The specialist implements mental health goals for children and families within an early education program, providing screenings, evaluations, and treatment. They also provide technical assistance to teachers on classroom management and facilitate support groups for parents and children.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Psychology or Social Work and a valid clinical license (LPC, LAPC, LMFT, or LMSW). A minimum of 2 years of direct experience in a mental health setting providing services to children and families is required.
postgraduate degreeprofessional certificateCase ManagementCrisis InterventionClinical DocumentationClassroom ManagementSpanish FluencyInterdisciplinary CollaborationBehavior Support PlanningParent EducationScreening and AssessmentEarly Childhood Mental HealthSocial Emotional DevelopmentIEP Participation
Job description
Job DetailsJob Location
Sylvan
Hills -
Atlanta,
Ga 30310purpose
OF
POSITION: The Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist is responsible for carrying out the goals of the Early Childhood Mental Health Program.
SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Mental Health Project Manager, the Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist assists in the development and implementation of Early Childhood Mental Health Program.
Essential
DUTIES
AND
RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to): Behavior Standard 50% of Position *Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, co-workers, and management Attendance Standard
Maintains excellent punctuality and attendance
Fundamental: Day to Day
Ensures the timely completion of screenings, referrals, evaluations and treatment of children related to the Early Childhood Mental Health Program.
Implements a planning system that provides strategies to meet the social/ emotional needs of children in the Easter Seals Early Education and Care Program
Assists in the development of and implements a planning system as it relates to mental health and wellness for families in the Early Education and Care Program
Provides training and technical assistance to preschool teachers on classroom management and effectively handling behavioral issues including development of behavior support plans
Provides small groups for preschool-aged children who need support in the area of social/emotional development
Helps parents to better understand mental health issues
Provides and coordinates parenting groups for parents of children in need of enhanced social/emotional development
Discusses how to strengthen nurturing, supportive environments and relationships in the home and at the program level.
Enhances awareness and understanding of mental wellness and the contribution that mental health information and services can make to the wellness of all children and families.
Provides on-site consultation to Center Managers, Family Support Advocates, parents, and teaching staff as it relates to the identification, treatment and inclusion of children with social/emotional needs.
Participates in IEP, regular staffing, and other meetings as needed.
Collaborates with LEAS, private psychologists, and other child and adolescent community mental health providers
Maintains a record keeping/reporting system for the delivery and monitoring of services for children served by the Mental Health Program.
Completes and submits monthly report to Mental Health Project Manager.
Participates in monthly Mental Health team meetings to ensure progress toward content area goals
Participates on organizational monitoring team as needed.
Participates in all mandatory Easter Seals trainings to include pre-service, in-service and other educational programs and trainings.
OTHER
DUTIES: Performs other duties assigned by management. *Note:
Candidates must have one of the following credentials to qualify: LPC, LAPC, LMFT, or LMSW. *Clinical license or in process of obtaining clinical licenses within one year of employment required. QualificationsMINIMUM
Qualifications -
Early
Childhood
Mental
Health
Specialist: *Note: LPC,LAPC, LMFT, or LMSW credential required *Clinical license or in the process of obtaining clinical licenses within one year of employment required. A Masters Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related area from an accredited university and related experience in the area of mental health. Education & Training
Master’s Degree required *Clinical license or in process of obtaining clinical licenses within one year of employment required. LPC/LAPC/LCSW/ *Minimum of 2 years direct experience in a mental health setting providing prevention services and/or mental health therapy to children and families.
Bilingual/bicultural ability to speak English & Spanish strongly preferred. OTHER REQUIREMENTS *Ability to manage physically active children ages 3 to 5, including guiding, pursuing, restraining, and withstanding sudden movements. *Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. *Must have a valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance or must have acceptable alternative transportation.
Maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
Maintain compliance with the Criminal History Registry.
Knowledge,
SKILLS,
AND
ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED *Demonstrated understanding of infant and early childhood mental health. *Demonstrated understanding of differences in mental health services and concepts across cultures. *Demonstrated knowledge of child mental health services system. *Demonstrated experience with clinical documentation. *Experience formulating and writing assessments and support plans, preferably for young children. *Experience with evidence-based practices and curricula to promote early childhood mental health. *Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards as relates to ECMH. SKILLS *Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with service providers and families. *Partner with providers as a member of a diverse team. *Lead and facilitate provider training and/or parent education groups. *Conduct standardized screens and assessments. *Use results of screens and assessments to guide work with families, set goals, and develop individualized plans. *Refer providers and families to appropriate community services. *Communicate effectively with diverse groups both verbally and in writing.
In Georgia, mental health specialist roles in early childhood education are often driven by demand for child and family support, especially in programs that need licensed clinicians with school- or community-based experience. These positions are competitive because employers typically want a master’s degree, a valid clinical license, and direct work with children and families. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to highlight child-focused clinical experience and licensure status.
