Mental Health Specialist Head Start

POSITION SUMMARY: The Mental Health Specialist provides high-quality, trauma-informed mental health services across ECKAN’s Head Start service area (Anderson, Coffey, Douglas, Franklin, Lyon, Miami & Osage Counties in Kansas). This role supports the agency’s mission by aligning with Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies and depends upon continued program funding and policy council approval.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Guide Head Start staff in identifying and addressing mental health concerns in children and families.
• Support the use of screening tools such as the ASQ: SE-2 and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression      Scale.
• Educate and assist parents in understanding the social-emotional development and unique needs of their children.
• Facilitate the implementation of Conscious Discipline and Second Step curricula.
• Collaborate with staff and families to identify contributing factors to behavior challenges and support individualized interventions.
• Prepare and deliver professional development training on early childhood mental health and social-emotional strategies.
• Conduct classroom and home visit observations to support program quality and child development goals.
• Provide developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive mental health support in preschool and infant/toddler environments.
• Work with teachers, family educators, and other program staff to design and implement individualized behavior plans.
• Coordinate referrals to community mental health services and support families in accessing those resources.
• Maintain detailed documentation in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, HIPAA, and FERPA.
• Participate in health services advisory committee, multidisciplinary team meetings, family case reviews, and ongoing professional development related to early childhood mental health.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Clinical-level mental health licensure (LSCSW, LCSW, LPC).
• Demonstrated experience in early childhood settings and working with social-emotional curricula such as Conscious Discipline and Second Step.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to kneel, bend, and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance.
• Proficient with standard office software.
• Experience in training and presenting to adult learners.
• Must pass all background checks and health screenings.

Additional Competencies:

• Ability to build trust and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff, families, and community partners.
• Strong commitment to strengths-based, family-centered approaches.
• Flexible collaboration with administrative teams and responsiveness to program needs.

Travel:

• Regular travel is required to ECKAN Head Start centers and partner sites within the service area.