Mental Health Treatment Counselor $1000 Sign On Bonus

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong and communities are vibrant. This is a full-time role working Monday through Friday.

Purpose & Impact

The Mental Health Treatment Counselor provides early childhood mental health support to Head Start staff, children, and families through a broad range of services, including mental health support in classrooms; training and coaching staff; screening, assessment and referral services; and parent trainings. This role also involves collecting data, maintaining records, and supporting compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and state regulations, as well as participating in HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.

Responsibilities

• Visit each classroom at least twice a year to conduct classroom observations, document/report recommendations, and develop and implement support plans.
• Conduct child observations and review screenings/assessments of the social-emotional and mental health of children birth to five years old with parents, teaching staff, site supervisors, and mental health staff.
• Meet with classroom teams to review classroom observations and develop and implement support plans as needed.
• Provide child development information related to social-emotional development and mental health to staff.
• Provide program-specific consultation and coaching with teaching staff and management to address program-related issues impacting implementation of social-development practices in early care and education settings.
• Develop and/or assist staff to develop support plans consisting of goals, objectives, and treatment modalities for children receiving mental health support services.
• Provide direct counseling services as needed to children and families enrolled in Head Start/Early Head Start.
• Provide guidance and model developmentally appropriate activities for children and effective ways to work with and support young children.
• Recruit parents for parent training and provide parent trainings on mental health issues.
• Coordinate and deliver staff trainings related to mental health issues at least once per quarter.
• Assist with supporting and monitoring Mental Health Intern students.
• Provide support and guidance to Behavior Program Specialists, Behavior Support Specialists, or other subordinates as assigned.
• Provide input for performance appraisals and make recommendations for professional development opportunities.
• Attend and facilitate meetings to support classroom staff’s ability to provide inclusive care to children with developmental, behavioral, or emotional challenges.
• Participate in the development and implementation of mental health program, policy, and procedure.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of Mental Health partnership agreements and contracts.
• Conduct standardized developmental, behavioral, and/or social-emotional screens and assessments for individual children as assigned or referred.
• Participate in the referral and tracking process of children and families to therapeutic and other services within the community.
• Conduct home visits (up to 5% of role) to support the mental health needs of families and children.
• Maintain and update client charts, data, and other required documentation in ChildPlus.
• Utilize electronic database and files to document, track, and report mental health outcomes.
• Maintain state licensure requirements through the Florida Board.
• Report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect in accordance with regulations and policy.
• Participate in management meetings as required; work closely with members of the management team to plan, problem-solve, and implement continuous improvement plans as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with HIPAA standards and established program policies and procedures.
• Attend all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attend all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Mental Health, Marriage and Family Counseling, Human Services, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• A current State of Florida clinical license in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT) preferred. A provisional license of Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, Registered Clinical Social Work Intern, or Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern may also be accepted.
• At least three years of experience providing mental health services in a social services environment.
• Experience working with community partners and utilizing comprehensive record-keeping systems.
• Clinical experience working with young children age 0-5 and their families.
• Ability to identify special needs children.
• Experience formulating and writing assessments and support plans for young children.
• Experience with evidence-based practices and curricula to promote early childhood mental health is desirable.
• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR within six months of the date assigned to this position.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening and drug screening prior to hiring.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to various locations.
• Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Skills

• Demonstrated understanding of infant and early childhood mental health issues related to young children ages 0-5.
• Demonstrated understanding of delivering culturally competent services.
• Experience working with children with backgrounds in trauma and knowledge of trauma-informed care.
• Demonstrated experience with clinical documentation.
• Strong cultural sensitivity with significant experience working within diverse communities.
• Knowledge of social services and health services available in the area.
• Knowledge of human behavior, child development, social problems, family dynamics, and infant mental health.
• Ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with service providers and families.
• Knowledge of family-centered practices.
• Knowledge of Head Start is desirable.
• Ability to communicate ideas and instructions orally and in writing.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to speak before groups of individuals, such as Committees and Staff meetings.
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others in areas of Mental Health and Child Behavior.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to make recommendations and develop implementation strategies.
• Computer skills, including MS Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc).
• Sensitivity to service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
• Capability of being flexible and willing to see families in clinical or community settings such as in the home, classroom, or other non-traditional settings.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer-paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement