Mental Health Consultant (Pinal County)

Mental Health Consultant (Pinal County)

Southwest Human Development is Arizona's largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child's development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time. Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation's largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference. We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children.

Why choose us? Make an impact in a child's life by promoting child health and development. 401(k) matching every paycheck, and generous paid time off. Achieve a work/life balance with a part-time manageable caseload. Receive weekly reflective supervision to support you in this new role. Participate in a comprehensive onboarding program with a variety of professional development activities including monthly professional book clubs, trauma and attachment training. Be involved in the ongoing advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion practices in the work of consultation. Enjoy supportive and collaborative mental health work in an environment that supports the mental health of our staff.

We are seeking to hire a full-time experienced mental health professional to service Pinal County providing consultation services within early care and education settings. Smart Support is a nationally recognized program comprised of mental health professionals who work within early care and education settings including center-based and home-based childcare centers, school district preschools and home visiting programs throughout our state. We partner with early childhood educators to enhance their understanding of and capacity to meet the mental health needs of young children living in urban, rural, and tribal communities.

In this role you will:

• Engage in relationship-based work that supports healthy caregiver-child attachment relationships and encourage responsive, nurturing learning environments
• Demonstrate sensitivity to linguistic, cultural, social, economic, individual and role differences among persons and families served
• Help providers understand the effects of stress and trauma on families and consider all levels of influence to support young children and their caregivers
• Assist providers with identification of behavioral or emotional needs of young children, through classroom observation and provide community resources as needed to the families they serve
• Collaborate with childcare staff, directors, and families to generate suggestions and trauma informed strategies to promote optimal mental health in all children
• Provide training on overall social and emotional wellness with specific topics related to child development, emotional regulation, communication, self-care, and other related topics
• Join us in a state-wide effort to reduce preschool expulsion

If you do not think you can meet every qualification below, we still encourage you to apply. We value both current experience and future potential!

What it takes:

• Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related
• Degree must be eligible for licensure through the AZ Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
• Possess an insured & reliable vehicle and a valid AZ driver's license
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card - OR - must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• DES Criminal Affidavit Required
• AZ DHS Criminal History Affidavit Required
• FPC DPS Verification Required

Additionally, preferred candidates will have:

• Knowledge and utilization of attachment theory, trauma informed approach and adult mental health principles
• Experience working with children ages birth to five and their families
• At least one year post master's clinical experience
• Knowledge of NAEYC Code of Ethics

Travel Required: Yes. Daily travel throughout Pinal County