Mental Health Manager

CHILD, Inc. is seeking a full-time Mental Health Manager.

CHILD, Inc. is a private, non-profit early education and care program providing comprehensive services and supports to low-income pregnant people and families with children birth to five years in Kent County, RI. Programs included Head Start, Early Head Start, and RI Pre-K.

Interested candidates must be available to work between the hours of 8:00-5:00 at any of our three locations, and occasional evening hours.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Mental Health Manager is a member of a multi-disciplinary administrative team responsible for the leadership, management and oversight of a high-quality early education and care program that offers trauma-informed services and supports.

The Mental Health Manager works under the direct supervision and guidance of the Head Start Director  to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality mental health support services.

The Mental Health Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of research-based best practices and current trends in mental health supports within an inclusive early learning program. The Mental Health Manager supports a program-wide culture that promotes children’s positive mental well-being and social and emotional functioning; and supports staff and family efforts to meet children’s needs.

General Responsibilities

· Follow the philosophy, policies, and procedures of CHILD, Inc.

· Demonstrate positivity, flexibility, punctuality, and dependable attendance.

· Demonstrate respect for diverse family practices, languages, cultures, and traditions.

· Demonstrate acceptance of all children, and support an inclusive learning environment.

· Demonstrate strengths-based partnerships with families, colleagues, and community partners to support high-quality service delivery.

· Communicate clearly and professionally with families, colleagues, and community partners while representing the agency.

· Maintain confidentiality at all times, respecting and preserving the dignity and privacy of children, families, colleagues, and program operations.

· Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

· Maintain timely, detailed, and accurate electronic records.

· Participate in ongoing professional development and in-service training during and after hours, as needed.

Specialized Duties

· Development and implementation of a continuum of mental health supports that are data driven and responsive to the unique needs of the population served and the workforce.

· Screening and assessment of children to identify potential emotional or behavioral concerns and risk factors for mental health issues.

· Staff support and workforce development based on observations and consultations which address teacher and individual child needs.

· Developmental and oversight of individualized support plans for children who may require additional attention or intervention to address specific mental health needs.

· Community collaboration, including coordination of resources, referrals, and service provision for children identified with behavioral health needs.

· Continuous quality improvement of mental health and wellness promotion and prevention, early identification, and referrals for treatment.

· Continuous quality improvement of staff wellness promotion.

· Advocacy for children, families, and the workforce.

REQUIRED QULAIFICATIONS

· Rhode Island licensed mental health professional.

· Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

· Experience working with very young children and families impacted by mental/behavioral health needs.

· Outstanding organizational skills, and the ability to work independently, set priorities, multi-task, problem solve, and manage multiple situations effectively.

· Demonstrated experience of effective cross-systems collaboration.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

· Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook and other PC based software.

· Valid driver’s license and insured vehicle.

HIGHLY DESIRED

· Demonstrated experience working with families experiencing poverty and/or other significant life challenges.

· Demonstrated knowledge of high-quality practices and systems in the field of early education and care, specifically programming for infants, toddlers and/or preschoolers.

· Demonstrated experience in birth-five program administration.

· Demonstrated knowledge of the five communities served.

· Demonstrated knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards.

· Demonstrated successful experience working in a team setting.

· Bilingual and Spanish speaking candidates.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

· Full individual health and dental coverage. Family coverage is available through payroll deduction.

· Individual Supplemental Retirement Annuity Program.

· Group Retirement Annuity Plan with no required employee match.

· Optional Individual Supplemental Retirement Plan.

· Competitive Frings Benefits

· Mileage reimbursement.

· Full Year or School Year option.

· Starting at $41.81 an hour, competitive salary commensurate with experience