Position Description

The Mental Health Clinician is responsible for assisting and collaborating with the MH Unit Manager in various administrative tasks, quality assurance, assessment and delivery of services at CAPE and childcare partnership sites as needed.  The MH Clinician will assist in the training and administration of the Mental Health consultation program to CAPE preschool and childcare partnership sites. 

Essential Functions:

Administrative

• Perform day-to-day operation of Mental Health services

• Facilitate Mental Health meetings as needed. 

• Provide clinical and administrative supervision as needed.

• Assist in various administrative tasks for the program, including intake, hiring, program planning, quality assurance for contract compliance, training, and outreach/networking.

• Attend various meetings and collaborate with CAPE staff to support agency implementation of teaching practices and learning environment strategies that promote child social-emotional development. 

• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs and services.

• Facilitate staff training and professional development opportunities.

• Participate in providing and receiving clinical supervision and consultation (individual and group) as needed.

• Implement best practices and evidence-based methods.

• Collaborate with MH Unit Manager in providing outreach presentations and training to outside community agencies as needed.

• Assist in developing documentation forms, procedures and ensuring timely service and documentation completion to meet various funding requirements.

• Entering Mental Health Consultation program data into ChildPlus system, distribute Mental Health Consultation data summaries, and review annual Mental Health Consultation data reports.  

• Attend community and county sponsored trainings and collaborative meetings related to the program

• Participate in ongoing training related to serving children ages 0–5, including CAPE trainings on the Teaching Pyramid, trauma-informed practices, and family engagement.

• Ensure quality of clinical and mental health consultation services delivered, determine best ways of supporting MH staff, and developing short- and long-term goals for program sustainability and growth. 

Mental Health Services

1. Collaborate with preschools and childcare centers providing consultation and training as needed.

2. Complete all required documentation in a timely manner and by stated deadlines.

3. Provide appropriate referrals to community resources.

4. Report all suspected child abuse according to laws and regulations.

5. Attend regularly scheduled training, supervision, and community meetings as assigned.

6. Be able to work in a non-traditional setting.

7. Be able to travel to varying locations.

Mandatory Requirements:

1. Licensed MFT or LCSW with Board of Behavioral Sciences or Licensed Psychologist with Board of Psychology

2. Experience and training in principles and practice of Early Childhood Mental Health and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher in psychology, social work or related field 

• Possess current and active clinical Licensure as MFT, LCSW with BBS or Psychologist with BOP registration

• Endorsement as an infant/family early childhood mental health specialist or reflective practice facilitator by CA Center, preferred

• 5+ years of experience in the field of social services, preferred

• 5+ years of experience in the field of infant and early childhood mental health 

 ( Principles of early childhood mental health assessment, treatment and diagnosis)

• Experience working with young children 0-5 and their families

• Ability to work with clients and staff of varied disciplines and educational levels; must demonstrate acceptance and respect for cultural diversity in all forms, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds 

• Ability to hold, engage and facilitate reflective practice 

• Self-motivated; ability to work both independently and in cooperation with others

• Strong case management skills, intake, and assessment skills

• Strong and effective communication skills both written and verbal

• Ability to exercise good clinical, legal, and ethical judgment and establish clear professional boundaries

• Ability to prioritize tasks, be detail-oriented, make sound decisions, and multi-task

• Flexibility; willing to see clients in clinical settings, in community settings, in clients’ home and occasionally to work evenings

• Computer competence; knowledge and comfort in various applications including Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Valid California Driver’s License

• TB clearance and health screening

• Fingerprint and child abuse index clearance