Mental Health Consultant (Pinal County)

Job Description

Job Description

Make a difference from day one

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 candidates love working here

• Contribute to meaningful work that helps children and families build strong foundations for the future.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off, and 401(k) employer contribution every paycheck.
• Build your future with access to learning, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven culture where your work truly matters.
• Join a Great Place to Work® Certified organization, with a culture shaped by employee feedback and built on trust, support, and collaboration.

Job title: Mental Health Consultant (Pinal County)

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 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, resiliency and protective factors, and adult mental health principles is preferred
• 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

Southwest Human Development is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our employees and the communities we serve.

Learn more about working with us

Our core values reflect our commitment to children, families, caregivers, and the communities we serve. They guide how we work, how we support one another, and how we grow as a team. Learn more about our values and benefits here.