Part Time Mental Health Consultant - Montclair Child Development Corporation

MHA promotes mental health and total wellness for individuals facing challenges associated with mental illness and addiction recovery. We increase community awareness while enhancing mental well-being through advocacy, education, prevention, treatment, and services.

Qualifications:  Master’s degree in Social Work or counseling with a professional license (LSW, LAC, LCSW, LPC) . Experience working with young children (birth to age 5) and families. Knowledge of early childhood development and trauma-informed practices. Strong communication, consultation, and training skills. Experience in a Head Start or early childhood education setting. Experience with behavioral assessment and intervention planning. Familiarity with community mental health systems and early intervention services.

Responsibilities:

• Child & Classroom Support
• • Conduct classroom observations to assess social-emotional development and behavioral needs.
  • Collaborate with teachers to develop individualized behavior support strategies.
  • Promote inclusive practices and positive classroom management techniques.
  • Support early identification of developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and child staffing discussions.
• Family Engagement
• Partner with families to address children’s emotional and behavioral needs.
• Provide parent education on child development, attachment, trauma, resilience, and positive discipline.
• Assist families in accessing community mental health services and resources.
• Maintain sensitive and respectful communication with families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Staff Consultation & Training
• Provide reflective consultation and coaching to program staff.
• Support staff in managing challenging behaviors and reducing burnout.
• Deliver professional development trainings on topics such as:
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Social-emotional learning
  • De-escalation strategies
  • Stress management and staff wellness
  • Child behavior support
• Program Compliance & Collaboration
• Ensure services align with Head Start Performance Standards and state licensing requirements.
• Maintain documentation of consultation activities, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Collaborate with community agencies, therapists, school districts, and healthcare providers.
• Participate in program planning, crisis response, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Complies with mandated coursework for professional development through Relias Learning.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Clinical Services.

Reports to:
Senior Director of Clinical Services

Fully paid medical coverage for eligible staff.
Generous 401(k) match.
Plentiful Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal and Sick time.

MHAEM is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is MHAEM’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

EEO/AA M/F/M/V/D