Mental Health Specialist- Pittsburg/Antioch

Join the YMCA of the East Bay and make a real difference in the lives of children, families, and staff! As a Mental Health Specialist, you will provide classroom consultation, guidance, and support to teachers, families, and Center Directors, using a relationship-focused, social-emotional approach. You will work as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team—including Inclusion Specialists, Education Coaches, and Family Advocates—helping create nurturing and inclusive environments for children to thrive.

• Why You’ll Love Working Here
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Full-time employees are eligible for heavily subsidized coverage with several plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance for added financial protection.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs to support mental health and work-life balance.
• Commuter Benefits available for eligible employees.
• 12 Designated Holidays.
• Paid Time Off for vacation and sick leave.
• Professional Development Opportunities and ongoing training to support your career growth.
• YMCA Membership Benefits and discounts on programs for you and your family

• Key Responsibilities
• Consult with teachers and staff to support children’s social-emotional development.
• Provide guidance and resources to families and caregivers.
• Partner with Center Directors to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Contribute to program compliance, quality improvement, and effective documentation.
• Make a direct impact on the well-being of children, families, and staff.
• Collaborate with a passionate, supportive, and diverse team.
• Use your expertise to shape culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices across our programs.
• Work in dynamic classroom and community settings, bringing your skills to life every day.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field (license preferred).
• Minimum of two years’ experience in early childhood mental health or education, preferably with diverse, low-income populations.
• Deep cultural awareness and commitment to culturally responsive practices.
• Knowledge of CLASS and CSEFEL frameworks.
• Strong communication, mediation, and problem-solving skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Valid CDL, personal automobile with insurance, and ability to travel locally.
• DOJ and CCL clearance, plus required health screenings (e.g., TB test).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Work Environment
• Dynamic indoor and outdoor program settings.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Travel locally for meetings, trainings, and special events.
• Reasonable accommodations provided as needed.

• Work Environment & Physical Requirement
• Dynamic indoor and outdoor program settings.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Travel locally for meetings, trainings, and special events.
• Reasonable accommodations provided as needed.

Specific Essential Function from the Job Description for this role

• 1.
• Design and deliver high-quality programming that achieves the educational, administrative and service delivery goals.
• 2.
• Observe behavioral and developmental presentations within the classroom, including student and teacher interactions.
• 3.
• Plan and implement strategies for working with teachers, children and families.
• Strategies may include: observation in the classroom, modeling interventions/interactions with children, preparing teachers to attend individualized planning (behavior support, IEP/IFSP) meetings, etc.
• 4.
• Communicate and engage with parents through case consultation meetings and parent workshops.
• 5.
• Provide strategies associated with social and emotional development for individual students.
• 6.
• Train and/or arrange for training staff based on classroom and program needs.
• 7.
• Provide monthly individual classroom, teacher and center director consultation meetings.
• Provide parents with mental health referrals and resources to local agencies and service providers.
• 8.
• Manage and track referrals to local mental health agencies.
• Complete all necessary paperwork and documentation in the ChildPlus management system.
• 9.
• Maintain detailed records and reports as needed.
• 10.Attend supervision, team meetings, and case consultations.
• 10.
• Review child screening/assessment results and provide follow-up as needed.
• 11.
• Work collaboratively and coordinate services with other staff and service providers.
• 12.
• Meet with families, staff and other service providers, as needed.
• 13.
• Actively participate in YMCA of the East Bay trainings and activities and adhere to the YMCA of the East Bay Core Values and Code of Conduct 14.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor

Join Us! Be part of a team that values respect, excellence, and cultural humility. Help us support children, families, and staff to thrive—and shape the future of our communities.