Early Care and Education Mental Health Consultant

Salary: See Position Description
Location : ESD 112 - Vancouver, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202402432
Department: EARLY CARE & EDUCATION
Opening Date: 09/16/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Thank you for your interest in our employment opportunities. We invite you to apply to be a part of our dynamic team providing quality educational services throughout Southwest Washington, and other areas of the state. For more information review the NEOGOV and
General Responsibilities
Under the general direction of an ECE Leadership Team Member, this position provides on-site early childhood mental health consultation services in ESD 112-operated early childhood and before/after school centers, as well as home-based programs and community-based child care programs. Consultation is focused on strengthening the capacity of early learning providers, families and systems to promote positive social and emotional development, and to prevent, identify and reduce the impact of mental health challenges among children and families. Children served in these programs range in age from birth to 12 years.
Curious about the work?
Here's a testimonial from current staff in the role:
"Working as a Mental Health Consultant in Early Care and Education is one of the most rewarding positions I've had as a Clinical Social Worker; Not only does the role challenge me to apply and draw from various clinical tools and past experiences, but it also provides the flexibility for me to offer mental health support outside of a traditional treatment setting and in partnership with early childhood professionals and families during a pivotal period in human development. This is an ideal role for someone who loves community-based work and helping to normalize and promote mental wellness practices in early education."
Sal ary:
The full range for this position is $72,758.40 - $88,504.00. Offers are made at the entry level of the range.
Assignment:
This position will work full-time, year-round, and support Early Head Start, Early ECEAP, and ECEAP. A health exam, including a TB test, and clearance through DCYF is required prior to the start date.
A complete application will include:

1. Work history going back 10 years
2. At least three professional reference's contact information
3. A Cover Letter expressing interest in the position
4. A Resume that reflects work experience listed on application
5. A copy of your WA DOH license or credentials, or OSPI Certificate

Essential Functions/Other Functions
Essential Functions:

1. Use skill, knowledge and expertise in trauma informed and resiliency building practices when supporting children as well as adult learners.
2. Use a strengths-based approach and anti-bias lens to building relationships with a focus on perspective taking, data analysis, and solutions that build on people's strengths while addressing needs.
3. Provide consultation to early learning staff regarding children with an identified special need, or with information and support for providing inclusive services and preventing expulsion.
4. Provide information and support for developmental screening of all children attending the facility including accessing resources for referral for follow up assessments as needed and training for childcare providers related to screenings.
5. Facilitate observations during home visits and provide feedback and recommendations to families and staff focused on strengthening attachments and nurturing adult/child interactions.
6. Conduct standardized developmental, behavioral, and/or social-emotional screens, observations and assessments for individual children as assigned or referred for consultation.
7. Meet with families to consult on child and family needs, classroom teachers to review classroom observations, and create/develop follow-up plans to support these needs and implement plans as needed.
8. Provide child development information related to social-emotional development and mental health.
9. Provide guidance and model developmentally appropriate activities for children and effective ways to work with and support young children.
10. Document the amount of time spent in consultation in each classroom, including a description of the type of consultation delivered.
11. Work in partnership with the Child Care Aware - Early Achievers staff to deliver a coordinated system of support by providing consultation and training.
12. Engage with regional/community/tribal early learning and behavioral health partners to: build connections and establish regional referral options for children, families and providers; identify regional strengths/opportunities and service gaps/barriers; and engage with other MHCs (including MHCs working in Head Start/ECEAP settings and Infant Toddler Consultation) to work toward long term goal of a coordinated approach in Early Childhood Mental Health.
13. Participate in Relationship Based Professional Development regional meetings and regular reflective supervision with approved clinical supervisor.

Other Functions:

1. Maintain documentation in the program database.
2. Participate in a multi-disciplinary case conferencing team.
3. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications & Skills
Minimum Qualifications:

1. Licensed by the Washington State Department of Health as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse; or
2. Approved by the Washington State Department of Health as an agency-affiliated or certified counselor, with a Master's Degree in counseling, social work, or related field; or
3. Credentialed by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction as a school counselor, social worker, or psychologist.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

1. Experience with young children birth-12.
2. Infant Mental Health Endorsement.

Working Conditions/Employment Requirements
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

1. Regular travel within SW Washington to attend appointments, meetings and training sessions. Occasional travel throughout the state.
2. Regular attendance during scheduled work hours.
3. Occasional work on evenings and weekends.
4. When supporting ESD programs, the physical environment may include office setting, childcare, preschool programs, families' homes, or community work sites.
5. Job involves sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, grasping, bending, stooping, crouching, pushing, and/or pulling.

Employment Requirements - ESD job offer is contingent upon satisfying the following:

1. Successful completion of a criminal history and fingerprint check through Department of Children, Youth and Families.
2. Tuberculosis test to meet state health requirements.
3. Health exam.

Notice of Non-Discrimination
ESD 112 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person. The following individuals have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

• Civil Rights compliance Officer: Melissa Kreuder, 360-952-3328,
• Title IX Compliance Officer: Wendy Niehaus, 360-952-3574,
• ADA/504 Compliance Officer: Jeffrey Niess, 360-952-3529,

The above information will be provided in the appropriate language for persons with limited English language skills by contacting the ESD at 360-750-7500.
We provide a professional yet family-friendly work environment. To that end, our benefits are designed to meet the individual needs of our employees and their families.Full-Time or Part-Time positions working at least 17.5 hours per week are eligible for our standard package of benefits; retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance offered at affordable premiums, we also offer a 25% discount on child care at ECE Child Care centers, tuition reimbursement, credit union membership, an employee assistance program, and much more!
Part-time positions working less than 17.5 hours per week or Temporary positions are not eligible for health benefits or paid leave. Eligibility for retirement is based on length of assignment.
For details please visit: for a summary of the Benefits of Employment.
01
Do you meet one of the following: Are you licensed by the Washington State Department of Health as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse; or Approved by the Washington State Department of Health as an agency-affiliated or certified counselor, with a Master's Degree in counseling, social work, or related field; or Credentialed by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction as a school counselor, social worker, or psychologist? You must include documentation supporting your response to this question.

• Yes, I am licensed by WA DOH
• Yes, I am an agency-affiliated or certified counselor with a Master's degree
• Yes, I am credentialed by WA OSPI
• None of the above

02
In December 2019 a law passed that requires proof of MMR vaccine or immunity for employees working in child care programs (WAC 110-300-0120). To comply with the law, you must be able to provide one of the following upon hire:Option 1: Immunization records showing you have received the MMR vaccine; orOption 2: Proof of immunity to measles though documented lab evidence of antibody titer; orOption 3: A healthcare provider's attestation of your history of measles sufficient to provide immunity against measles; orOption 4: Written certification, signed by a Washington licensed-MD, ND, DO, ARNP, or PA, that the MMR vaccine is not advisable for you.Are you able to comply with WAC 110-300-0120 and provide one of the listed options?

• YES
• NO

03
Have you ever been convicted of any crime? Please answer YES or NO.
Note: For the purpose of this question, "convicted" includes: (1) All instances in which a plea of guilty or no contest is the basis of a conviction and (2) All proceedings in which a sentence has been suspended or deferred. You need not list traffic infractions that are not misdemeanors or crimes.
04
If you answered YES to the previous question, please provide the following (If you answered NO, please enter N/A):
a. A detailed statement including what occurred, the nature of the offense, charge or warrant;
b. The name and address of the arresting agency;
c. The date of the arrest;
d. The final disposition, if any;
e. If a court was involved, the name and address of the court;
f. The complete arrest report and sentence and judgement; and
g. Attach a complete driving abstract for five years if the arrest was driving related. This can be done in the attachments portion of the application process.
05
Do you currently have any outstanding criminal charges or warrants of arrest pending against you in Washington, or any other state, province, territory, and/or country? Please answer YES or NO. If YES, please provide an explanation.
06
Are you presently under investigation in any jurisdiction for possible criminal charges? Please answer YES or NO. If your answer is YES, identify agency and location (street address, city, state), as well as a detailed explanation.
07
Is it true that you have NEVER BEEN convicted of any misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony crimes against children or other persons (including instances in which a plea of guilty or nolo contendere is the basis for the conviction) or any proceedings in which the charge has been deferred from prosecution under Chapter 10.05 RCW or the sentence has been deferred or suspended listed as follows: Aggravated murder, First degree promoting prostitution, First or second degree murder, Communication with a minor, First or second degree kidnapping, First degree arson, First, second or third degree assault, First degree burglary, First, second or third degree rape, Indecent liberties, First, second or third degree rape of a child, Incest, Felony indecent exposure, Vehicular homicide, First or second degree robbery, Unlawful imprisonment, First or second degree manslaughter, Simple assault, First or second degree extortion, Sexual exploitation of minors, First or second degree criminal mistreatment, First or second degree custodial interference, Child abuse or neglect as defined in RCW 26.44.020, Malicious harassment, Selling or distributing erotic material to a minor, First, second or third degree child molestation, Custodial assault, First or second degree sexual misconduct with a minor, Patronizing a juvenile prostitute, Child buying or selling, Violation of child abuse restraining order, Promoting pornography, Prostitution, First, second or third degree assault of a child, Child abandonment, or any of these crimes as they may have been named?

• Yes, I have never been convicted
• No, I have been convicted

08
Are you eligible for lawful employment in the U.S.? Proof of citizenship or legal right to work and identity will be required after hire.

• Yes
• No

09
APPLICANT DECLARATION: Selecting YES authorizes the employer to conduct a background investigation and authorizes the release of information in connection with this application for employment. This investigation may include such information as criminal or civil convictions, driving records, previous employers and educational institutions, electronic/phone personal or professional references, and other appropriate sources.
Selecting YES indicates you waive your right of access to such information, and without limitation, hereby release the employer and the reference sources from any liability in connection with its release or use. This release includes the sources cited above and specific examples as follows: The Washington State Patrol (WSP), information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of either data on all criminal convictions or certification that no data on criminal convictions is maintained, information from OSPI, the Washington or other State Departments of Social and Health Services and any locality to which they may refer for release of information pertaining to any findings of child abuse or neglect investigations involving you.
Selecting YES certifies under the penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that you have made true, correct and complete answers and statements on this application in the knowledge that they may be relied upon in considering your application. If the information provided or answer(s) to any questions on the application change prior to your being hired, you understand that you must immediately notify the employer. You understand that any omission, falsely answered statement made by you on this application, or any supplement to it will be sufficient grounds for failure to employ you or for your discharge should you become employed.
Selecting YES indicates that you understand that you may be subject to Washington State Patrol (WSP) and FBI fingerprint background checks.

• Yes
• No

Required Question