Pre-K Mental Health Consultant (Pre-K MHC)

Job Description Pre-K Mental Health Consultant (Pre-K MHC) Job Title Code: 02184 Salary Grade: SJ8 (Licensed) SJ7 (Non-Licensed) Department: Office of Early Learning Reports To: Director of Pre-Kindergarten Programs FLSA Status: Exempt Position Summary: The Pre‑K Mental Health Consultant is responsible for the development and implementation of mental health and social‑emotional supports across early learning locations, collaborating with trauma‑sensitive clinicians and Head Start specialists, adhering to trauma‑informed principles for children ages three to five. This position is part of the Early Learning Leadership Team. Responsibilities Support the social‑emotional educational component by researching, recommending, and implementing evidence‑based programs such as Conscious Discipline, securing training, resources, and supplies. Develop an effective system to identify and support interventions for children with mental health concerns, including participation in Problem Solving Teams, conducting observations, interventions, assessments, and referrals. Create documents and tracking systems for outcomes and auditing; analyze data to support program development based on trends; maintain confidentiality and enter data in Infinite Campus. Provide professional development to staff on trauma‑informed and culturally responsive prevention strategies, following up with observation and coaching to ensure competency. Create success plans for children referred to the Pre‑K MHC, assist with implementation through classroom coaching, and collaborate with families and district personnel. Lead the Pre‑K Program in trauma‑informed initiatives, collaborating with district and community providers, and model best practices. Support families by providing resources, leading parenting groups, presenting at parent meetings, and offering consultation. Serve on the Early Learning Leadership Team, managing risks, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies, reviewing programs, and updating policies and handbooks annually. Participate in required trainings, workshops, collaborative meetings, and maintain certifications; stay current on mental‑health education through literature and conferences. Treat children, families, and colleagues with professionalism, supporting a positive work environment aligned with KCPS culturally responsive teaching, trauma‑informed schools, and Conscious Discipline. Follow district guidelines for reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or contagious disease. Use district software and technology effectively; complete paperwork on time and adhere to conduct and confidentiality policies. Support KCPS Strategic Plan, Early Learning Vision, and Mission, ensuring accountability through implementation of objectives. Other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: None Qualifications Master’s Degree in social work or counseling. Five years of experience working with young children in mental health. Proficient in child growth and development. Knowledge of child behavior and guidance. Professional oral and written communication skills. Ability to work in a non‑judgmental, culturally sensitive, and empowering manner with diverse families. Position requires travel between sites; must have access to transportation with a valid driver’s license and insurance. Successful completion of required background check and initial physical and TB screening. Preferred Qualifications Professional license in a mental health discipline (Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor). Bilingual proficiency. Experience in early childhood or Head Start settings. Experience with Conscious Discipline. Experience with play therapy. Physical Demands The job requires sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, using hands and fingers, reaching, bending, stooping, lifting objects or children up to forty pounds, using stairs, moving quickly between spaces, spending extended time outdoors in varying weather, and visual ability requiring mono‑ and color vision. Completion of CPI crisis prevention training is required. Terms of Employment Length of work year: 12 months; 7.5 hours per day; 5 days per week; 260 work days. Benefits: Health and Dental Insurance; KCPS Defined Benefit Pension plan with mandatory 9% employee contribution matched by KCPS; voluntary retirement savings plans available. Position Type: Full‑time Salary: $51,775 to $95,257 per year. #J-18808-Ljbffr Usd