Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

*Experience needed only - no degree required!

$1500 Bonus!

Early Childhood Mental Health Family Support Specialist

Reports To: Program Director

Job Location: Roxbury, MA

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week). May require occasional evening or weekend hours.

The primary focus of the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program is to create nurturing environments that advance social-emotional and behavioral health outcomes among children, families, and early childhood professionals. The ECMHC program broadly seeks to increase child and caregiver resilience, while reducing challenging behaviors (including those that lead to suspensions and expulsions) by utilizing evidence-based best practices; providing early identification of behavioral concerns; and making referrals to appropriate community services.

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Support Specialist to join our Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program. The Family Support Specialist will play a critical role in providing support and resources to families with young children experiencing social-emotional or behavioral challenges. This position works across a broad range of early care and education (ECE) settings to promote wellness in young children by increasing the capacity of adult caregivers to support children's developmental needs. In addition, family support specialists provide critical ancillary activities including parent education, parent support, consultation to other early childhood serving systems, and community training on topics related to social-emotional development and well‐being of young children.

Essential Job Functions:

● Work closely with program clinicians/consultants to coordinate and deliver regular onsite services to ECE programs, providing guidance to professionals and caregivers to effectively understand and support children’s positive behavior and development.

● Promote high quality interactions and relationships between children and their peers, teaching teams, and administrators.

● Build collaborative relationships with families, centers, and other early childhood serving systems within the community.

● Conduct assessments to identify the needs and strengths of families with young children.

● Provide individualized support and guidance to families in navigating challenges related to their child's social-emotional development and behavior.

● Collaborate with parents and caregivers to develop family-centered goals and action plans to support their child's well-being.

● Offer education and resources to families on topics such as child development, positive parenting strategies, and accessing community resources.

● Facilitate parent support groups and workshops on topics relevant to early childhood development and mental health.

● Advocate for families within the early childhood education system and connect them with appropriate services and supports.

● Work collaboratively with other members of the multidisciplinary team, including mental health professionals and educators, to ensure coordinated care for families.

● Create a shared understanding of the effects of trauma and adversity, including oppression, prejudice, discrimination, racism, and gender inequity on the developing brain and the impacts of these on behaviors observed in childcare settings.

● Support the mental health and well-being of adults who care for children.

● Maintain accurate and confidential records of services provided and progress made by families.

● Participate as an active member of a fast-paced team and evolving organization.

● Attend ECMHC trainings, meetings, and staff meetings.

● Participate in reflective supervision.

● Complete Infant and/or Preschool Mental Health Endorsement through MassAIMH.

● Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in the ECMH and caregiver support fields.

● Adhere to the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation grant requirements, as outlined by the Department of Early Education and Care.

● All other duties as assigned.

Education and Work Experience Qualifications:

Required:

● Experience navigating social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and systems as a caregiver.

● Previous experience working with families and young children, preferably in a social services or early childhood setting.

● Knowledge of child development, early childhood mental health, early childhood social emotional learning, family systems theory, and evidence-based practices in family support.

● Knowledge of local resources, services, and supports.

● Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse families.

● Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

● Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and cultural competence in working with diverse populations.

● Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in working with families.

● Flexibility and adaptability to meet the changing needs of families and program goals.

● Proficient in use of Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and other computer functions.

● Proven ability to work independently and in a team, manage time, complete assignments, and meet deadlines

● Ability to adapt and be flexible in a constantly changing environment that adjusts to meet organizational and community needs.

● Demonstrated experience working as a member of a team.

● Ability to drive throughout the region when needed in a reliable personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement available).

● Valid MA Driver’s License and Vehicle Insurance.

Desired:

● Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.

● Experience working with young children with emotional/behavioral challenges and their families.

● Have received the following trainings/certifications:

○ Infant Mental Health Endorsement through MassAIMH

Founded in 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs (Walker) is a leading nonprofit organization providing comprehensive programming in the fields of child welfare, children’s behavioral health, and special education. Walker provides high-quality, evidence-informed supports and services to children and families from over 150 communities throughout Massachusetts. While Walker is perhaps best known for offering effective therapeutic settings in both its residential and education programs, Walker’s portfolio of programs includes a full array of outpatient, home-based, and community-based services.

Company Description

Founded in 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs (Walker) is a leading nonprofit organization providing comprehensive programming in the fields of child welfare, children’s behavioral health, and special education. Walker provides high-quality, evidence-informed supports and services to children and families from over 150 communities throughout Massachusetts. While Walker is perhaps best known for offering effective therapeutic settings in both its residential and education programs, Walker’s portfolio of programs includes a full array of outpatient, home-based, and community-based services.

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