The Mental Health Consultant, Head Start provides mental health consultation to teachers and parents as part of Head Start programming. 

Location: Head Start locations in Washington County. 

Pay/Benefits: $63,476 starting annual pay plus, Full benefits

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Follows all Head Start policies regarding provision of observation, consultation and referral. Adheres to Head Start policies and respects the role of consultant advising and consulting teachers and parents. Ensures all services and consultations follow all Head Start guidelines.
• Completes monthly calendar of activities for Head Start and LifeWorks NW.
• Completes observations of classrooms, individual children, teacher consultations, and parent consultations.
• Observes students whose behavior, school progress, or mental/physical impairment indicate a need for assistance. Consults with students, teachers and families. Makes recommendations and referrals.
• Works with students, teachers, and parents, assessing the student's situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs. 
• Consults with parents, teachers, Head Start administrators, testing specialists, and/or professionals to develop individual plans, recommendations and/or trainings designed to resolve area of concern as identified by observation or identified by teachers and parents. Areas of concern could include behavior in the classroom, unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, mental health issues, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, social adjustment, etc. 
• Supports and consults with teachers to teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement. May be required to prepare and deliver teacher trainings on topics related to these issues and their causes or topics as requested by Head Start staff. 
• Consults with teachers to establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students. 
• Prepares and provides parent trainings regarding discipline strategies, improving positive family relationship, managing stress, etc. (possibly during evening hours).
• Identifies cases involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting students' development and determines whether clients should be counseled or referred. 
• Maintains awareness of community referral resources and provides referrals to teachers, students, and families as appropriate
• Advises families when appropriate on how they could be helped by counseling. 
• Provides follow up services with families and teachers as required by Head Start.
• Documents and maintains student records to ensure compliance with agency, Head Start and contract guidelines. Maintains student and family confidentiality. Maintains accurate and
• complete records as required by laws, LifeWorks NW and Head Start policies, and administrative regulations. Maintains daily log of activities performed and hours worked.
• Provides crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools. 
• Serves as back-up for other staff when needed.
• Checks e-mail/voice mail daily and, when working, responds to contacts within 48 hours. 
• Travels between sites or in the community.
• Qualified licensed clinicians may be requested to provide licensure supervision as part of their regular position in compliance with the rules of their licensing board. 

Qualifications: 

• This position requires a valid and active QMHP credential certification through MHACBO or a valid and active status (licensed or registered intern) with an approved Oregon licensing board.
• Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a Mental Health related field
• Demonstrated ability to conduct an assessment, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories of mental and physical health, alcohol and other drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts, assessing family, social and working relationships and conducting a mental status examination; complete a five-axis DSM diagnosis; write and supervise the implementation of an Individual Service and Support Plan; and provide individual, family and/or group therapy within the scope of their training.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent consultation services to diverse client populations and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of attachment theory, developmental milestones, and appropriate range of development by age. 
• Demonstrated compliance with confidentiality and knowledge of community resources and treatment agencies enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word.  Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system required. 
• Requires access to a car and valid driver's license.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan. 

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include: Compassionate, Impactful Care; Holistic Health; Passionate Team; and a Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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