Lead Mental Health Consultant - 997423
- Staff, full-time (32+ hours per week)
Title: Lead Mental Health Consultant - 997423
Position Number:
Unit/Department: Drake Head Start
FTE: Full Time
Salary: 61,849 - 69,597
Department Summary:
The Mission of Head Start and Early Head Start is a noble one: “changing lives to change tomorrow.”
Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to age 5, in classroom settings, home-based programs, & childcare partner locations.
Job Summary:
This position is responsible for guiding and developing an early childhood education mental health consultation practice within the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) grant. The Lead MHC will work with Child Care Directors at the EHS-CCP partner sites to establish mental health consultation services. The Lead MHC will support and guide all components of program development of a childhood mental health consultation program and its full integration into classrooms for all EHS-CCP centers in Polk County, Iowa. The Lead MHC will be responsible for compiling and reviewing data and providing reports to the Program Coordinator. The Lead MHC will maintain compliance in all facets of Head Start Performance Standards.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in a mental health field
- Active License mental health professional
- Two years of post-Master’s experience in mental health, social-emotional development, and/or early childhood services
- The capacity to work within a system of a culturally diverse service community.
- Current Iowa Driver’s license and ability to be insured by the University’s insurance provider.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Early Childhood Education Experience
- Head Start Experience
Job Duties:
40% - Consultation, Coaching & Observation: Visit with partner Directors to orient and educate on the tenets of early childhood mental health consultation and the importance of reflective response to a child’s social-emotional development and mental health. Provide directors with information related to emotional and mental health of staff and teachers and offer/recommend training and education that supports staff wellbeing. Guide and assist the Mental Health Consultant (MHC) on all tenets of their job and successful implementation, selection, and interpretation of social‐emotional screening/assessment tools and findings of mental health consultation. Observe the MHC and provide feedback and suggestions on quality improvement. Model reflective techniques and regulated responses in all aspects of work. Provide timely written and oral observations and strength-based feedback to the MHC and to the Program Coordinator. Meet with classroom teams to review observations and plan for classroom and child needs. Participate in child-centered, multidisciplinary, or family/staff teams that focus on children with extraordinary behavioral concerns in the classroom or home. Participate in staff and team meetings and the development and implementation of mental health program and policy.
30% - Program Development & Outside Consultation: Support all tenets of development and implementation of an early childhood Mental Health Consultation program in the EHS-CCP. Provide reflective support and consultation to the MHC, Program Coordinator, and Directors. Coordinate and facilitate parent training collaboratively and in support of the Family Engagement Specialists (FES) and MHC. Conduct individualized reflective sessions with directors. Meet with and engage in feedback sessions with the Program Coordinator.
10% - Staff Training: Plan, support, coordinate, and conduct staff training related to social-emotional and mental health issues at least once per quarter. Receive training as necessary and stay up-to-date on Evidenced Based Practices (EBP).
5% - Record keeping in Child Plus. Gather, analyze and classify accurate data to disseminate reports to provide information and/or recommendations as needed.
5% - Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, state and local regulations, rules, and requirements. Maintain strict confidentiality of all records and documents. Maintain department records and reports in a secure manner. Represent Drake University and Drake University Head Start in a professional manner. Treat clients, co-workers, staff, parents and community members with respect and civility, and always ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance, and perform all other duties as assigned.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants will be asked to complete the online application and attach a resume/cv and cover letter.
Questions about the position, the application process, or working at Drake may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of work authorization.
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Drake:
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. In fact, the celebration of diversity and inclusion are embedded in our Core Values. Learn more about our DEI commitment and efforts here.
We welcome applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you are a member of a socially or historically underrepresented or marginalized group or you have actively demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you are a member of one of the equity groups identified by applicable law, we encourage you to self-identify, where requested in our online application system.
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
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