Mental Health Specialist
About the Role
The Mental Health Specialist ensures training, technical assistance, and supports for good mental health practices are provided for children 0-5, families, and staff. This role promotes positive interactions within classrooms through responsive and nurturing care, coordinates individualized strategies for behavioral changes, and works in an interdisciplinary approach to support children and families with social-emotional difficulties.
This position must comply with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards, including those of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and ABCD Head Start policies. All personnel are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect.
Responsibilities
- Train and support staff to increase awareness of and competence in mental health issues relevant to children and families.
- Implement an interdisciplinary system of mental health services, emphasizing early identification of social-emotional difficulties.
- Provide in-house mental health treatment, including individual counseling, play therapy, and classroom support.
- Attend and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
- Conduct yearly classroom observations, followed by written reports and feedback discussions with teaching teams.
- Coordinate and conduct focus observations of specific children upon referral by family or staff.
- Schedule regular classroom visits to enable timely identification and intervention for mental health concerns.
- Design and implement program practices responsive to behavioral and mental health concerns in consultation with teachers, center directors, and specialists.
- Discuss child behavior and development with parents, identifying appropriate responses to their child’s behavior.
- Promote discussions and education on strengthening nurturing and supportive environments at home and in the program.
- Consult with the Disabilities/Mental Health Services Coordinator.
- Promote the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services to staff, families, and the community.