monitors staff compliance with Head Start Performance Standards related to mental health and social emotional wellbeing.
- Identify and create training and professional development opportunities to better support individualized learning and improve teaching practices in the mental health domain.
- Provide opportunities for Head Start and Early Head Start center and home-based children to be observed 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.
- 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.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Child Development with additional education in Mental Health or related field required.
- LSW or LPC licensure preferred.
- A minimum of 2-5 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.
- Must be Bilingual in Spanish
SALARY:The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of 50,000 to 60,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of IL Medical Coverage options that support all levels of staff (including Part-Time): HMO, PPO, and HSA (PPO).
- ZERO: A free benefit for BCBS PPO members that helps find the least expensive option for medical services.
- MFS will contribute $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA Accounts through our HSA coverage, all front-loaded at the start of the year, or the start of your HSA enrollment.
- Teladoc services provided to all employees: A no-cost benefit providing general medicine and behavioral health services, no insurance necessary.
- Dental HMO and PPO options through Guardian Dental.
- VSP vision insurance with one of the largest networks in the Chicago-land area.
- Company-paid individual life insurance policy of $100,000, with a wide range of additional, employee-cost options.
- Company-paid individual Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.
- Five Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options ranging from Health to Transit. Contribute your pre-tax dollars where you need them the most.
- Ascensus 401K Plan with up to a 4% Match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.
- 12 paid Holidays.
- Starting with 15 days of PTO, maxing at 30 days after 3 years of service.
- Training and Professional Development Plan with E- Learning.
- Pet Insurance options for your furry (or non-furry) friends.
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Free Will preparation services.
- On-staff notary available to employees.
- ALEX, AI-powered assistance that will make your benefit decisions seamless.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)