Mental Health Specialist- Richmond​/Rodeo

Job Category:
Head Start
- Early Childhood Impact

Supervisor:
Anita Smith

Requisition Number: MENTA
002663

• Full-Time
• On-site
• Hourly Range: $33.80 USD to $36.06 USD

Showing 1 location

YMCA Early Childhood Impact
- Richmond - 8th St
Richmond, CA 94801, USA

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• Design and deliver high-quality programming that achieves the educational, administrative and service delivery goals.
• Observe behavioral and developmental presentations within the classroom, including student and teacher interactions.
• 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.
• Communicate and engage with parents through case consultation meetings and parent workshops.
• Provide strategies associated with social and emotional development for individual students.
• Train and/or arrange for training staff based on classroom and program needs.
• Provide monthly individual classroom, teacher and center director consultation meetings. Provide parents with…