Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist - Head Start

The Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist is responsible for providing early childhood mental health services to young children ages 0-5 enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs, using a holistic and collaborative approach. In partnership with program staff, this position will promote Head Start's philosophy of parents as a child's first, and most important teacher. The Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist will complete documentation, maintain client records, and support compliance in all facets of Head Start Performance Standards and State regulations.

During a 40 hour work week of actual hours, a therapist would see about 15 clients a week, with remaining hours to do paperwork, debrief with parents and teachers, and classroom observations. Cancellations and no shows will not affect the hours worked and paid.

Unlicensed therapists may be provided with in house clinical supervision or a stipend for payment of outside clinical supervision.

MWVCAA is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.

Candidates must submit applications by 12/5/24 in order to be considered for first-round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master's Degree required in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
• One year of direct experience providing mental health services including assessment and treatment to children and families.
• Two years of experience working with children ages birth to five.
• Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement preferred.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of early childhood development and experience providing dyadic and/or family-based child therapies required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
• Ability to follow through on instructions, both written and oral, meet deadlines, and perform basic math as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to present information in front of large and small groups.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS

• Driver qualification status is required for this position. Valid driver license and insured vehicle available for use on the job. Satisfactory drive record for the previous three years.
• Registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
• CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Candidate required to pass an initial pre-employment physical examination.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.
• Current licensure with the state of Oregon for one of the following; LCSW, LPC, LMFT.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Conducts mental health assessments for children ages 0-5, utilizing early childhood assessment measures and assigning diagnoses per DC: 0-5 and DSM-5.
• Provides a variety of dyadic child and parent therapy utilizing developmentally appropriate evidence-based practices in a variety of settings including in therapeutic office.
• Develops and implements collaborative treatment plans; defining specific goals and objectives, and revises as needed.
• Documents services. Provides and maintains accurate client records in accordance with local Coordinated Care Organizations (CCO), Oregon Health Plan, and state and federal requirements.
• Ensures client confidentiality is kept according to HIPAA guidelines and all other applicable state and federal requirements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Requires the ability to move between offices and sites.

• Required