Job Description
Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on: 05/21/26 Division: Head Start Division Management Level: Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Benefit Eligibility: This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement. Description: The Mental Health Specialist (MH) is responsible for providing a range of mental health consultation, wellness support, and therapeutic services that build the capacity of adults—teachers, staff, parents, caregivers —to foster the social and emotional development of children ages 0–6. This role emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and education to promote mental health that is grounded in current neuroscience and trauma-informed practices across the Head Start community. The candidate is a dynamic resource, providing training, education, and consultation to Head Start staff to enhance staff’s ability to support challenging behavior in the classroom. The Mental Health Specialist also works closely with parents offering training, education, and consultation to enhance parenting skills. SCHEDULE: This is a ten-month working position from August through May (stretch) that will be paid over twelve months. This position is predominantly performed in the office, with some flexibility for remote work when children are not present. COMPENSATION: Hiring Range: $53,000.00 - $59,000 USD Annual Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills. Stretch Position: Please note, this will be a ten-month working position (stretch) that will be paid over twelve months. Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills. Blingual Skillset: Staff that are fluent in a language other than English may be eligible for additional compensation for use of bilingual skills. BENEFITS: Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires ; retirement matching; wellness programs; tuition reimbursement and more. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Collaborate with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to develop culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate strategies and interventions that promote the well-being of all children at Head Start. Provide, at a minimum monthly, and more frequently as needed or requested, consultation to Head Start staff to ensure that all classroom environments are inclusive, nurturing learning environments and to enhance the skills and confidence of the staff in supporting children’s social-emotional development and addressing challenging behaviors. Conduct observations and assessments to identify strengths and needs of individual children and teachers. Implement sustainable strategies that promote a program-wide culture of mental wellness and psychological safety and will prevent mental health challenges from developing. Support therapeutic services for children ages 0-6 through in-class supports, attachment-based play therapy and small group work. Offer consultation and coaching to parents and caregivers to strengthen understanding of social-emotional development, promote positive parenting approaches, and address behavioral concerns. Facilitate parent education classes and workshops designed to empower families with practical tools and strategies. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of observations, consultations, and services provided. Support the integration of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices among Head Start staff. Participate in the design and delivery of mental health trainings, facilitate group reflective supervision, and attend program meetings to provide consultation and feedback that enhances staff wellness and program implementation of Trauma-Informed practices. Provide appropriate referrals for external services and coordinate care within Head Start and outside of Head Start, as needed, for families accessing additional supports. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement fo