Mental Health Specialist- Oakland/ Emeryville/ Berkeley

Join the YMCA of the East Bay and make a real difference in the lives of children, families, and staff! As a Mental Health Specialist , you will provide classroom consultation, guidance, and support to teachers, families, and Center Directors, using a relationship-focused, social-emotional approach. You will work as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team—including Inclusion Specialists, Education Coaches, and Family Advocates—helping create nurturing and inclusive environments for children to thrive.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Full-time employees are eligible for heavily subsidized coverage with several plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance for added financial protection.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs to support mental health and work-life balance.
• Commuter Benefits available for eligible employees.
• 12 Designated Holidays.
• Paid Time Off for vacation and sick leave.
• Professional Development Opportunities and ongoing training to support your career growth.
• YMCA Membership Benefits and discounts on programs for you and your family

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field (license preferred).
• Minimum of two years’ experience in early childhood mental health or education, preferably with diverse, low-income populations.
• Deep cultural awareness and commitment to culturally responsive practices.
• Knowledge of CLASS and CSEFEL frameworks.
• Strong communication, mediation, and problem-solving skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Valid CDL, personal automobile with insurance, and ability to travel locally.
• DOJ and CCL clearance, plus required health screenings (e.g., TB test).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Work Environment
• Dynamic indoor and outdoor program settings.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Travel locally for meetings, trainings, and special events.
• Reasonable accommodations provided as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Consult with teachers and staff to support children’s social-emotional development.

• Provide guidance and resources to families and caregivers.

• Partner with Center Directors to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

• Contribute to program compliance, quality improvement, and effective documentation.

• Make a direct impact on the well-being of children, families, and staff.

• Collaborate with a passionate, supportive, and diverse team.

• Use your expertise to shape culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices across our programs.

• Work in dynamic classroom and community settings, bringing your skills to life every day.

Specific Essential Function from the Job Description for this role

1. Design and deliver high-quality programming that achieves the educational, administrative and service delivery goals.
2. Observe behavioral and developmental presentations within the classroom, including student and teacher interactions.
3. Plan and implement strategies for working with teachers, children and families. Strategies may include: observation in the classroom, modeling interventions/interactions with children, preparing teachers to attend individualized planning (behavior support, IEP/IFSP) meetings, etc.
4. Communicate and engage with parents through case consultation meetings and parent workshops.
5. Provide strategies associated with social and emotional development for individual students.
6. Train and/or arrange for training staff based on classroom and program needs.
7. Provide monthly individual classroom, teacher and center director consultation meetings. Provide parents with mental health referrals and resources to local agencies and service providers.
8. Manage and track referrals to local mental health agencies. Complete all necessary paperwork and documentation in the ChildPlus management system.
9. Maintain detailed records and reports as needed.
10. Attend supervision, team meetings, and case consultations.
11. Review child screening/assessment results and provide follow-up as needed.
12. Work collaboratively and coordinate services with other staff and service providers.
13. Meet with families, staff and other service providers, as needed.
14. Actively participate in YMCA of the East Bay trainings and activities and adhere to the YMCA of the East Bay Core Values and Code of Conduct
15. Special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor

Work Environment & Physical Requirement

• Dynamic indoor and outdoor program settings.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Travel locally for meetings, trainings, and special events.
• Reasonable accommodations provided as needed.

Join Us!
Be part of a team that values respect, excellence, and cultural humility. Help us support children, families, and staff to thrive—and shape the future of our communities.