EL Mental Health Consultant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Within the Early Head Start, Head Start or ECEAP program, provides ongoing clinical and/or case management services to a diverse Akin child and family population. Assumes responsibility for information and referral, case management and short-term interventions with children and their families who are enrolled Early Head Start, Head Start or ECEAP programs. This position has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses and determines client service needs and develops treatment/service plan and/or makes appropriate community referral
• Implements treatment/service plan using a variety of therapeutic/educational interventions in a variety of locations and settings
• Provides classroom observation and guidance in implementation of strategies for individual children as well as classroom guidance techniques that promote positive social emotional development and inclusion of all children
• Makes referrals to community partners for needs of children (developmental, mental health) and families (mental health)
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with appropriate community resources.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team review of each child enrolled in programs on a quarterly basis
• May provide disability and special needs coordination
• May provide clinical supervision to interns and/or other clinical employee when needed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of child, adolescent, and family development and understanding of various treatment principles and interventions
• Skill in complex clinical assessment and diagnosis
• Ability to embrace and support Akin’s commitment to fostering an inclusive organization

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This job is performed in a professional office environment. The following list is representative of the work environment employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, printers, phones)
• Typical office lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to work in a confined area
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period 

WORKING REMOTELY:

Working remotely is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace, but remote work cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Remote work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Social Work or related field required, plus experience in clinical practice with children, youth, and families
• Required Agency Affiliated Counselor Credential (obtained after hire)
• May require additional training on one or more specialized clinical areas: including but not limited to infant and toddler mental health, sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence, co-occurring disorders, chemical dependency, etc
• Access to a personal vehicle with insurance coverage and have a valid driver’s license
• Proof of CPR and First Aid Certification is required within 30 days
• Proof of physical exam (updated every three years), including a one step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• HIV/AIDS and blood borne pathogens training is required within 30 days
• Successful completion of a drivers check if position requires driving on a regular basis (at least three times per week) or drives clients. Must not have more than two driving incidents within the last three years
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting

The salary range for this position is $27.94 - $39.66. The starting salary range for this position is $27.94 - $30.87 DOE for external candidates. 

Full-time employees will also receive 10 days of vacation leave each year, three Employee Appreciation Day each year, and will accrue one sick day per month (pro-rated for part-time employees). Employees will also enjoy 15 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.  We also offer EAP and mental health benefits.